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: A low-molecular-weight copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene with units of perfluoro alkyl vinyl ethers having a melt index of ≧30 suitable as a mixing component with a higher-molecular-weight copolymer of the same monomers for producing moldings in injection molding or by extrusion.

Abstract: A process for making a vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene networked polymer comprising the steps of: providing a poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) copolymer; mixing the copolymer with a peroxide and a coagent to form a curing mixture; and processing the curing mixture such that the peroxide, in combination with the coagent, crosslinks the copolymer to form a networked polymer.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer is described which is a polymer reaction product of a fluoropolymer comprising a polymer reaction product of a) at least one first alkylene co-monomer containing at least one fluorine atom; b) optionally at least one monomer selected from 1) at least one second alkylene containing at least one fluorine atom; 2) at least one alkyl alkenyl ether containing at least one fluorine atom; 3) at least one aliphatic or cyclic ketone containing at least one fluorinated alpha-alpha position; or 4) non-fluorinated alkene, alkyl alkenyl ether, or alkenyl ester; and c) at least one sterically hindered alkenyl or alkenyl ether organo silane co-monomer with or without at least one fluorine substituent. The fluoropolymer can be subsequently cross-linked or further reacted. Methods of making the fluoropolymer are further disclosed as well as applications of the fluoropolymers.

Abstract: Sulphonic fluorinated ionomers crosslinked by radical crosslinking of: A) crosslinkable sulphonic fluorinated ionomers, having equivalent weight 380-1300 g/eq and comprising: from 48% to 85% by moles of monomeric units deriving from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE); from 15% to 47% by moles of fluorinated monomeric units containing sulphonyl groups —SO2F; from 0.01% to 5% by moles of monomeric units deriving from a bis-olefin of formula: wherein: m=2-10, preferably 4-8; R1, R2, R5, R6, equal to or different from each other, are H or C1-C5 alkyl groups; B) a fluorinated compound as crosslinking radical initiator; C) a fluorinated bis-olefin of structure (I) as crosslinking agent; the radical crosslinking being carried out at a temperature in the range 250° C.-310° C., preferably 260° C.-300° C.

Abstract: To provide a method of reducing contents of metal components of a fluorine-containing elastomer through preparation thereof and a molded article obtained from the fluorine-containing elastomer having sufficiently reduced contents of metal components. The method of reducing a metal content of the fluorine-containing elastomer through preparation thereof without using a metal oxide, in which among materials excluding a gaseous monomer which are used for polymerization of a fluorine-containing monomer, coagulation and drying, at least one of them contains substantially no metal component, and the fluorine-containing elastomer which has a metal content of not more than 50 ppm and is obtained by that method.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing copolymer obtained by copolymerizing tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and perfluoro vinyl ether as component monomers, wherein a weight ratio of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and perfluoro vinyl ether units constituting the fluorine-containing copolymer is 70 to 95:5 to 20:0 to 10, respectively; the fluorine-containing copolymer having: a melt flow rate of 30 (g/10 minutes) or more; a volatile content index of 0.2% by weight or less; and a stress relaxation modulus G(t) (unit: dyn/cm2) which satisfies the following formula at t=0.1 second when measured at a temperature of 310° C.: G(0.1)>7×106×X−1.6143−3000 where X denotes the melt flow rate (unit: g/10 minutes). Also disclosed is an insulating material composed of the fluorine-containing copolymer and an insulated cable having a core conductor coated with the fluorine-containing copolymer.

Abstract: A fluorocopolymer which comprises (A) polymerized units based on tetrafluoroethylene, (B) polymerized units based on ethylene and (C) polymerized units based on itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride, wherein the molar ratio of (A)/(B) is from 20/80 to 80/20, and the molar ratio of (C)/((A)+(B)) is from 1/10000 to 5/100, and which has a volume flow rate of from 1 to 1000 mm3/sec. The fluorocopolymer is excellent in the fuel barrier properties and in the adhesive properties to a non-fluorinated polymer.

Abstract: A pattern formation material of this invention contains a base polymer including a first unit represented by Chemical Formula 1 and a second unit represented by Chemical Formula 2 and, and an acid generator: 1

Abstract: Fluoropolymers consisting of alternating perfluorocyclobutane and aryl ether linkages possess suitable properties for optical waveguides and other devices using refractive properties of the polymers. Perfluorocyclobutane (PFCB) polymers having aryl groups alternating on an ether chain have shown useful physical properties for optical waveguide applications. Processes for micromolding such polymeric films by replicating a pattern or image directly from a silicon master, rather than from a polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) mold, are disclosed.

Abstract: A low-molecular-weight copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene with units of perfluoro alkyl vinyl ethers having a melt index of ≧30 suitable as a mixing component with a higher-molecular-weight copolymer of the same monomers for producing moldings in injection molding or by extrusion.

Abstract: A solvent-based water- and oil-repellent agent composition, which contains a graft copolymer having a repeating unit derived from a vinyl monomer having a perfluoroalkyl group and a repeating unit derived from a polymerizable cyclic acid anhydride and an organic solvent, has high product stalibity and high dilution stability and can give high water- and oil-repellency.

Abstract: Emulsifier free fluoropolymer manufacturing method in which (a) a mixture of an oxidizing agent and reducing agent is used to start the polymerization and where one or the other but not both, are further added during polymerization, or (b) an oxidizing metal ion is added to start polymerization and where additional oxidizing metal ion is added during polymerization.

Abstract: Fluoropolymers consisting of alternating perfluorocyclobutane and aryl ether linkages possess suitable properties for optical waveguides and other devices using refractive properties of the polymers. Perfluorocyclobutane (PFCB) polymers having aryl groups alternating on an ether chain have shown useful physical properties for optical waveguide applications. Processes for micromolding such polymeric films by replicating a pattern or image directly from a silicon master, rather than from a polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) mold) are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of perfluoropolyethers of formula:

Abstract: In preparing a fluorinated thermoplastic with good flex life, high thermal conductivity and low average spherolite diameter from tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro n-alkyl vinyl ether, perfluoro 2-propoxyalkyl vinyl ether is additionally incorporated into the fluorinated thermoplastic. A semicrystalline, thermoplastically processable copolymer is prepared, made from units of the tetrafluoroethylene, from 2 to 10% by weight of units of perfluoro n-propyl vinyl ether and from 0.1 to 6% by weight of units of perfluoro 2-propoxypropyl vinyl ether. The novel copolymer preferably contains fewer than 70 unstable end groups per 106 carbon atoms, has thermal conductivity of at least 0.19 W/mK at 23° C. and has a smooth surface with an average spherolite diameter of <5 &mgr;m. The novel terpolymer is suitable for extrusion of hose, in particular for heat exchangers, and also for ultrahigh-purity applications.

Abstract: Melt-processible, thermoplastic poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) compositions are disclosed and methods for making and processing same. Additionally, products comprising these compositions are described.

Abstract: A phosphorus atom-containing fluorinated cation exchange membrane substantially constituted with the following repeating units (A) and (B), and a proton conduction type fuel cell using the membrane as a solid polymeric electrolyte are provided. One embodiment for the membrane is useful as a perfluoro cationic exchange membrane for use in electrolysis of sodium chloride even under severe electrolytic conditions of higher concentration, higher temperature and higher electric density. (in which m is 0 or 1, n is 2 or 3, X, Y represents H or C6H4SO3H and the ratio for the number of repeating units is (A)/(B)=1.5 to 15).

Abstract: Emulsion polymerization of liquid fluorinated monomers which have a boiling point above 50° C. and low water-solubility is markedly more efficient if the monomer is pre-emulsified with a nontelogenic fluorinated emulsifier in water.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer having a reduced amount of polar end groups. The fluoropolymer is produced by free radical polymerization of fluorinated monomers and the initiation of the polymerization is carried out in the presence of a chloride salt. Polar end groups include hydroxy groups and ionized or ionizable end groups. Examples of ionized or ionizable end groups include acid groups and salts thereof such as sulfonic acid and salts thereof, —CH2—OSO3H groups, sulfates and carbonyl containing end groups such as carboxylic and carboxylate groups. Due to the presence of chloride salt at the initiation of the free radical polymerization, CF2Cl end groups are formed instead of the polar end groups. As a result, a fluoropolymer is obtained that has improved processibility and heat resistance.

Abstract: Fluoroelastomers curable by ionic route based on vinylidene fluoride (VDF) comprising: a) 100 parts by weight of fluoroelastomer based on vinylidene fluoride (VDF) substantially polar end group free; b) from 0.05 to 5 phr of accelerant; c) from 0.5 to 15 phr of curing agent; d) from 1 to 40 phr of one or more inorganic acid acceptors, preferably bivalent metal oxides; e) from 0 to 2.5 phr, preferably from 0 to 1.5 phr of one or more basic compounds preferably hydroxides of bivalent metals or of weak acid metal salts; f) from 0 to 80 phr of reinforcing fillers.

Abstract: A new class of fluorinated arylacetylene compounds useful as monomers in the formation of polymers having low dielectric constant. These polymers, which are the reaction products of one of the fluorinated arylacetylene compounds, a diphenyl oxide biscyclopentadienone and, optionally, 1,3,5-tris(phenylacetylene)benzene, are useful in insulating microelectric device.

Abstract: To provide a suitable material having improved impermeability to liquid chemicals and cracking resistance while retaining excellent heat resistance and processability inherent in FEP-based fluororesins, a molded article of which is useful in the field of semiconductor production apparatus and the like. The present invention provides a fluorine-containing resin material comprising a fluorine-containing copolymer comprising 85 to 95.5% by mole of a repeating unit derived from tetrafluoroethylene, 5 to 10% by mole of a repeating unit derived from hexafluoropropylene and 0.

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: A method for producing partially fluorinated epoxides and corresponding polyether homopolymers of these polyfluorinated epoxides is described. Also described is a method for incorporating a fluoroalcohol functional group into a polymer as a pendant group. Certain perfluorinated olefins are also described. These polyfluorinated epoxides and the associated polymers and methods relating to them are useful components in photoresists, particulary in lithographic photoresists for use at low ultraviolet wavelengths (e.g., 157 nm).

Abstract: Modified polytetrafluoroethylene powder of a sinterable copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene containing about 0.5 to about 10 weight % of fluorinated vinyl ether, the copolymer having a melt creep viscosity of greater than about 1×106 Pa·S. In preferred embodiments, the sinterable copolymer has a melt creep viscosity of greater than about 1×107 Pa·S and fluorinated vinyl ether content of from about 1 to about 7 weight %. The polymer has a combination of a high level of fluorinated vinyl ether and a melt creep viscosity which is high enough to enable the fabrication of articles by sintering.

Abstract: Fluoropolymers consisting of alternating perfluorocyclobutane and aryl ether linkages possess suitable properties for optical waveguides and other devices using refractive properties of the polymers. Perfluorocyclobutane (PFCB) polymers having aryl groups alternating on an ether chain have shown useful physical properties for optical waveguide applications. Processes for micromolding such polymeric films by replicating a pattern or image directly from a silicon master, rather than from a polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) mold, are disclosed.

Abstract: Vinylidene fluoride polymers are produced by using ethane as a chain transfer agent in the emulsion polymerization process. Vinylidene fluoride homopolymers made by the process have a significantly reduced tendency to generate cavities at high temperatures and a greater resistance to discoloration at high temperatures.

Abstract: Peroxide curable fluoroelastomers having copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride or tetrafluoroethylene major monomer, at least one other fluorinated major monomer, a cure site monomer having the general formula CH2═CH—(CF2)nI, where n is an integer between 2 and 8, and iodine bound at the terminal positions of polymer chains, process well and have excellent tensile properties.

Abstract: To provide a fluorine-containing coating material which gives excellent adhesive strength directly to a substrate such as metal, glass, etc. with maintaining excellent characteristics of the fluorine-containing polymer such as thermal resistance, chemical resistance, non-sticking property and low friction property, and a method for coating the material. The fluorine-containing coating material is prepared by using a fluorine-containing ethylenic polymer having functional group which is obtained by copolymerizing (a-1) 0.05 to 30% by mole of at least one of fluorine-containing ethylenic monomers having any one of functional groups selected from hydroxyl, carboxyl, carboxylate salt group, carboxylate ester group or epoxy and (b-1) 70 to 99.95% by mole of at least one of fluorine-containing ethylenic monomers having no functional group mentioned above.

Abstract: In the emulsion obtained by forcedly emulsifying by applying a high shearing force on the water insoluble liquid in the presence of a small amount of emulsifying agent, at least one of fluorine-containing monomers being in the form of gas at ordinary temperature at atmospheric pressure is emulsion-polymerized stably and efficiently. An amount of the emulsifying agent is an amount which does not change the number of water insoluble liquid particles in the emulsion during the polymerization.

Abstract: Perfluoroelastomers, curable by peroxidic route, obtainable by polymerizing the following monomers: a) tetrafluoroethylene (TFE); b) fluorovinylethers of general formula: CFX═CXOCF2OR  (I) c) bis-olefins having general formula: RI1RI2C═CRI3—Z—CRI4═CRI5RI6  (IA) d) optionally, one or more fluorinated olefinic comonomers selected from C2-C8 perfluoroolefins, perfluoroalkylvinylethers (PAVE) CF2═CFOR2f, perfluoro-oxyalkylvinylethers CF2═CFOXa, said perfluoroelastomers comprising iodine and/or bromine atoms in the chain and/or in end position, said halogen atoms deriving from “cure site” comonomers and/or from chain transfer agents used in polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for forming graft copolymers from perfluoroolefins and perfluorovinyl ethers having fluorosulfonyl and fluorosulfonate functionality with selected polymers, and the uncrosslinked graft copolymers resulting therefrom.

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: To provide a fluorine-containing adhesive which maintains thermal resistance, chemical resistance, weather resistance and electric insulating property and has strong adhesive property directly to substrates particularly metal and glass, and an adhesive film and laminated article which are obtained by using the fluorine-containing adhesive. There is used a fluorine-containing ethylenic polymer having hydroxyl which is prepared by copolymerizing 0.05 to 30% by mole of at least one of fluorine-containing ethylenic monomers having hydroxyl and 70 to 99.95% by mole of at least one of fluorine-containing ethylenic monomers copolymerizable with the above-mentioned monomer.

Abstract: A method of making a laser ablated article includes forming an article of one or more layers, each of which absorbs radiation within the wavelength range of from about 210 nm to about 360 nm and at least one of which is a hydrophobic fluorine-containing graft copolymer derived from at least one fluorine-containing monomer and at least one comonomer containing at least one aromatic group, and processing the article with a laser that outputs radiation at a wavelength of between about 210 nm and about 360 nm. The graft copolymer is surprisingly absorptive to radiation within the specified wavelength range. Articles formed using laser ablation include a nozzle plate of an ink jet printhead, wherein the nozzle plate contains ink jet openings formed by laser ablation and has a polymer substrate coated with the laser ablatable hydrophobic fluorine-containing graft copolymer.

Abstract: A process for rotomolding using novel melt-extruded melt-fabricable TFE copolymer minicubes, wherein at least 80% of the minicubes are in the size range of 200 to 1200 &mgr;m.

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: A photosensitive polymer is provided which includes: (a) perfluoro-2,2-dimethy-1,3-dioxol derivatives having the following repeating unit: and (b) vinyl derivatives having the following repeating unit: wherein R1 is H, Cl, or F; each of R2 and R3 is H or F; R4 is H, F, CF3, OCF3, OCF2CF3, OCF2CF2CF3, CH2C(CF3)2OH, fluorinated alkyloxy group having an acid-labile group, n-perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, ORF, wherein RF is n-perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, or OQZ, wherein Q is perfluorinated alkylene group having 0 to 5 oxygen atoms, the sum of carbon atom and oxygen atom in the Q is 2 to 10, and Z is COOR, SO2F, CN, COF, or OCH3, wherein R is alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon. A photoresist composition includes the photosensitive polymer and a photoacid generator(PAG).

Abstract: Compounds corresponding to formula (I)

Abstract: Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) thermoprocessable copolymer microspheres having a substantially spherical shape for at least 95% by weight, the average size of the microspheres being in the range 25 &mgr;m and 2 mm, the bulk density being in the range 0.5 and 1.1 g/cm3.

Abstract: This invention relates to fluoropolymer fibers and films which can be modified by cationic agents, such as cationic dyes. The fiber or film comprises a blend of a first and a second copolymer, or it comprises a terpolymer, the blend or terpolymer having (1) an acid or ionic functionality provided by a pendant group represented by the formula —(O—CF2CFR)aO—CF2CFR′SO3−Z+, wherein R and R′ are independently selected from F, Cl or a perfluorinated alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a=0, 1 or 2, and Z+ is H+, an alkali metal cation, or a cation derived from a compound selected from the group consisting of a cationic dye, a cationic whitener, a cationic flame retardant, a cationic antistatic agent, and mixtures thereof, and (2) a larger amount of a fluoroalkylvinylether, a fluoroalkene, or ethylene functionality. Such fibers and films are useful in various consumer goods where the product is desirably colored, whitened, antistatic, or flame retardant.

Abstract: Semicrystalline sulphonic fluorinated ionomers having an equivalent weight higher than 700 g/eq, up to 1,700, comprising:

Abstract: The invention provides a polymerizable resin capable of forming thin insulating films excellent in heat resistance, solvent resistance, low water absorption, insulating property, low dielectric constant, etc.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising a membrane-form polymer electrolyte, a cathode disposed on one side of the polymer electrolyte, and an anode disposed on the other side of the polymer electrolyte, wherein the cathode comprises a catalyst and an ion exchange resin, and the ion exchange resin is made of a polymer comprising the following segments A and segments B: Segments A: segments made of a polymer having sulfonic acid groups; and Segments B: segments made of a fluoropolymer having substantially no ion exchange groups.

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: An amino group-containing metal compound such as a coupling agent having an amino group is dispersed in a fluoroelastomer coating composition comprising a fluoroelastomer and a polyol curing agent which are dissolved or dispersed in a liquid medium. The resulting fluoroelastomer coating composition can form an elastomer coating layer directly on ametal surface using no primer, and improve antifreeze resistance and deterioration of the coating film after compression at high temperatures for a long time.

Abstract: Thermoprocessable copolymers of TFE essentially formed by the following monomers:

Abstract: The present invention describes synthesis of new fluorinated elastomers presenting very low glass transition temperatures, a good resistance to bases, petroleum and fuels and good properties for forming. These elastomers contain, by way of example, from 90 to 50 mole % of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and from 10 to 50 molar % of perfluoromethyl vinyl ether (PMVE). In this precise case, they are prepared by radical copolymerisation of VDF and with PMVE in presence of various organic initiators such as for example the peroxides, the peresters or the diazo compounds.

Abstract: An ionomer and a process for forming the ionomer such that the ionomer has (1) low equivalent weight; below 950, preferably between 625 and 850, and most preferably between about 700 and about 800; and (2) high conductivity, (greater than 0.15 S/cm). In an alternative embodiment, the ionomer has (1) low equivalent weight; below 950, preferably between 625 and 850, and most preferably between about 700 and about 800; and (2) acceptably low hydration, (less than about 75 weight percent). These ionomers are adapted to be processed into thin films that have acceptable physical stability. They are thus extremely well-suited for low humidity or high temperature fuel cell applications.