Abstract: A process comprising polymerizing at least one fluorinated monomer in an aqueous medium containing initiator and polymerization agent to form an aqueous dispersion of particles of fluoropolymer, wherein said polymerization agent is a compound of the formula (I): Rf—O—(CF2)n—COOX??(I) wherein Rf is CF3CF2CF2—, n is an integer equal to 3, 5 or 7, and X is H, NH4, Li, Na or K.

Abstract: An emulsion polymerization process for the production of fluoroelastomers is disclosed wherein at least one fluorosurfactant is employed as dispersant, said fluorosurfactant being a fluoroalkylphosphoric acid ester of the formula X—Rf—(CH2)n—O—P(O)(OM)2, wherein n=1 or 2, X?H or F, M=a univalent cation, and Rf is a C4-C6 fluoroalkyl or fluoroalkoxy group. Optionally, a second dispersing agent may be employed in the polymerization, said second agent being a perfluoropolyether having at least one endgroup selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, a salt thereof, sulfonic acid and a salt thereof, phosphoric acid and a salt thereof.

Abstract: An emulsion polymerization process for the production of non-elastomeric fluoropolymers is disclosed wherein at least one fluorosurfactant is employed as dispersant, said fluorosurfactant being a fluoroalkylphosphoric acid ester of the formula X-Rf-(CH2)n—O—P(O)(OM)2, wherein n is 1 or 2, X?H or F, M=a univalent cation, and Rf is a C4-C6 fluoroalkyl or fluoroalkoxy group. Optionally, a second dispersing agent may be employed in the polymerization, said second agent being a perfluoropolyether having at least one endgroup selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, a salt thereof, sulfonic acid and a salt thereof, phosphoric acid and a salt thereof.

Abstract: An emulsion polymerization process for the production of fluoropolymers is disclosed wherein a combination of at least two fluorosurfactants is employed as dispersants. At least one fluorosurfactant is a perfluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkoxy sulfinate. At least one other fluorosurfactant is a perfluoropolyether having at least one endgroup selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid, a slat thereof, sulfonic acid and a salt thereof.

Abstract: An emulsion polymerization process for the production of fluoropolymers that contain polymerized units of tetrafluoroethylene is disclosed wherein a perfluoroaliphatic sulfinate is employed as dispersant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel fluoroolefins of formula Rf-O—(CF2CF2)n(CH2CF2)m—CH?CH2, wherein n is 1 or 2, m is 0 or 1 and Rf is a C1-C8 fluoroalkyl or fluoroalkoxy group. The fluoroolefins may be oxidized to manufacture fluorinated carboxylic acids. Also disclosed are fluoropolymers comprising copolymerized units of the fluoroolefins of the invention and at least one other fluoromonomer.

Abstract: Oligomers of perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether) with vinylidene fluoride or tetrafluoroethylene are disclosed that contain 40-90 mole percent copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride or tetrafluoroethylene and 10-60 mole percent copolymerized units of perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), said oligomers having two functional endgroups and having a number average molecular weight between 1000 and 25,000.

Abstract: Fluoroelastomers are disclosed that comprise copolymerized units of a vinyl ester of the formula CH2?CHOC(O)R, wherein R is a C1-C4 alkyl group and at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene and a perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether). The elastomers may further contain copolymerized units of a hydrocarbon olefin such as ethylene or propylene. Optionally, fluoroelastomers of the invention may contain copolymerized units of a cure site monomer or a cure site monomer. Pendant ester groups on the fluoroelastomer may be at least partially saponified.

Abstract: Fluoroelastomers are disclosed that comprise copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride and a vinyl ester of the formula CH2?CHOC(O)R, wherein R is a C1-C4 alkyl group. In one embodiment of the invention, the fluoroelastomers further comprise copolymerized units of a perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) and, optionally, tetrafluoroethylene. In another embodiment, the vinylidene fluoride/vinyl ester fluoroelastomers further comprise hexafluoropropylene. Optionally, fluoroelastomers of the invention contain copolymerized units of a cure site monomer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel ?,?-dihydrofluorovinyl ethers, homopolymers thereof and copolymers containing more than 22 mole percent copolymerized units of said ether. The ethers have the general formula Rf—[CH2]n-OCF?CF2, wherein n is 1 or 2, and Rf is selected from the group consisting of a perfluoroalkyl group, a perfluoroalkoxy group, a fluoroalkyl group and a fluoroalkoxy group.

Abstract: Fluoroelastomers are disclosed which have a glass transition temperature less than ?10° C. The elastomers contain copolymerized units of a perfluorovinylpolyether that is derived from a trimer or tetramer of hexafluoropropylene oxide.

Abstract: The present invention involves a process for the manufacture of &agr;, &ohgr;-diiodoperfluoroalkanes of the formula I—(CF2CF2)n—I, wherein n is an integer between 2 and 6. The latter compounds are produced at relatively high conversions and under relatively mild reaction temperatures and pressures, compared to prior art processes, by the elimination of the gaseous byproduct perfluorocyclobutane throughout the process.

Abstract: Compositions containing fluoroelastomers, curative and a fluorinated polyether of the general formula —[CF2CFH—O—Rf—CF2CH2O]n—, wherein n is such that the weight average molecular weight, Mw, is between 2000 and 100,000 and Rf is selected from the group consisting of a) —(CF2)s—, wherein s is 1 to 10; and b) —[CF2CF(CF3)O]t(CF2)u—, wherein u is 1 to 10 and t is 1 to 20, exhibit excellent low temperature properties.

Abstract: Crosslinking coagents based on aromatic diimides having N-substituted allyl groups are employed in place of triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) for the free radical curing of fluoroelastomers. The diimide coagents mix more easily with fluoroelastomers and are less likely to homopolymerize than TAIC. Thus mold fouling and sticking due to low molecular weight polymers of coagent is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Crosslinking coagents based on aromatic diimides having N-substituted allyl groups are employed in place of triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) for the free radical curing of fluoroelastomers. The diimide coagents mix more easily with fluoroelastomers and are less likely to homopolymerize than TAIC. Thus mold fouling and sticking due to low molecular weight polymers of coagent is greatly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention involves a process for the manufacture of &agr;, &ohgr;-diiodoperfluoroalkanes of the formula I—(CF2CF2)n—I, wherein n is an integer between 2 and 6. The latter compounds are produced at relatively high conversions and under relatively mild reaction temperatures and pressures, compared to prior art processes, by the elimination of the gaseous byproduct perfluorocyclobutane throughout the process.

Abstract: A new class of low temperature initiators has been found, enabling fluoroolefin polymerizations at relatively low temperatures. These initiators are diacyl peroxides which allow improved productivity and product properties, as well as more favorable reaction conditions.

Abstract: Fluoroelastomers which contain copolymerized units of a fluoroolefin cure site monomer of the general formula: Rf—(CH2CF2)n—CH═CF2, wherein Rf is a C1-C6 perfluoroalkyl group or a C1-C6 perfluoroalkoxy group and n is an integer from 1-3, exhibit excellent physical properties and processability when cured with polyhydroxy compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel class of fluorovinyl ether monomers which are useful as cure site monomers in fluoroelastomers, a process for the preparation of these fluorovinyl ether monomers, and fluoroelastomer copolymer compositions that contain copolymerized units of these fluorovinyl ether monomers.

Abstract: Fluorinated olefins and fluorinated vinyl ethers, each having sulfonyl azide groups, are useful monomers in preparing fluoropolymers having functional side groups. Such functional side groups are useful in curing the fluoropolymers and also for enhancing the adhesion of the fluoropolymers to other substrates.