Abstract: A polymerization process is provided to form a copolymer of ethylene with tetrafluoroethylene and a modifying monomer having a side chain containing at least two carbon atoms by initiating the polymerization in an aqueous medium with a fluoromonomer that forms a stable dispersion of polymer particles from the fluoromonomer in the aqueous medium, which forms polymerization sites for further polymerization, and carrying the further polymerization by copolymerizing the ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, and modifying monomer as a dispersion in at least said aqueous medium to a polymer solids content of at least 15 wt %, said copolymer comprising at least 60 wt % of the total polymer content of the polymer solids.

Abstract: To provide an aqueous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) emulsion which does not substantially contain ammonium perfluorooctanoate, and which is obtained by emulsion polymerization. Further, to provide a PTFE fine powder which is obtained from the aqueous PTFE emulsion and is excellent in a paste extrusion processability, and a porous material. An aqueous polytetrafluoroethylene emulsion obtained by carrying out emulsion polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene alone or together with another copolymerizable monomer in an aqueous medium, wherein a fluorinated emulsifier of the formula (1): CF2CF2(O)mCF2CF2OCF2COOA wherein X is a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, A is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal or NH4, and m is an integer of 0 or i, is used in an amount of from 1,500 to 20,000 ppm, based on the final yield of polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer liquid composition including a fluoropolymer liquid (A) which includes a liquid medium and a crosslinkable functional group-containing crosslinkable fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer liquid (A) is a fluoropolymer liquid dispersion (AD) having, dispersed in a liquid dispersion medium, particles of a crosslinkable fluoropolymer (PD) containing acid/acid salt groups or organic groups capable of undergoing hydrolysis and thus being converted to carboxyl groups, or a fluoropolymer solution (AS) having, dissolved in a fluorosolvent or an alcohol/water mixed solvent, a crosslinkable fluoropolymer (PS) containing acid/acid salt groups or acid/acid salt groups precursors. Further, the crosslinkable functional group is a cyano group, —I or —Br.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluorinated surfactant having the general formula: [Rf—(O)t—CHF—(CF2)n—COO—]iXi+??(I) wherein Rf represents a partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group optionally interrupted with one or more oxygen atoms, t is 0 or 1 and n is 0 or 1, Xi+ represents a cation having a valence i and i is 1, 2 or 3. The surfactant can be used in emulsion polymerization of fluoromonomers to prepare fluoropolymers.

Abstract: A method for removing a fluorinated carboxylic acid or salt thereof from an aqueous liquid by contacting the aqueous liquid with adsorbent particles. The fluorinated carboxylic acid or salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of partially fluorinated carboxylic acids or salts thereof and fully fluorinated carboxylic acids or salts thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for photocatalytic separation of a dispersed substance from a surfactant-containing dispersion. The surfactant-containing dispersion contains at least one dispersant, one dispersed substance, one surfactant and one photocatalyst. Irradiation of the photocalyst causes the decomposition or modification of the surfactant allowing for the separation of the dispersed substance from the dispersant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous emulsion polymerization of fluorinated monomers including gaseous fluorinated monomers using a perfluoro ether surfactant as an emulsifier. The perfluoro ether surfactants correspond to formula (I) Rf—O—CF2CF2—X??(I) wherein Rf represents a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group having 1, 2, 3 or 4 carbon atoms and X represents a carboxylic acid group or salt thereof. In a further aspect, the invention also provides an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising the perfluoro ether surfactant and the use of such dispersion in the coating or impregnation of substrates.

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: A method of manufacturing, by suspension polymerization, dielectric copolymers, including injecting an initial mixture of constituent monomers into an autoclave at constant temperature and pressure, wherein the mixture of constituent monomers including vinylidene difluoride (VDF), trifluoroethylene (TrFE), and a monomer 2 to 10 times more reactive than VDF and TrFE; and continuously reinjecting at constant pressure, as soon as the reaction is initiated and throughout the duration of polymerization, a second mixture of the constituent monomers, wherein the molar composition of the initial mixture and the second mixture are determined by calculation, in a manner known of itself, taking into account the desired molar composition of the copolymer and the higher reactivity of the third monomer.

Abstract: A process comprising polymerizing at least one fluorinated monomer in an aqueous medium containing initiator and fluorosurfactant having the formula (I) RfCH2OCF(CF3)C(O)OM??(I) wherein Rf is a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group with 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and M is H, NH4, Li, Na, or K.

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, the polymerization agent comprising: fluoropolyether acid or salt thereof having a number average molecular weight of at least about 800 g/mol; and fluorosurfactant having the formula: [R1—On-L-A?] Y+ wherein: R1 is a linear or branched partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group which may contain ether linkages; n is 0 or 1; L is a linear or branched alkylene group which may be nonfluorinated, partially fluorinated or fully fluorinated and which may contain ether linkages; A? is an anionic group selected from the group consisting of carboxylate, sulfonate, sulfonamide anion, and phosphonate; and Y+ is hydrogen, ammonium or alkali metal cation; with the proviso that the chain length of R1—On-L- is not greater than 6 atoms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heterogeneous copolymer composition of polyvinylidene fluoride with one or more perfluoroalkyl ethers. These copolymers have excellent low temperature impact properties, while maintaining a high melting point.

Abstract: Provided is a method comprising polymerizing at least one fluorinated monomer in an aqueous emulsion polymerization in the presence of a carbosilane surfactant having at least one hydrophobic part, wherein the hydrophobic part has at least one silicon atom, and having at least one hydrophilic part, with the proviso that the carbosilane contains no Si—O bonds.

Abstract: A process for reducing the fluorosurfactant content of a stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion by passing dispersion through a first fixed bed of anion exchange resin to reduce fluorosurfactant content. The first fixed bed has a working zone which moves though the column as the ion exchange resin is saturated. The process includes monitoring a property of the dispersion as the dispersion exits the fixed bed to determine break though of the working zone indicating saturation of the fixed bed. The property being monitored is selected from the group consisting of pH and conductivity.

Abstract: A process for reducing fluorosurfactant content of a fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion stabilized with nonionic surfactant. The process includes reducing the fluorosurfactant content of the stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion to a predetermined level to provide a reduced surfactant dispersion, adding non-fluorinated anionic surfactant to the reduced fluorosurfactant dispersion, and concentrating the reduced fluorosurfactant dispersion. The non-fluorinated anionic surfactant is added in stages wherein a first portion is added to the dispersion prior to concentrating and a second portion of the non-fluorinated anionic surfactant is added to the dispersion after concentrating.

Abstract: A process for reducing fluorosurfactant content of a stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion. The process includes providing a fixed bed of anion exchange resin having anion exchange groups with counter ions. The anion exchange resin is treated to replace at least some the counter ions with counter ions of non-fluorinated anionic surfactant. The stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion is passed through the treated fixed bed of anion exchange resin.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aqueous polymerization process for the manufacture of a fluoropolymer comprising repeating units arising from a perfluoromonomer and a monomer having a functional group and a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond, comprising: (A) combining water and a perfluoromonomer to form a reaction mixture; (B) initiating polymerization of the perfluoromonomer; (C) polymerizing a portion of the perfluoromonomer to form particles of polymerized perfluoromonomer in the reaction mixture; (D) adding to the reaction mixture a monomer having a functional group and a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond; and (E) polymerizing the perfluoromonomer and the monomer having a functional group and a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond in the presence of the particles of polymerized perfluoromonomer to form the fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer is useful as an adhesive and coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorinated surfactant having the general formula: [Rf—(O)t—CQH—CF2—O]n—R—G??(I) wherein Rf represents a partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group optionally interrupted with one or more oxygen atoms, Q is CF3 or F, R is an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon group, G represents a carboxylic or sulphonic acid or salt thereof, t is 0 or 1 and n is 1, 2 or 3. The surfactant is particularly useful in polymerizing fluorinated monomers in an aqueous emulsion polymerization.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surface treating agent containing fluorine-containing polymer having: (A) a repeating unit derived from a fluorine-containing compound which is represented by the following formula: CH2?C(—X)—C(?O)—Y—[—(CH2)m-Z-]p—(CH2)n-Rf??(I) (wherein X is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group), (B) a repeating unit derived from a monomer containing no fluorine atom, if necessary and (C) a repeating unit derived from a crosslinkable monomer, if necessary. This surface treating agent has excellent water repellency, oil repellency and antifouling property.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion having good mechanical characteristics and storage stability and containing substantially no fluorinated surfactant. The present invention is related to an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising a dispersed fluoropolymer particle with an average primary particle diameter of 50 to 400 nm, a surface layer of the dispersed fluoropolymer particle being obtained by emulsion polymerization of a monomer composition consisting of 99.999 to 98 mole percent of tetrafluoroethylene and 0.001 to 2 mole percent of a modifier monomer, a fluorinated surfactant content being not higher than 50 ppm, a fluoropolymer content being 20 to 75% by mass, and a nonfluorinated nonionic surfactant content being 2 to 15% by mass relative to 100% by mass of the fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A process for reducing fluorosurfactant content of a stabilized fluorosurfactant-containing aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion containing ferric ions by contacting the fluoropolymer dispersion with strong base anion exchange resin to reduce fluorosurfactant content to a predetermined level, the anion exchange resin being in the hydroxide form, separating the dispersion from the anion exchange resin, and adding an effective amount of chelating agent having an equilibrium constant when complexed with iron of at least 1018 prior to the contacting with the ion exchange resin for complexing ferric ions to prevent scum formation.

Abstract: A water- and oil-repellent agent is produced by subjecting (a) a polyfluoroalkyl group-containing (meth)acrylate and (b) a fluorine atom-free polymerizable monomer to an emulsification treatment in the presence of (c) a polyethylene oxide adduct type, cationic surfactant, or both of the cationic surfactant and a polyethylene oxide adduct type, non-ionic surfactant, and (d) a glycol-based compound, followed by copolymerization reaction in the presence of a polymerization initiator, and admixing the resulting aqueous dispersion with (e) a blocked isocyanate, and gives a satisfactory water and oil repellency to not only synthetic fibers, but also natural fibers, and also has a distinguished washing durability.

Abstract: A polymerization process for producing a tetra-fluoroethylene copolymer, and the copolymer produced thereby, are provided. The copolymer is of the dispersion/fine powder type and contains polymerized tetrafluoroethylene monomer units and co-polymerized higher homologous comonomer units having the formula (CnF(2n+1))CH?CH2, wherein 6?n<10, in which the primary particles are believed to have a core and shell structure and the polymerized comonomer units are present in an amount from 0.01 mol % to 0.3 mol %, based upon total copolymer composition. The copolymer has a raw dispersion primary particle size (RDPS) of less than 0.210 microns coupled with a standard specific gravity (SSG) of less than 2.143. Preferably the copolymer has comonomer units present in an amount from 0.05 mol % and 0.25 mol % and the RDPS is within the range between 0.178 microns and 0.200 microns, coupled with a SSG of less than 2.140.

Abstract: A process for producing an elastic fluorocopolymer, by emulsion-polymerizing at least one fluoromonomer (a), a vinyl ester monomer (b) represented by the formula CR1R2?CR3COOCH?CH2 optionally, at least one hydrocarbon monomer (c) selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene and a vinyl ether, in an aqueous medium to produce an elastic fluorocopolymer latex, adjusting the pH of the elastic fluorocopolymer latex to from 1 to 9, and coagulating the elastic fluorocopolymer latex to isolate an elastic fluorocopolymer.

Abstract: Fluorine-containing emulsifiers can be removed from fluoropolymer dispersions by adding to the dispersion a non ionic emulsifier, removing the fluorine-containing emulsifier by contact with an anion exchanger and separating the dispersion from the anion exchanger. The resulting dispersions can be concentrated and used for coating applications.

Abstract: Anionic species are removed from aqueous dispersions of ionic fluoropolymers using anion exchange resins. In some embodiments, cationic species are also removed using cation exchange resins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of poly(perfluorovinyl ether) homopolymers. The present invention further relates to a method of making an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising bicomponent particles of poly(perfluorovinyl ether) homopolymers and a second fluoropolymer. The dispersions of the present invention may be used for rendering fibrous substrates oil repellent, water repellent and/or stain repellent without altering the looks and feel of the substrate.

Abstract: The use of perfluorinated polymers and/or fluorinated ionomers as surfactant emulsifiers in emulsion polymerization of fluorinated monomers.

Abstract: The present invention is a fluoropolymer comprising a plurality of pendent groups terminating in —CF2SO3X, —CF2SO2F, or combinations thereof, where X is selected from a group consisting of H+ and a monovalent cation, and at least one —CF2Y end group, where Y is selected from a group consisting of a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, a nitrile group, and an —SO3X group.

Abstract: A process to produce an acid-treated aqueous dispersion is provided. The process comprises contacting a polymer, a water dispersible polyester, water, and at least one acid-generating compound; wherein said polymer comprises repeating units from at least one fluoroalkyl monomer and optionally, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; wherein the acid-generating compound is at least one acid or acid salt.

Abstract: In this invention, an aqueous dispersion is provided to improve the oil and water repellency of materials. The aqueous dispersion comprises a polymer, at least one water dispersible polyester, and water; wherein the polymer comprises the repeating units from at least one fluoroalkyl monomer and optionally, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer. This invention also provides an article coated with the aqueous dispersion.

Abstract: Self-coating or self-layering lacquer systems from at least two different resins, oligomers, or polymers, which are emulsifiable or dispersible in water, have different surface tensions, and form self-layering phases. After the application, the phases separate into the components of the formulation.

Abstract: A process is provided to produce an aqueous dispersion wherein the aqueous dispersion enhances the water and oil repellency of materials. The process comprises: 1) contacting at least one fluoroalkyl monomer, at least one water-dispersible polyester, water, and optionally an ethylenically unsaturated monomer to form a pre-emulsion; and 2) polymerizing the pre-emulsion in a polymerization zone in the presence of an initiator to produce the aqueous dispersion. In another embodiment, a process to produce an aqueous dispersion is provided. The process comprises: 1) contacting at least one fluoroalkyl monomer, at least one water-dispersible polyester, water, and optionally an ethylenically unsaturated monomer to form a pre-emulsion; 2) shearing the pre-emulsion to produce a mini-emulsion; and 3) polymerizing the miniemulsion in a polymerization zone to produce the aqueous dispersion.

Abstract: A formulation for repelling particulate matter on the surface of a coating comprising polymeric nanoparticles having a mean particle diameter of from 1 to 50 nm. The polymeric nanoparticles may further be functionalized to impart additional characteristics to modify the surface of the dried coating to minimize the chances for particles to become embedded or attached to the coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a fluoropolymer through emulsion polymerization of one or more fluorinated monomers in an aqueous phase in the presence of a fluorinated surfactant. At least part of the fluorinated surfactant is added to the aqueous phase as an aqueous mixture with at least one organic liquid that is not miscible with water and that is selected from halogenated and non-halogenated organic liquids, the mixture having droplets having an average droplet diameter of not more than 1000 nm and the mixture being added to the aqueous phase in such an amount that the total amount of the fluorinated surfactant is not more than 1% by weight based on the weight of the aqueous phase and the total amount of said organic liquid is not more than 1% by weight based on the weight of said aqueous phase. The invention allows for an improvement of the efficiency of an aqueous emulsion polymerization process.

Abstract: In this invention, an acid treated, aqueous dispersion is provided that improves the oil and water-repellency of materials. The acid-treated, aqueous dispersion comprises at least one polymer, at least one water-dispersible polyester, water, and at least one acid-generating compound; wherein the polymer comprises repeating units from at least one fluoroalkyl monomer and optionally, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer. Articles coated with the acid-treated, aqueous dispersion are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for aqueous emulsion co-polymerization of two or more fluoromonomers comprising the steps of: 1) forming an aqueous pre-emulsion by mixing a fluoromonomer according to formula I: F2C?CF—R1—SO2X??(I) wherein R1 is a branched or unbranched perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroalkoxy or perfluoroether group comprising 1–15 carbon atoms and 0–4 oxygen atoms and wherein X is F, Cl or Br, together with 0.001–0.9 molar equivalents of a base, in the absence of added emulsifier; and 2) reacting the pre-emulsion with one or more perfluorinated comonomers in the absence of added emulsifier so as to form a fluoropolymer latex comprising a fluoropolymer wherein more than 1 mol % of monomer units are derived from the fluoromonomer according to formula I. In another aspect, the present invention provides a fluoropolymer derived from the fluoropolymer latex made according to the method of the present invention which is free of added emulsifier.

Abstract: Provided is a process for making a copolymer of fluorinated olefin and hydrocarbon olefin selected from ethylene, propylene and mixtures thereof, the process comprising a substantially emulsifier free aqueous emulsion polymerization of said fluorinated olefin and said hydrocarbon olefin, optionally in the presence of fluoropolymer particles and/or fluorinated liquid in a form suitable to improve the copolymerization of fluorinated olefin and hydrocarbon olefin.

Abstract: The use of perfluorinated polymers and/or fluorinated ionomers as surfactant emulsifiers in emulsion polymerization of fluorinated monomers.

Abstract: A thiophene compound represented by formula (I): wherein A represents a C1-5-alkylene bridge substituted with at least one fluorine atom and/or at least one alkyl group substituted with a fluorine-containing-group; polymers containing monomeric units of a thiophene compound represented by formula (I); a process for preparing polymers containing monomeric units of a thiophene compound represented by formula (I), optionally chemically or electrochemically; and solutions, dispersions, pastes and layers containing such polymers.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluorothermoplastic composition comprising interpolymerized units derived from about 94 to about 97.5 mole percent (mol %) tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), about 2 to about 3 mol % perfluoro (propyl vinyl ether) (PPVE), and about 0.5 to about 3 mol % hexafluoropropylene (HFP). The invention also provides a fluorothermoplastic composition comprising interpolymerized units derived from about 94 to about 97 mol % TFE, about 0.75 to about 3 mol % PPVE, and about 1.5 to about 3.5 mol % HFP. These fluorothermoplastic compositions have a flex life that fits the equation: log(flex life cycles)?0.71+4.0*(MFI(?0.294)), a method of making fluorothermoplastic compositions, a method of improving stress crack resistance, and fluorothermoplastic articles.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion composition of about 30 to about 70 weight % non-melt-processible fluoropolymer particles having a standard specific gravity (SSG) of less than 2.225 and about 2 to about 11 weight % surfactant based on the weight of said fluoropolymer comprising a compound or mixture of compounds of the formula: R(OCH2CH2)nOH wherein R is a branched alkyl, branched alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkenyl hydrocarbon group having 8-18 carbon atoms and n is an average value of 5 to 18. The fluoropolymer particles of the dispersion comprise a core of high molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene and a shell of lower molecular weight polytetrafluoroethylene or modified polytetrafluoroethylene. Preferably, the aqueous dispersion composition comprises about 45 to about 65 weight % non-melt-processible fluoropolymer particles.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion comprising a polymer (a) having a repeating unit (A) which comprises four carbon atoms connected in a linear chain and which has one double bond at the second position and a polyfluoroalkyl group bonded to an arbitrary carbon atom, and a surfactant (B) having a hydrophile-lipophile balance of at least 10, wherein the polymer (a) is dispersed in an aqueous medium by the surfactant (B).

Abstract: Fluoropolymers are prepared by a process comprising polymerizing at least one fluoromonomer in an aqueous reaction medium containing monomer, a radical initiator and a 3-allyloxy-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid salt as surfactant. The medium may optionally contain one or more of an antifoulant, a buffering agent and a chain-transfer agent.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention, a fluoropolymer dispersion, preferably a PTFE dispersion, is provided that comprises fluoropolymer particles having an average particle size of 10 to 400 nm dispersed in water whereby the dispersion has an amount of solids between 35 and 70% by weight. The dispersion is free of fluorinated surfactant having a molecular weight of less than 1000 g/mol (hereinafter called low molecular weight fluorinated surfactant) or contains the low molecular weight fluorinated surfactant in an amount of not more than 0.05% by weight based on the total weight solids of the dispersion. The dispersion further comprises a non-ionic non-fluorinated surfactant or mixture of non-ionic non-fluorinated surfactants and one or more non-fluorinated anionic surfactants. Through the use of a non-fluorinated anionic surfactant, a dispersion is obtained that has a low viscosity at room temperature (20° C.).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of poly(perfluorovinyl ether)homopolymers. The present invention further relates to a method of making an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising bicomponent particles of poly(perfluorovinyl ether)homopolymers and a second fluoropolymer. The dispersions of the present invention may be used for rendering fibrous substrates oil repellent, water repellent and/or stain repellent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of poly(perfluorovinyl ether) homopolymers. The present invention further relates to a method of making an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising bicomponent particles of poly(perfluorovinyl ether) homopolymers and a second fluoropolymer. The dispersions of the present invention may be used for rendering fibrous substrates oil repellent, water repellent and/or stain repellent without altering the looks and feel of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preparation of fluorinated core-shell particles with water and oil repellency, and more particularly, to preparation of emulsion-type coating material with good water and oil repellency using only small amount of expensive fluorinated monomers, which comprise a shell wherein a large amount of hydrophobic fluorinated monomers are included and a core wherein no fluorinated monomers are included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilized fluoropolymer aqueous dispersion, wherein the stabilizer is polysiloxane polyoxyethylene copolymer preferably having a cloud point of no greater than 25° C.

Abstract: A novel emulsion polymerization process for the production of fluoroelastomers is disclosed wherein a partially fluorinated anionic surfactant of the formula F—(CF2CF2)n—CH2CH2SO3M, where n is an integer from 2 to 9, or mixtures thereof, and M is a cation having a valence of 1, is used as the dispersing agent.