Abstract: The present invention provides a novel, optionally surfactant-free process for controlling particle number, particle size, and/or particle size distribution. The method of the invention also significantly improves monomer to polymer conversion rates, as well as, increases the level of polymer solids which can be emulsified/dispersed in water without polymer flocculation. Specifically, the improved process provides an aqueous dispersion of up to about 48% polymer solids in water in the absence of surfactant. The resulting fluoropolymers dispersions may be used in resin and coating applications.

Abstract: Copolymers having copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride, perfluoro(alkyl vinyl) ether, 2-hydropentafluoropropene, and, optionally, tetrafluoroethylene, exhibit excellent low temperature properties and processability when cured with polyhydroxy compounds or amines.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for the use of hydrogen halides as chain transfer agents in fluoroolefin polymerization.

Abstract: A new class of ferroelectric terpolymers having an exceptionally large electrostrictive response (>3%) induced by external electric field at ambient temperature comprise 50-80 mole % of vinylidene fluoride (VDF), 15-40 mole % of trifluoroethylene (TrFE) and 2-20 mole % of at least one bulky monomer, such as chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) or hexafluoropropene (HFP). These semicrystalline terpolymers behave like a ferroelectric relaxor having a rapid electric field-induced mechanical response, due to a low Curie temperature (phase transition between polar and nonpolar crystalline domains at or near ambient temperature) and high dielectric constant. A combination of bulk polymerization and free radical polymerization using oxidation adducts of an organoborane as the free radical initiator may be used to prepare the terpolymers, such that the terpolymers are characterized by good processibility, high purity and uniform molecular structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorocopolymer obtained by copolymerizing specific amounts of vinylidene fluoride, a perfluoro(lower alkyl vinyl ether), a specific fluorine compound represented by the following formula (I), a bromine-containing and/or iodine-containing vinyl monomer, and optionally, tetrafluoroethylene 1

Abstract: Fluoroelastomers having copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride major monomer, at least one other fluorinated major monomer, and at least one cure site monomer are prepared in an aqueous suspension polymerization process using an initiator consisting essentially of a solution of an oil soluble peroxide in a water-soluble hydrocarbon solvent.

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: A polymerization process in microemulsion of:

Abstract: Thermoprocessable copolymer, having a Melt Flow Index (MFI) between 0.01 and 1000, of the CTFE with an acrylic monomer having the general formula: CH2═CH—CO—O—R1   (I) wherein R1 is a hydrogenated radical from 1 to 20 C atoms, C1-C20, alkyl, linear and/or branched, or cycloalkyl radical, or R1 is H. The radical R1 can optionally contain: heteroatoms preferably Cl, O, N; one or more functional groups preferably selected from —OH, —COOH, epoxide, ester and ether; and double bonds; the amount of the comonomer of formula (I) ranges from 0.01 to 5% by moles.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing polymer composition comprising a fluorine-containing solvent of the formula R1—O—R2 wherein R1 is a C5-12 linear or branched polyfluoroalkyl group which may have an ether bond, and R2 is a C1-5 linear or branched alkyl group, and a fluorine-containing amorphous polymer having a fluorine-containing ring structure in its main chain, dissolved in the solvent.

Abstract: Ethylene fluoro-containing copolymers of the ECTFE and ETFE type, optionally in the presence of a third comonomer in amount comprised between 0.1 and 10% by moles, having a viscosity between 102 and 105 Pa.sec with shear rates of 1 sec−1 measured at the temperature of about 30° C. higher than the second melting temperature, and having a rheologic curve in the diagram shear viscosity/shear-rate with a slope higher than 200, calculated as ratio between the viscosity in Pa.sec and the shear-rate in sec−1 in the shear-rate range comprised between 1 and 10 sec−1, and having a processability zone with shear-rate values higher than 10 s−1.

Abstract: Fluoroelastomers comprising in the polymer chain units deriving from fluorovinyl ethers having the formula:

Abstract: Linear copolymers of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon monomers. The present invention provides linear copolymers and terpolymers of fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon monomers, and particularly the invention provides a linear copolymers, of fluoromonomers, such as tetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, or vinylidene fluoride, with hydrocarbon monomers, such as vinyl acetate, acrylic acid ethyl acetate or tertiary butyl acrylate. The copolymers were synthesized by polymerization by a free radical mechanism in supercritical carbon dioxide and they are linear because of synthesis in carbon dioxide. The copolymer composition was controlled by the monomer feed concentration to have between 7 and 71 mol % TFE. Additionally, new and predominantly linear co- and terpolymers were prepared by hydrolysis and trans-esterification of the latter copolymers. Furthermore, neither surfactants nor dispersing agents are required to produce the linear copolymers, but may be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in situ polymerization of fluoropolymer into porous substrates, to improve resistance to wear, tear and creep, decay, and degradation by wetting, staining and warping, and to improve durability while maintaining the appearance of the substrate.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polymer mixture A of polymers formed by:

Abstract: Fluoroelastomers having copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride major monomer, at least one other fluorinated major monomer, and at least one cure site monomer are prepared in an aqueous suspension polymerization process using an initiator consisting essentially of a solution of an oil soluble peroxide in a water-soluble hydrocarbon solvent.

Abstract: A resin composition which gives a molded article having both of excellent mechanical properties and abrasion resistance with maintaining excellent thermal resistance, chemical resistance, surface characteristics (non-sticking property, low friction property), electric insulating property, etc. of a fluorine-containing polymer; a molded article obtained from the resin composition; and a method for producing the molded article are provided.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing polymer composition comprising a fluorine-containing solvent of the formula R1—O—R2 wherein R1 is a C5-12 linear or branched polyfluoroalkyl group which may have an ether bond, and R2 is a C1-5 linear or branched alkyl group, and a fluorine-containing amorphous polymer having a fluorine-containing ring structure in its main chain, dissolved in the solvent.

Abstract: Vinylidene fluoride and chlorotrifluoroethylene are copolymerized in the presence of a compound represented by the general formula I: InBrmR  (I) wherein R represents a fluorohydrocarbon group, a chlorofluorohydrocarbon group, a chlorohydrocarbon group or a hydrocarbon group, and n is 0, 1 or 2 and m is 0, 1 or 2 provided that n+m≧2. This provides a process for producing a fluorinated copolymer which enables providing a fluorinated copolymer crosslinking product having mechanical properties satisfactory for practical use as sealants even if no inorganic additive is added thereto.

Abstract: Novel copolymers of fluorinated olefins and maleic anhydride, maleic acid, dichloromaleic anhydride or dichloromaleic acid may be made by using as solvents for the maleic anhydride or acid a perfluorinated alkyl carboxylic acid, or liquid or supercritical hexafluoropropylene or carbon dioxide. The resulting polymers are useful as adhesives or compatibilizing agents for fluoropolymers, and in coatings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel, optionally surfactant-free process for controlling particle number, particle size, and/or particle size distribution. The method of the invention also significantly improves monomer to polymer conversion rates, as well as, increases the level of polymer solids which can be emulsified/dispersed in water without polymer flocculation. Specifically, the improved process provides an aqueous dispersion of up to about 48% polymer solids in water in the absence of surfactant. The resulting fluoropolymers dispersions may be used in resin and coating applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymeric composition comprising a blend of highly fluorinated ion exchange polymer and highly fluorinated nonfunctional polymer, the blend having interpenetrating continuous phases of the highly fluorinated nonfunctional polymer and the highly fluorinated ion exchange polymer. Further the invention provides for liquid compositions comprising a highly fluorinated solvent, a highly fluorinated ion exchange polymer precursor and a highly fluorinated nonfunctional polymer with the polymers being miscible with each other in the solvent. The compositions are useful for making ion exchange membranes. Membranes of the compositions have enhanced tensile properties.

Abstract: An interpolymer consisting essentially of units derived from vinyl fluoride and at least two highly fluorinated monomers, at least one of the highly fluorinated monomers introducing into the polymer a side chain of at least one carbon atom. Films from these interpolymers have substantially reduced haze, low surface tension, and can be made to form solutions in common polar organic solvents that are stable at room temperature. The extremely low surface tensions obtained with these interpolymer films provide enhanced stain resistance and improved release properties compared to polyvinyl fluoride or known vinyl fluoride interpolymers.

Abstract: Novel copolymers of fluorinated olefins and maleic anhydride, maleic acid, dichloromaleic anhydride or dichloromaleic acid may be made by using as solvents for the maleic anhydride or acid a perfluorinated alkyl carboxylic acid, or liquid or supercritical hexafluoropropylene or carbon dioxide. The resulting polymers are useful as adhesives or compatibilizing agents for fluoropolymers, and in coatings.

Abstract: A resin composition which gives a molded article having both of excellent mechanical properties and abrasion resistance with maintaining excellent thermal resistance, chemical resistance, surface characteristics (non-sticking property, low friction property), electric insulating property, etc. of a fluorine-containing polymer; a molded article obtained from the resin composition; and a method for producing the molded article are provided. The resin composition comprises: (A-1) a fluorine-containing ethylenic polymer prepared by copolymerizing at least one of fluorine-containing monomers having any one of hydroxyl, carboxyl, a carboxylate salt group, a carboxylate ester group or epoxy in an amount of 0.05 to 30% by mole on the basis of the total amount of monomers, and (B-1) an inorganic filler or a non-meltable organic filler, wherein said resin composition comprises 1 to 99.5% by weight of the component (A-1) and 0.5 to 99% by weight of the component (B-1).

Abstract: Selected novel partially fluorinated &agr;,&ohgr;-dienes can be free radically (co)polymerized to form polymers in which cyclic structures are present. The polymers are useful for films, coatings and molded parts.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing polymer composition comprising a fluorine-containing solvent of the formula R1—O—R2 wherein R1 is a C5-12 linear or branched polyfluoroalkyl group which may have an ether bond, and R2 is a C1-5 linear or branched alkyl group, and a fluorine-containing amorphous polymer having a fluorine-containing ring structure in its main chain, dissolved in the solvent.

Abstract: A process for preparing a solution and/or dispersion containing sulphonic (per)fluorinated ionomers having —SO3M functional groups, wherein M is selected from H, Li, Na, K, NR4 (R equal to or different from each other are selected from H, CH3, C2H5), characterized in that it dissolves the above defined ionomers at a temperature comprised between the room temperature and about 150° C., in a monophasic ternary mixture essentially constituted by water, by a C1-C4 alcohol and by a fluoro(poly)oxyalkylene having one hydrogen atom in at least a fluorinated end group; the dispersed polymer particle sizes are in the range 30-100 nm.

Abstract: Melt processable copolymers of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene, containing from about 1% to about 20% hexafluoropropylene by weight, are prepared by emulsion polymerization of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene in a stirred aqueous reaction medium. The reaction medium is formed by charging to a heated reactor, water, vinylidene fluoride, an initiator to start the polymerization, and a water-soluble surfactant capable of emulsifying both the initiator and the reaction mass during polymerization. Additional amounts of vinylidene fluoride and initiator are fed to the reaction medium to continue polymerization of the vinylidene fluoride monomer until from about 50% to about 90% of the total weight of the vinylidene fluoride monomer utilized in the process has been added to the reaction medium.

Abstract: A polymerization process, in which when at least one of fluorine-containing olefin monomers in gaseous phase or supercritical phase or a monomer mixture of the fluorine-containing olefin monomer and other monomer copolymerizable therewith is subjected to batch polymerization in an aqueous medium while being diffused to the aqueous medium, a diffusing amount of the monomer or monomer mixture to the aqueous medium is not less than 80% of the theoretical consumption of the monomer or monomer mixture when polymerized at the theoretical polymerization rate. According to the present invention, a polymerization rate is determined by the polymerization reaction but not by the diffusion of monomer gas, and thus higher polymerization rate can be achieved.

Abstract: A process for preparing cyclopentadiene homopolymers having a molecular weight in the range from 10,000 to 1,000,000 and less than 35% of 1,2 linkages uses palladium catalysts of the formula [Pd(R1—CN)4]2+(A)2—, where R1 is an alkyl group and A is a stable anion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluorine-containing resin (graft copolymer) used for preparing a paint. This resin is prepared by a graft copolymerization of a fluorine-containing copolymer with a first monomer composition. The fluorine-containing copolymer comprises a first constitutional unit derived from a fluoroolefin and at least one of second and third constitutional units. The second constitutional unit is derived from a particular carboxylic acid vinyl ester represented by a general formula of R--C(.dbd.O)OCH.dbd.CH.sub.2 where R is a special group. The third constitutional unit is derived from a first monomer which is at least one compound selected from vinyl ethers and allyl ethers. The first monomer is represented by a general formula of R--O--(CH.sub.2)n--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2. The first monomer composition for preparing the resin contains a second monomer which is at least one compound selected from methacrylic acid esters and acrylic esters. The second monomer is represented by a general formula of CH.sub.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing copolymer having a solvent resistance and a cold resistance is produced by subjecting vinylidene fluoride and at least one of other fluorine-containing monomers to copolymerization reaction in the presence of a polyfluoropolyether having iodo groups at both terminals, represented by the following formula:I(R)pCF(CF.sub.3)O[CF.sub.2 CF(CF.sub.3)O]mRf[OCF(CF.sub.3)CF.sub.2 ]nOCF(CF.sub.3)(R)pIwherein Rf: perfluoroalkylene group of C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 ; R: alkylene group or polyfluoroalkylene group of C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 ; these alkylene groups may contain an ether bond or may be an alkyleneamide-containing or phenylene diamide-containing group; m+n: 20 or more; and p: 0 or 1. The copolymerization reaction is carried out preferably in the presence of a bromine-containing or iodine-containing monomer compound.

Abstract: Fluorine-containing elastomers produced through copolymerization reaction of vinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene, perfluoro(lower alkyl vinyl ether) and chlorotrifluoroethylene in the presence of a bromine-containing monomer compound and an iodine- and bromine-containing compound, where hexafluoropropene can be further copolymerized, have not only a distinguished resistance to amine-based additives and also distinguished low-temperature characteristic and engine oil resistance, and also a lower cost attained by reduced copolymer proportion of perfluoro(lower alkyl vinyl ether).

Abstract: A fluorine-containing graft copolymer produced by copolymerizing at least two kinds of monomers selected from the group consisting of fluorinated monomers and propylene in the presence of a saturated iodine-containing compound or an iodine and bromine-containing compound, and further graft copolymerizing the resulting copolymer with tetrafluoroethylene and polyfluorovinyl ether represented by the general formula:CF.sub.2 .dbd.CFOCX.sub.2 (CF.sub.2).sub.p Y(where X is H or F, Y is H or F and p is 0-3), where an unsaturated iodine-containing compound or an unsaturated bromine-containing compound may be used together with the saturated iodine-containing compound or iodine and bromine-containing compound. The resulting fluorine-containing graft copolymer is a thermoplastic fluorine-containing copolymer elastomer capable of giving molding products having a distinguished compression set in a high temperature region such as about 280.degree. C.

Abstract: A copolymer comprising:(a) from 10 to 70% by moles of ethylene,(b) from 30 to 90% by moles of a fluorinated monomer selected from tetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, or their mixtures,(c) from 0.1 to 30% by moles, with respect to the total amount of monomers (a) and (b), of a hydrogenated monomer having the formula:CH.sub.2 =CH--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --R.sub.1 (I)where R.sub.1 =--OR.sub.2, --(O).sub.t CO(O).sub.p R.sub.2 with t and p as integers: t=0 or 1 and p=0 or 1 and R.sub.2 is a hydrogenated radical from 1 to 20 carbon atoms C.sub.1 -C.sub.20, branched and/or linear alkyl and cyclo-alkyl radical or R.sub.2 is H. The R.sub.2 radical may optionally contain: heteroatoms preferably Cl, O, N; one or more functional groups, preferably chosen among OH, COOH, epoxide, ester and ether; and double bonds. The n subscript is an integer number between 0 and 10.

Abstract: Novel copolymers of fluorinated olefins and maleic anhydride, maleic acid, dichloromaleic anhydride or dichloromaleic acid may be made by using as solvents for the maleic anhydride or acid a perfluorinated alkyl carboxylic acid, or liquid or supercritical hexafluoropropylene or carbon dioxide. The resulting polymers are useful as adhesives or compatibilizing agents for fluoropolymers, and in coatings.

Abstract: Fluorine-containing elastomers produced through copolymerization reaction of vinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene, perfluoro(lower alkyl vinyl ether) and chlorotrifluoroethylene in the presence of a bromine-containing monomer compound and an iodine- and bromine-containing compound, where hexafluoropropene can be further copolymerized, have not only a distinguished resistance to amine-based additives and also distinguished low-temperature characteristic and engine oil resistance, and also a lower cost attained by reduced copolymer proportion of perfluoro(lower alkyl vinyl ether).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making fluorinated polymers and copolymers having stable end groups. The process includes (1) contacting a fluoromonomer, an initiator capable of producing stable end groups on the polymer chain, and a polymerization medium comprising carbon dioxide, and (2) polymerizing the fluoromonomer. The polymerization medium preferably comprises liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide. Advantageously, the process may also include the step of separating the fluoropolymer from the polymerization medium. The present invention also provides polymerization reaction mixtures useful in the processes of the present invention.

Abstract: A cold-setting coating composition comprising: a fulorocopolymer comprising (a) a fluoroolefin monomer unit, (b) a (meth)acrylic ester monomer unit, (c) an organosilicon monomer unit represented by a specific formula, (d) other radically polymerizable monomer unit, proportions of said units (a), (b), (c) and (d) being 5 to 70 mole %, 20 to 80 mole %, 1 to 20 mole % and 0 to 30 mole %, respectively, based on the total mole of the units (a), (b), (c) and (d), and the fluoropolymer having a glass transition (Tg) of 15 to 60.degree. C. a curing catalyst; and an organic solvent. The cold-setting coating composition has excellent weather resistance and stain resistance.

Abstract: Ethylene fluoro-containing copolymers of the ECTFE and ETFE type, optionally in the presence of a third comonomer in amount comprised between 0.1 and 10% by moles, having a viscosity between 10.sup.2 and 10.sup.5 Pa.sec with shear rates of 1 sec.sup.-1 measured at the temperature of about 30.degree. C. higher than the second melting temperature, and having a rheologic curve in the diagram shear viscosity/shear-rate with a slope higher than 200, calculated as ratio between the viscosity in Pa.sec and the shear-rate in sec.sup.-1 in the shear-rate range comprised between 1 and 10 sec.sup.-1, and having a processability zone with shear-rate values higher than 10 s.sup.-1.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing copolymer comprising (a) polymer units based on a fluoroolefin, (b) polymer units based on a cyclic monomer having, on its ring, an unsaturated group copolymerizable with the fluoroolefin, (c) polymer units based on an ethylenically unsaturated compound having a curable moiety but having neither an ester bond nor an ether bond, and optionally (d) polymer units based on at least one olefin selected from ethylene, propylene and isobutylene, or polymer units based on a vinyl ether having an aliphatic ring, in such proportions that, based on the total amount of polymer units (a), (b), (c) and (d), polymer units (a) are from 35 to 65 mol %, polymer units (b) are from 5 to 45 mol %, polymer units (c) are from 1 to 30 mol % and polymer units (d) are from 0 to 40 mol %, which has a number average molecular weight within a range of from 2,000 to 100,000, as calculated as polystyrene by gel permeation chromatograph, and which has rings based on said cyclic monomer, on the main chain of the copolym

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel, optionally surfactant-free process for controlling particle number, particle size, and/or particle size distribution. The method of the invention also significantly improves monomer to polymer conversion rates, as well as, increases the level of polymer solids which can be emulsified/dispersed in water without polymer flocculation. Specifically, the improved process provides an aqueous dispersion of up to about 48% polymer solids in water in the absence of surfactant. The resulting fluoropolymers dispersions may be used in resin and coating applications.

Abstract: Non-ionic compound having the general formula:R.sub.f --L--(OCHR.sub.1 --CHR.sub.2).sub.n --O--L'--R.sub.f' (I)wherein:n is an integer comprised between 4 and 60, preferably between 8 and 30;L and L', equal to or different from each other, can be selected from:--(CFY--CO--O).sub.p R'-- and --(CFY--CO--NH).sub.p R'--wherein: p is 0 or 1; Y can be F or CF.sub.3 ; R' is an alkylic radical C.sub.1 -C.sub.5,R.sub.1, R.sub.2 can be both H or the former one H and the latter CH.sub.3.R.sub.f and R.sub.f', equal to or different from each other, can be perfluoropolyethereal radicals having a number average molecular weight comprised between 250 and 1500, preferably between 400 and 1000; and its use as thickener of aqueous latexes based on fluoropolymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making fluorinated polymers and copolymers having stable end groups. The process includes (1) contacting a fluoromonomer, an initiator capable of producing stable end groups on the polymer chain, and a polymerization medium comprising carbon dioxide, and (2) polymerizing the fluoromonomer. The polymerization medium preferably comprises liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide. Advantageously, the process may also include the step of separating the fluoropolymer from the polymerization medium.The present invention also provides polymerization reaction mixtures useful in the processes of the present invention.

Abstract: Permanently stain resistant nylon and cellulosic fibers, and a method to impart permanent stain resistance to polyamide or cellulosic fibers, by covalently binding a stain resistant composition to a linking compound that has been covalently attached to the fiber are disclosed. This invention represents a significant advance in the art of textile treatments in that the covalently linked stain resist treatment is not removed after a series of alkaline shampooins. This invention is particularly useful in the preparation of commercial grade carpets for heavy traffic areas that will not lose their stain resistance after frequent shampooing.

Abstract: Amorphous fluoropolymers contain tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro(ethyl vinyl ether).

Abstract: A novel fluorine-containing copolymer elastomer having bromine groups as cross-linkable groups, which comprises about 45 to about 80% by mole of tetrafluoroethylene, about 50 to about 20% by mole of a perfluoro(vinylether) represented by following general formula:CF.sub.2 .dbd.CFO(CF.sub.2).sub.2 (OCF.sub.2)nOCF.sub.3where n is an integer of 1 to 5, and about 0.2 to about 5% by mole of a bromine-containing unsaturated monomer compound, sum total being 100% by mole, gives vulcanization products having distinguished resistances to chemicals, low temperature and heat.

Abstract: A peroxide-vulcanizable fluorine-containing elastomer containing iodines as cross-linking sites, capable of producing vulcanization products having a distinguished heat resistance is produced by polymerization reaction of a fluorinated olefin having 2 to 8 carbon atoms in the presence of a diiodide compound represented by the following general formula:I--R--where R is a divalent fluorohydrocarbon group, chlorofluorohydrocarbon group or hydrocarbon group, having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, respectively, and 2,2-difluoroiodoethylene.

Abstract: Group IV organometallic compounds, e.g. alkylsilane, or alkylsiloxane compounds, are used as chain transfer agent in the radical initiated polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, to give polymers comprising non-ionic end groups.