A process comprising polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene in an aqueous emulsion in the presence of a non-telogenic surfactant having an anionic portion with the general formula (I): Rf—O-L-CO2—   (I) wherein Rf is selected from a partially fluorinated alkyl group, a perfluorinated alkyl group, a partially fluorinated alkyl group interrupted by one or more oxygen atoms, and a perfluorinated alkyl group interrupted by one or more oxygen atoms, wherein Rf has from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and L is an alkylene group having the general formula (CX2)n wherein each X is independently selected from Rf, fluorine, and hydrogen and n is selected from 1 to 5, with the proviso that the surfactant contains at least one unit selected from a —CH2— unit and a —CHF— unit. Also provided are aqueous dispersions comprising these surfactants and methods of coating substrates with the aqueous dispersions.