Abstract: A fluoropolymer composition is provided. The polymer comprises interpolymerized units derived from (i) tetrafluoroethylene, (ii) vinylidene fluoride, (iii) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer of the formula CF2═CFRf where Rf is a perfluoroalkyl or a perfluoroalkoxy of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and (iv) a perfluorovinyl ether of the formula CF2═CF—(OCF2CF(Rf))aORf where Rf is as described in (iii), Rf is a perfluoroaliphatic, preferably a perfluoroalkyl or a perfluoroalkoxy, of 1 to 8, preferably 1 to 3, carbon atoms, and a has a value of 0 to 3.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer composition is provided. The polymer comprises interpolymerized units derived from (i) tetrafluoroethylene, (ii) vinylidene fluoride, (iii) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer of the formula CF2═CFRf where Rf is a perfluoroalkyl or a perfluoroalkoxy of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and (iv) a perfluorovinyl ether of the formula CF2═CF—(OCF2CF(Rf))aOR′f where Rf is as described in (iii), R′f is a perfluoroaliphatic, preferably a perfluoroalkyl or a perfluoroalkoxy, of 1 to 8, preferably 1 to 3, carbon atoms, and a has a value of 0 to 3.

Abstract: A method for increasing the adhesion of a first layer comprising a fluoropolymer substantially free of interpolymerized units derived from vinylidene fluoride to a second layer comprising a curable elastomer is described. The method comprises adding a dehydrofluorinating composition to the curable elastomer, contacting the layers and curing the layered article so formed. The resulting multilayer compositions and articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a perfluorinated acid fluoride (especially 3-alkoxy propionic acid fluoride) is provided. The method results in high yields of the acid fluoride.

Abstract: A fluoroelastomer composition having improved compression set. The fluoroelastomer composition comprises: (1) a fluoroelastomer containing interpolymerized units of at least one perfluoroolefin, at least one perfluorovinyl ether, and a cure site component capable of participation in a peroxide cure reaction; (2) an additive selected from the group consisting of organo-oniums, phosphates, phosphine oxides, amine oxides, alkyl amines, and heterocyclic amines and salts of heterocyclic amines; (3) a peroxide curative, and (4) optionally a coagent.

Abstract: A composite article comprising a fluoropolymer directly bonded to a silicone-containing polymer is provided. The fluoropolymer is capable of providing a reactive site either through dehydrofluorination or by incorporating a reactive monomer in the fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A polymer processing aid composition, a melt processable polymer composition that uses the polymer processing aid, and a method of improving the melt processability of a thermoplastic polymer are provided. The polymer processing aid composition comprises a fluoropolymer that comprises interpolymerized units derived from a perfluorovinyl ether, preferably one having the formula CF2═CF—(OCF2CF(CF3))AORf where a has a value of 0 to 3 and Rf is a perfluoroaliphatic (preferably perfluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkoxy) having from 1 to 8 (preferably 1 to 3) carbon atoms.

Abstract: Compositions and techniques useful to effectively recycle crosslinked (i.e., vulcanized or cured) fluoroelastomers are disclosed. The invention utilizes an additive system that includes a cure-enhancing additive, a crosslinking agent, and an accelerator.

Abstract: A composite article is provided which includes a blend component having first and second surfaces and a substantially non-fluorinated polymer component adhered to the first surface of the blend component, wherein the substantially non-fluorinated polymer component has an exposed surface. The blend component includes a first hydrogen containing fluoropolymer, and a substantially non-fluorinated polymer having one or more pendant primary or secondary amine groups. Increased adhesion is observed by a peel strength value between the blend component and the substantially non-fluorinated polymer component when compared to a peel strength value between a component consisting of a fluoropolymer and a component consisting of a substantially non-fluorinated polymer having pendant primary or secondary amine groups.

Abstract: A composite article is provided which includes a fluoropolymer intimately bonded to a component including a substantially non-fluorinated thermoplastic having pendant phenolic groups in combination with a base. Increased adhesion is observed by a greater peel strength value between the fluoropolymer component and a non-fluorinated thermoplastic having pendant phenolic groups.

Abstract: Cured, latex-blended compositions featuring a fluoroelastomer and a fluoroplastic, and curable core-shell polymers having a fluoroelastomer precursor-containing shell and a fluoroplastic-containing core.

Abstract: A fluorocarbon polymer which includes: repeating units derived from one or more perfluorinated ethers of the formula CF2═CFO—(CF2)m—(O(CF2)p)n—ORf1 wherein Rf1 is a perfluorinated (C1-C4)alkyl group, m=1-4, n=0-6, and p=1-2; and repeating units derived from vinylidene fluoride; wherein the polymer has a glass transition temperature of −50° C. or lower and an oxygen to carbon ratio of at least about 0.2.

Abstract: The extrusion of polymeric materials, especially thermoplastic polymeric materials, requires a number of physical attributes in the polymer to be controlled during extrusion to effect desirable surface characteristics on the extruded polymer. Extrusion additives have been provided for the improvement of these attributes and characteristics. The present invention describes an additive system for extrudable thermoplastic polymers, extrudable polymer compositions containing the additive system, and extrusion processes using polymers containing the additive system of this invention. The extrusion additive of the present invention comprises: (i) a fluorocarbon polymer, (ii) a poly(oxyalkylene) polymer, (iii) magnesium oxide, and (iv) optionally a stabilizer. The extrudable composition of the invention comprises: (A) an extrudable polymer (e.g., a predominant amount, such as at least 50% by weight of solids), and (B) an effective amount of the stabilized processing aid (extrusion additive).

Abstract: A polymer processing aid composition, a melt processable polymer composition that uses the polymer processing aid, and a method of improving the melt processability of a thermoplastic polymer are provided. The polymer processing aid composition comprises a multimodal fluoropolymer that preferably comprises interpolymerized units derived from an ethylenically unsaturated fluoromonomer tetrafluoroethylene and at least one ethylenically copolymerizable alpha-olefin monomer.

Abstract: A method for increasing the adhesion of a first layer comprising a vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer to a second layer comprising a curable elastomer is described. The method comprises adding a dehydrofluorinating composition to the curable elastomer, contacting the layers and curing the layered article so formed. The resulting multilayer compositions and articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel process for the preparation of perfluoro allyl ethers. The process involves providing a hydrogen-containing precursor comprising at least one 1,2-dichloro alkyl ether moiety, fluorinating the precursor to provide a perfluorinated intermediate, and dechlorinating the perfluorinated intermediate to the corresponding perfluorinated ether. A reaction product of a perfluorinated olefin and an allyl ether may also be used as a precursor. Such a reaction product is chlorinated before the fluorination step. Perfluoro vinyl or allyl ethers may be used in place of the perfluorinated olefin. Novel perfluoro alkoxy compounds are also described.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel process for the preparation of perfluorovinyl ethers. The process involves providing a hydrocarbon precursor that may be partially halogenated, fluorinating the precursor to provide a perfluorinated intermediate, and converting the perfluorinated intermediate to the desired perfluorinated ether. Novel perfluorovinyl ethers are also provided.

Abstract: A multimodal fluoroplastic terpolymer composition is provided. The terpolymer can be extruded at high extrusion speeds without having to reduce its molecular weight. The terpolymer is useful by itself; in combination with conductive fillers to provide an electrostatically dissipative composition; and as a polymer processing aid. The polymer has a low molecular weight component, a high molecular weight component and, optionally an ultra-high molecular weight component.

Abstract: A composite article is provided which includes a blend component comprising a vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer and a substantially non-vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer, and a component including a substantially non-fluorinated polymer having pendant amine groups intimately bonded to the blend component. Increased adhesion is observed by a greater peel strength value between the blend component and a substantially non-vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer when compared to a peel strength value between a substantially non-vinylidene fluoride containing fluoropolymer and the substantially non-fluorinated polymer having pendant amine groups.

Abstract: Compositions and techniques useful to effectively recycle crosslinked (i.e., vulcanized or cured) fluoroelastomers are disclosed. The invention utilizes an additive system that includes a cure-enhancing additive, a crosslinking agent, and an accelerator.