Abstract: The invention pertains to novel (per)fluoropolyethers comprising at least one (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene chain (chain Rf) comprising at least one recurring unit (R2) having formula: CF2—CF(CF2OSO2F)—O— (poly(fluorosulfate) PFPE) to a process for their manufacture, and to their use for providing functional (per)fluoropolyethers.

Abstract: Process for preparing perfluoro-1,3-butadiene, comprising the following steps: A) preparation of fluoro-halo-butanes of formula: CF2YI—CFYII—CFYII—CF2YI??(V) in which YI and YII, which may be identical or different, may be H, Cl or Br, with the condition that YI and YII are not simultaneously hydrogen; starting with a chloroolefin having the formula: CY?Y?CY?Cl??(II) in which Y, Y?, Y?, which may be identical or different, are H, Cl or Br, with the condition that Y, Y?, Y? are not simultaneously hydrogen; and performing the following steps: a fluorodimerization, and a fluorination with elemental fluorine, the order of the two steps also possibly being inverted, a dehalogenation or dehydrohalogenation step being performed between the two steps, B) dehalogenation or dehydrohalogenation of the fluoro-halo compounds of formula (V) to give the compound perfluoro-1,3-butadiene.

Abstract: Use of a latex of perfluorinated polymers having particles with an average diameter between 5 and 200 nm for determining the binding constant of two interacting molecular species by Laser Light Scattering (LLS), said polymeric particles comprising on the surface an amphiphilic non ionic surfactant, the same or a different surfactant ended with a receptor and a ligand interacting with the receptor.

Abstract: An ionomeric membrane formed of a sulphonic (per)fluorinated ionomer wherein the sulphonic groups are at the end of short side chains (SSC), said ionomer having: equivalent weight between 700 and 1600 g/eq; side chains of formula: —O—CF2—CF2—SO3?M+, wherein M is hydrogen or an alkaline metal; said membrane having the following combination of properties: size variations, for both the orthogonal directions xy of the plane, lower than 15%, measured after dipping of the ionomeric membrane, dried at 105° C. under vacuum for one hour, in demineralized water at 100° C. for 30 minutes; the membrane, dipped at the temperature of 50° C. for 22 hours in a water/ethanol mixture containing 40% by weight of alcohol, remains integral.

Abstract: Fluoroelastomeric gel having the following properties: appearance: transparent gelatinous solid; water content between 10% and 90% by weight; a density between 1.1 and 2.1 g/cm3; said gel satisfies the following test: dried in a stove at 90° C. until a constant weight gives curable fluoroelastomers.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a polyol (per)fluoropolyether derivative comprising: 1. reacting at least one triol having two protected hydroxyl functions and a free hydroxyl group with an activating agent, to yield an activated protected triol; 2. reacting the activated protected triol with a functional (per)fluoropolyether derivative of formula: T2-O—Rf-T1, wherein: Rf represents a fluoropolyoxyalkene chain which is a fluorocarbon segment comprising ether linkages in main chain; T1 and T2, equal to or different from each other, are independently selected from non-functional groups of formula: —CF3, —CF2—CF3, —CF2Cl, —CF2CF2Cl, —CF2—COF, —COF: and functional hydroxyl groups comprising at least one hydroxyl group, with the provisio that at least one of T1 and T2 is a functional hydroxyl group as above detailed to yield a protected polyol (per)fluoropolyether derivative; and 3. deprotecting the protected polyol (per)fluoropolyether derivative to yield the polyol (per)fluoropolyether derivative.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for the addition of at least one (per)fluoropolyether peroxide comprising at least one peroxidic moiety and at least one fluoropolyoxyalkene chain (chain Rf) (i.e. a fluorocarbon segment comprising ether linkages in main chain) [peroxide (P)] onto a per(halo)fluorinated aromatic compound [compound (F)], so as to yield an addition compound of said compound (F), said addition compound [compound (A)] comprising at least one perfluorinated non-aromatic cyclic moiety having at least two substituents comprising a chain Rf and, optionally, conjugated or non conjugated double bond(s). Said addition compounds have been notably found useful as additives for (per)fluorinated fluids and lubricants or as base materials for the manufacture of gum and/or graft polymer compositions.

Abstract: A (per)fluoroelastomeric composition curable by peroxidic way comprising for 100 phr of (per)fluoroelastomer: as filler, from 2 to 70 phr of carbon black having a surface area between 25 and 35 m2/g; as crosslinking agent, from 0.5 to 10 phr of a bis-olefin having general formula: wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, equal to or different from each other, are H or C1-C5 alkyls; Z is selected between a linear or branched C1-C18 alkylene or cycloalkylene radical, optionally containing oxygen atoms, preferably at least partially fluorinated, or a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene radical.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a thermoplastic fluoropolymer composition comprising: at least one thermoplastic partially fluorinated fluoropolymer having a melt flow index (MFI) of less than 10 g/10 min, as measured according to ASTM D-1238 under a piston load of 5 kg polymer A; from 0.05 to 5% by weight of A at least one (per)fluoropolyether, polymer B; and from 0 to 10% by weight of A of at least one per(halo)fluoropolymer polymer C. The addition of a (per)fluoropolyether B and, optionally, of a per(halo)fluoropolymer C advantageously enables improvement of rheological behavior of thermoplastic partially fluorinated fluoropolymer A, making possible processing in less severe conditions and yielding final parts with outstanding surface aspect and good homogeneity and coherency. Still objects of the inventions are the process for manufacturing said thermoplastic fluoropolymer composition and the articles thereof.

Abstract: A liquid composition comprising: at least one fluoroionomer (I) [fluoroionomer (I-1)], the fluoroionomer (I-1) having a heat of fusion comprised between 4 and 20 J/g; and at least one fluoroionomer (I) [fluoroionomer (I-2)], the fluoroionomer (I-2) being substantially amorphous, that is to say having a heat of fusion of less than 4 J/g, and wherein the water extractable fraction of the fluoroionomer (I-2) is less than 40% wt, the liquid composition comprising the fluoroionomer (I-1) and the fluoroionomer (I-2) in a weight ratio (I-1)/(I-2) of at least 2:1.

Abstract: Catalyst-polymer liquid dispersion (LD) comprising (i) catalyst particles, (ii) polymer particles consisting of at least one (per)fluoro sulfonyl fluoride polymer in the —SO2F form, and (iii) an aqueous suspending medium. Catalyst coated membrane precursor (CCMP), catalyst coated membrane (CCM) and catalytic ionomeric ink (CII) derived therefrom and methods for their manufacture. Catalyst coated membrane (CCM-CII) derived from said (CII).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a thermoplastic fluoropolymer composition comprising: at least one thermoplastic partially fluorinated fluoropolymer having a melt flow index (MFI) of less than 10 g/10 min, as measured according to ASTM D-1238 under a piston load of 5 kg polymer A; from 0.05 to 5% by weight of A at least one (per)fluoropolyether, polymer B; and from 0 to 10% by weight of A of at least one per(halo)fluoropolymer polymer C. The addition of a (per)fluoropolyether B and, optionally, of a per(halo)fluoropolymer C advantageously enables improvement of rheological behavior of thermoplastic partially fluorinated fluoropolymer A, making possible processing in less severe conditions and yielding final parts with outstanding surface aspect and good homogeneity and coherency. Still objects of the inventions are the process for manufacturing said thermoplastic fluoropolymer composition and the articles thereof.

Abstract: A continuous process for applying subgaskets to surfaces of CCM subassemblies, comprising: a) preparation of a roll (A), wherein on each of two surfaces, electrocatalytic layers longitudinally distributed at regular intervals are applied; b) preparation of two subgasket rolls (B) wherein, on a subgasket sheet, in correspondence to the position of the electrocatalytic layers in the roll (A), openings are made; the percent ratio (subgasket opening area)/(electrocatalytic layer area) being between 90% and 99%; c) hot lamination of two rolls (B) with the roll (A); the step being carried out so that the perimeter of the openings of the two rolls (B) falls inside the area of the electrocatalytic layers, and obtaining a roll (C), wherein on each of the two surfaces of the sheet formed of a CCM sequence (roll (A)) a subgasket sheet (roll (B)) is applied.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer having ion exchange groups comprising recurring units derived from at least one ethylenicalty unsaturated monomer comprising at least one fluorine atom (fluorinated monomer); and a substantial amount of recurring units derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer comprising at least one ion exchange group (functional monomer), wherein the amount of unstable end groups of —COF type is of less than 0.05 mmol/kg, and the use of the stabilized fluoropolymer in fuel cells devices, a membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a linear semi-crystalline copolymer [polymer (A)] comprising recurring units derived from vinylidene fluoride (VDF) monomer and at least one hydrophilic (meth)acrylic monomer (MA) of formula: wherein each of R1, R2, R3, equal or different from each other, is independently an hydrogen atom or a C1-C3 hydrocarbon group, and ROH is a hydrogen or a C1-C5 hydrocarbon moiety comprising at least one hydroxyl group, said polymer (A) comprising from 0.05 to 10% by moles of recurring units derived from said hydrophilic (meth)acrylic monomer (MA) and being characterized by a fraction of randomly distributed units (MA) of at least 40%, having improved thermal stability, to a process for its manufacture, to a composition comprising the same, and to its use as binder in batteries or for the manufacture of hydrophilic membranes.

Abstract: A composition useful for imparting durable stain repellence and soil release properties to textile substrates, a method for treating textile substrates using such composition, and the textile substrates obtained therefrom. The composition comprises: (A) at least one fluorinated ionisable polyurethane polymer (PUR) being free from perfluoroalkyl chains and comprising at least one fluorinated block comprising a fluoropolyoxyalkene chain, and at least one functional block comprising an hydrocarbon chain (RHC) having from 2 to 14 carbon atoms, said chain (RHC) comprising at least one ionisable group, said blocks being linked by urethane moieties of formula (I), wherein E is a divalent hydrocarbon carbon group; (B) at least one fluorocarbon polymer (F) comprising at least one perfluoroalkyl chain (Rf) linked by one or more ester moiety of formula (II) and/or urethane moiety of formula (III) and/or urea moiety of formula (IV); and (C) at least one crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for stabilizing a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer comprising ion exchange groups, said process comprising: suspending at least one semi-crystalline fluoropolymer having ion exchange groups [polymer (I)] in at least one fluorinated organic dispersing medium [medium (M)] so as to obtain a dispersion (D) of polymer (I) in a dispersing medium (M); contacting said dispersion (D) with fluorine under irradiation with U. V. radiation so as to obtain a stabilized polymer. Still objects of the invention are a stable semi-crystalline fluoropolymer as above defined having a low amount of unstable ends groups of —COF type, the use of the stabilized fluoropolymer obtained by the process or of the stable fluoropolymer in fuel cells devices, a membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly comprising said fluoropolymers.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a tetraol PFPE derivative [tetraol (T)] of formula (I): HO—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—O—CH2—CF2—O—Rf—CF2—CH2O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2OH, wherein Rf represents a fluoropolyoxyalkene chain (chain Rf), from a mixture (M) of hydroxyl (per)fluoropolyether derivatives, said mixture comprising said tetraol (T) and at least one hydroxyl (per)fluoropolyether [PFPE (OH)] comprising a chain Rf terminated with at least one end group of formula: —CF2CH2OH; —CF2CH2O—CH(OH)—CH2—O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2OH; said process comprising: step 1: reacting the mixture (M) with ketones and/or aldehydes so as to selectively protect couples of hydroxyl groups on vicinal carbon atoms by forming corresponding cyclic ketal/acetal derivatives, so as to yield a protected mixture (P); step 2: reacting residual hydroxyl groups of the mixture (P) with suitable functionalizing agents enabling substantial volatility modification, so as to obtain a functionalized protected mixture (Pf); step 3: fractional distillation of the mixture (Pf) so a

Abstract: Polymers of formula Q-O-[A-B]z-[A-B?]z-A-Q???(I) wherein: A=-(X)a—O-A?-(X?)b— with A?=perfluoropolyether chain and X, X?=—CF2—, —CF2CF2—; a, b=0.1 with the proviso that a=1 if A is linked to Q-O—; b=0 when A is linked to Q?; B derives from homopolymerizable olefins by radical route, of formula: —[(CR1R2—CR3R4)j(CR5R6—CR7R8)j?]—??(Ia) wherein j is an integer from 1 to 30, j? is an integer from 0 to 29 with the proviso that (j+j?) is higher than 2 and lower than 30; R1-R8 are halogen; H; C1-C6 (per)haloalkyl; C1-C6 alkyl; or C1-C6 oxy(per)fluoroalkyl; B?=B but at least one among R1-R8 has a meaning different from that in B; z, z? are such that the number average molecular weight of the polymer of formula (I) is between 500 and 150,000; Q, Q?=C1-C3 (per)fluoroalkyl or functional end group —(CFW)-Dq-Tk; W=F, CF3; k and q are integers, k ranges from 1 to 4, q is an integer and is equal to 0 or 1; with the proviso that at least one of Q, Q? is functional end group.

Abstract: CCM formed of a membrane having on one of the two surfaces a first electrocatalytic layer containing a catalyst and on the other one a second electrocatalytic layer containing a catalyst, said electrocatalytic layers and said membrane containing (per)fluorinated ionomers, said CCM having the following characteristics: size variations, for both the orthogonal directions of the plane xy, lower than 15%, by dipping the CCM, after drying at 105° C. under vacuum for one hour in demineralized water at 100° C. for 30 minutes; the CCM remains substantially unchanged after having been subjected to treatments of 60 cycles by dipping in water at 80° C. for 8 hours and then in water at the temperature of 25° C. for 16 hours.