Abstract: The invention relates to polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) copolymer compositions that have improved crosslinking efficiency and performance. The PVDF copolymer contains a high level (>14 and preferably greater than 16 wt %) of a fluorinated comonomer, and has a high molecular weight as measured by the melt viscosity at 230° C. and 100 sec?1 of 18 to 40 kpoise. The composition can be effectively cross-linked with a low level radiation (high cross-linking efficiency). The cross-linked composition is useful in high-temperature applications, such as automotive wire and cable, and heat shrink tubing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer process aid used to reduce or eliminate surface defects that can arise during extrusion of thermoplastic polymers. The polymer process aid comprises a thermoplastic vinylidene fluoride copolymer (A) having a melt viscosity at or above 25 kP. The VDF copolymer can be a VDF/HFP copolymer. The polymer process aid also contains at least one interfacial agent (B). Also disclosed is 1) a masterbatch (D) and articles containing the polymer process aid (A/B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical fiber communication cables, and more particularly, relates to foamed polyvinylidene fluoride polymer filler rods used in optical fiber cable constructions. The foamed polyvinylidene fluoride polymer filler rod may or may not contain a central strength member. This invention includes cables containing the foamed PVDF filler rods of this invention. The present disclosure provides filler rods that have higher melting temperature than the conventional filler rods and methods of making the filler rods.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluoropolymer filament for use in 3-D printing, and 3-D printed fluoropolymer articles having low warpage, excellent chemical resistance, excellent water resistance, flame resistance, and good mechanical integrity. Additionally, the articles of the invention have good shelf life without the need for special packaging. In particular, the invention relates to filament, 3-D printed polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) articles, and in particular material extrusion 3-D printing. The articles may be formed from PVDF homopolymers, copolymers, such as KYNAR® resins from Arkema, as well as polymer blends with appropriately defined low shear melt viscosity. The PVDF may optionally be a filled PVDF formulation. The physical properties of the 3-D printed articles can be maximized and warpage minimized by optimizing processing parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) copolymer compositions that have improved crosslinking efficiency and performance. The PVDF copolymer contains a high level (>14 and preferably greater than 16 wt %) of a fluorinated comonomer, and has a high molecular weight as measured by the melt viscosity at 230°C. and 100 sec-1 of 18 to 40 kpoise. The composition can be effectively cross-linked with a low level radiation (high cross-linking efficiency). The cross-linked composition is useful in high-temperature applications, such as automotive wire and cable, and heat shrink tubing.

Abstract: The invention relates to very high melt flow fluoropolymer compositions, having low melt viscosities. The fluoropolymers have low molecular weights of from 5 kDa to 200 kDa and melt viscosities of less than 2 kilopoise (kP) at 232° C. and 100 s?1. One use for the high melt flow fluoropolymers is in the formation of very small diameters fibers, useful for melt-blown non-woven materials. Fiber diameters of less than 9 microns, and preferably 500 to 2000 nm can be produced.

Abstract: Fluoropolymers, specifically polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymers stabilized against color degradation due to high thermal exposure. The fluoropolymers are produced with free-radical initiators in the presence of surfactants containing acid end groups. The fluoropolymer resins are melt processed into final articles at high temperatures, above the melting point of the polymer. While the fluoropolymer is stable, residual acid surfactant causes discoloration during thermal processing. Stabilization is achieved by the addition of small amounts of ammonium or phosphonium cations to the fluoropolymer composition. It is believed the cations react with any residual acid to form a less reactive salt. These salts do not adversely affect the color of a melt processed product. The phosphonium or ammonium ions can be added to the fluoropolymer at any point from the polymerization step up to the thermal processing step. A preferred family of salts are quaternary alkyl ammonium halides.

Abstract: The invention relates to blends containing polymers of vinylidene fluoride, having low ductile-brittle transition temperatures and having excellent low temperature impact properties while maintaining the positive aspects of unmodified vinylidene fluoride-containing polymers. The blends of this invention are produced by adding a core-shell impact modifier (CSIM) comprised of a polysiloxane core and a shell compatible with vinylidene fluoride-containing polymer. The blends are further characterized by the presence of a heterogeneous copolymer composition comprised of two or more distinct phases and/or at least one flame and smoke suppressant. The preparation of these new blends can be done by conventional thermoplastic compounding techniques such as twin screw compounding; alternatively, the CSIM can be introduced earlier, such as in the latex.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heterogeneous, co-continuous copolymer composition of vinylidene fluoride and at least one other comonomer. Preferred comonomers are hexafluoropropylene and perfluoroalkylvinyl ether. The co-continuous morphology is provide by first forming a first phase polymer, then adding one or more comonomers before half of the original monomer stream has been added, and at an effective level to cause phase separation of the copolymer. The co-continuous morphology provides a means for incorporating a high level of comonomer into the copolymer with little or no adverse effect on the melting temperature. The morphology also provides the copolymer composition with a unique combination of properties, including a high melting point, good flexibility and good low temperature impact resistance. The unique properties of the polymer make it useful in end-use application where those properties provide performance advantages, such as in the wire and cable market, and in oil and gas applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a melt-processable fiber-bonding agent made of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), such as KYNAR® PVDF from Arkema, as well as to fibrous materials bonded with the PVDF fiber-bonding agent. The PVDF fiber-bonding agent is a low-melt temperature, low melt viscosity PVDF polymer or copolymer with excellent chemical and oxidative resistance properties, and is suitable for bonding fibers in non-woven fabrics, especially for use in chemically-aggressive environments. The PVDF fiber-bonding agent composition allows it to be processed into fibers on conventional melt spinning equipment. The PVDF fiber-bonding agent is introduced into non-woven fabric in the form of a continuous fiber web or as a component of a mixed fiber formulation. When heated above its melting point, the lower melting point PVDF fiber-bonding agent of the invention bonds the fibers of the fiber framework at the fiber cross-over points.

Abstract: The invention relates to blends containing polymers of vinylidene fluoride, having low ductile-brittle transition temperatures and having excellent low temperature impact properties while maintaining the positive aspects of unmodified vinylidene fluoride-containing polymers. The blends of this invention are produced by adding a core-shell impact modifier (CSIM) comprised of a polysiloxane core and a shell compatible with vinylidene fluoride-containing polymer. The blends are further characterized by the presence of a heterogeneous copolymer composition comprised of two or more distinct phases and/or at least one flame and smoke suppressant. The preparation of these new blends can be done by conventional thermoplastic compounding techniques such as twin screw compounding; alternatively, the CSIM can be introduced earlier, such as in the latex.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heterogeneous, co-continuous copolymer composition of vinylidene fluoride and at least one other comonomer. Preferred comonomers are hexafluoropropylene and perfluoroalkylvinyl ether. The co-continuous morphology is provide by first forming a first phase polymer, then adding one or more comonomers before half of the original monomer stream has been added, and at an effective level to cause phase separation of the copolymer. The co-continuous morphology provides a means for incorporating a high level of comonomer into the copolymer with little or no adverse effect on the melting temperature. The morphology also provides the copolymer composition with a unique combination of properties, including a high melting point, good flexibility and good low temperature impact resistance. The unique properties of the polymer make it useful in end-use application where those properties provide performance advantages, such as in the wire and cable market, and in oil and gas applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to very high melt flow fluoropolymer compositions, having low melt viscosities. The fluoropolymers have low molecular weights of from 5 kDa to 200 kDa and melt viscosities of less than 2 kilopoise (kP) at 232° C. and 100 s?1. One use for the high melt flow fluoropolymers is in the formation of very small diameters fibers, useful for melt-blown non-woven materials. Fiber diameters of less than 9 microns, and preferably 500 to 2000 nm can be produced.

Abstract: Fluoropolymers, specifically polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymers stabilized against color degradation due to high thermal exposure. The fluoropolymers are produced with free-radical initiators in the presence of surfactants containing acid end groups. The fluoropolymer resins are melt processed into final articles at high temperatures, above the melting point of the polymer. While the fluoropolymer is stable, residual acid surfactant causes discoloration during thermal processing. Stabilization is achieved by the addition of small amounts of ammonium or phosphonium cations to the fluoropolymer composition. It is believed the cations react with any residual acid to form a less reactive salt. These salts do not adversely affect the color of a melt processed product. The phosphonium or ammonium ions can be added to the fluoropolymer at any point from the polymerization step up to the thermal processing step. A preferred family of salts are quaternary alkyl ammonium halides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tough, flexible multi-layer tube or other structure having a vinylidene fluoride contact layer. Such a tube is especially useful for high-purity contact applications, and contact where chemical resistance is needed. The vinylidene fluoride layer is melt-processible and may be a homopolymer, copolymer or terpolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to foamed polyvinylidene tubular structures—and particularly those for use as conduit. The tubular structures may be corrugated, and are especially useful for fiber-optic plenum conduit. The polyvinylidene foam may also be directly applied to fiber optic cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to foamed polyvinylidene tubular structures—and particularly those for use as conduit. The tubular structures may be corrugated, and are especially useful for fiber-optic plenum conduit. The polyvinylidene foam may also be directly applied to fiber optic cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tough, flexible multi-layer tube or other structure having a vinylidene fluoride contact layer. Such a tube is especially useful for high-purity contact applications, and contact where chemical resistance is needed. The vinylidene fluoride layer is melt-processible and may be a homopolymer, copolymer or terpolymer.

Abstract: A PVDF-containing LC Cable wherein the Cable contains no more than about 50 weight % PVDF, based on the weight of the Cable, is provided.