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: A fuser member comprising a core and a layer overlying the core, the layer including a cured fluorocarbon random copolymer having subunits of: —CH2CF2)x—, —(CF2CF(CF3)y—, or —(CF2CF2)z—, wherein x is from 30 to 90 mole percent, y is from 10 to 70 mole percent, z is from 0 to 34 mole percent; and x+y+z equals 100 mole percent; the layer further including particulate filler having zinc oxide and yellow iron oxide.

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: 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: A fluorine-containing terpolymer with distinguished transparency and strength at ordinary temperature and at elevated temperatures when heated, which comprises 20-98% by weight of tetrafluoroethylene, 1-40% by weight of perfluoro(ethyl vinyl ether) and 1-40% by weight of perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) and has a specific melt viscosity of 0.1×103-110×103 Pa·s (372° C.). The fluorine-containing terpolymer preferably has a comonomer ratio of perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) to perfluoro(ethyl vinyl ether) of 1.0 or more by weight.

Abstract: According to the present invention, ethylene, HFP and when in demand, a monomer copolymerizable therewith can be emulsion polymerized at a low temperature of −20° C. to 40° C. at a high polymerization rate. Furthermore, the obtained elastomeric E-HFP copolymer has few branches and is excellent in processability.

Abstract: Melt-fabricable, tough copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and fluorinated vinyl ether is produced in a suspension polymerization process by copolymerizing tetrafluoroethylene and fluorinated vinyl ether in a pressurized, agitated reaction vessel which contains aqueous medium, free radical initiator, and a telogen, the aqueous medium being essentially free of fluorine containing organic solvent. The contents of the reaction vessel are agitated during polymerization sufficiently to coagulate copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and fluorinated vinyl ether. The melt-fabricable, tough copolymer having a melt viscosity of less than about 1×106 Pa·S is isolated directly from the reaction vessel.

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: An aqueous dispersion of a fluorocopolymer, which is excellent in stability and film-forming properties as an aqueous dispersion, and which gives a coating film excellent in mechanical strength and improved in transparency, water resistance and stain resistance. A stable aqueous dispersion of a fluorocopolymer obtained in such a manner that a fluorocopolymer comprising polymerized units based on a vinyl monomer having a reactive group as the base is subjected to a composite treatment or a mixing treatment with a (meth)acrylate containing a reactive group capable of forming a bond by reaction with the above reactive group or the like.

Abstract: A process for producing a tetrafluoroethylene polymer, which comprises polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene in an aqueous medium in the presence of a water-soluble initiator, wherein the water used for the polymerization is regulated to have a TOC of 100 ppb or lower and/or an electrical conductivity of 1.0 &mgr;S/cm or lower. When this process for producing a tetrafluoroethylene polymer is employed, a decrease or fluctuation in the polymerization rate during the polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene will be minimal, and a deterioration in the physical properties of the obtained tetrafluoroethylene polymer will be minimal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluoropolymer that is melt-processible and thermoplastic and that has a melting point between 100° C. and 320° C.

Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene polymer is produced by polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene in the presence of an aqueous medium and a polymerization initiator, wherein the content of impurities (e.g. a saturated compound such as CH2F2 or CHF3 and an unsaturated compound such as CF2═CFH, CF2═CH2, CF2═CFCl or CF2═CHCl) in the tetrafluoroethylene is not more than 100 ppm. By this method, PTFE which is uniform and stretchable at a high stretch ratio and which is excellent in the fibrillation property and has a high break strength, can be obtained.

Abstract: A process for obtaining non thermoprocessable fine powders of homopolymer or modified PTFE, comprising the following steps: A) obtaining of the polymer latex under the gel form; B) washing of the polymer gel with acid aqueous solutions or neutral aqueous solutions; C) granulation of the gel washed by mechanical stirring, at a specific power in the range 1.5-10 kW/m3, until flotation of the PTFE fine powder, and separation of the floated fine powder; D) drying in an aerated oven of the floated fine powder at a drying temperature in the range 90° C.-160° C.

Abstract: There are disclosed new polymer materials having improved electric field induced strain levels, dielectric constants, and elastic energy densities for use in electromechanical and dielectric applications. Methods of manufacture of new polymer materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A purification process of thermoprocessable tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymers comprising the following steps:

Abstract: A method for forming a fluoropolymer comprises providing a reaction mixture comprising carbon dioxide, at least one fluoromonomer, and an initiator; and reacting the at least one fluoromonomer in the reaction mixture to form a fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer has a multimodal molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for the manufacture of PVDF homopolymer or copolymer. The optional comonomer comprises a vinyl group polymerized by free radicals, and comprises at least one fluorine atom, a fluoroalkyl group or a fluoroalkoxy group, directly attached to this vinyl group. The invention also relates to PVDF homopolymers made by processes of the invention. The invention further relates to a process for deoxygenating a flow.

Abstract: Sulphonic fluorinated ionomers crosslinked by radical crosslinking of:

Abstract: To provide a novel PFA-based fluorine-containing copolymer having improved impermeability to liquid chemicals while retaining the excellent heat resistance, stress cracking resistance and processability inherent in PFA-based fluororesins, a material and a molded article useful in the field of semiconductor production apparatus and the like, using the copolymer. The present invention provides a fluorine-containing copolymer comprising 90 to 99.4% by mole of a repeating unit derived from tetrafluoroethylene, 0.5 to 5% by mole of a repeating unit derived from at least one lower perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) represented by the formula (1): CF2═CF—O—Rf1  (1) in which Rf1 is a perfluoroalkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and 0.

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.

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 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: Emulsifier free fluoropolymer manufacturing method in which (a) a chain transfer agent, or a mixture of chain transfer agents are used wherein the chain transfer agents do not yield more than 0.4 weight % relative to the monomer feed of water soluble fluorinated compounds, or (b) a chain transfer agent or a mixture of chain transfer agents selected from alkanes, dialkyl ethers, hydrofluoroethers and/or hydrofluorocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention is based on quad-fluoropolymer suitable for the preparation of a fluoroelastomer. The fluoropolymer comprises repeating units derived from 10 to 40 mol % of tetrafluoroethylene, 40 to 65 mol % of vinylidene fluoride, 1 to 30 mol % of a perfluorinated vinyl ether of the formula CF2═CFOCF2CF2CF2OCF3, 1 to 20 mol % of perfluoromethyl vinylether.

Abstract: A fluorocopolymer which comprises (A) polymerized units based on tetrafluoroethylene, (B) polymerized units based on ethylene and (C) polymerized units based on a compound represented by CH2═CX(CF2)2Y (wherein each of X and Y which are independent of each other, is a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom), wherein the molar ratio of (A)/(B) is from 20/80 to 80/20, and the molar ratio of (C)/((A)+(B)) is from 1/1000 to 15/100, and which has a volume flow rate of from 1 to 1000 mm3/sec. The fluorocopolymer has a low fuel permeability coefficient and is excellent in the fuel barrier properties.

Abstract: Fluorine-modified comb polymers based on acryloyldimethyltaurine The invention provides water-soluble or water-swellable copolymers obtainable by free-radical copolymerization of

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a fluoropolymer comprising repeating units derived from one or more gaseous fluorinated monomers. The method comprises an aqueous emulsion polymerization of gaseous fluorinated monomers in the presence of an ether selected from the group consisting of dimethyl ether (DME), methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A chemical amplification photoresist monomer, a photoresist polymer prepared thereof, and a photoresist composition using the polymer. More specifically, a chemical amplification photoresist polymer comprising a fluorine-containing monomer represented by Chemical Formula 1, and a composition comprising the polymer. The photoresist composition has excellent etching resistance, heat resistance and adhesiveness, and is developable in aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solution. As the composition has low light absorbance at 193 nm and 157 nm wavelength, it is very useful for forming ultramicro pattern in the process using a light source of far ultraviolet, especially of VUV (157 nm). In the Formula, R1, R2, R3 and R4 is defined in the specification.

Abstract: A free radical polymerization process suitable for synthesizingpolymers is disclosed. The process utilizes novel sulfur based chain transfer agents and is widely compatible over a range of monomers and reaction conditions. Novel polymers having low pollydispersity and predictable specific polymer architecture and molecular weight are produced by the process. The polymers produced by the process are suitable for use as binders in automotive OEM and refinish coatings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rapidly cross-linking liquid fluoropolymer that contains as the essential components tetrafluoroethylene and at least one compound from the group consisting of diiodomethane, 1,2-diiodo-1,1-difluoroethane, 1-iodo-2-bromo-1,1-difluoroethane, 1-bromo-2-iodo-1,1-difluoroethane and/or 1,2-dibromo-1,1-difluoroethane that has certain fractions of the final group of the formula —CH2—X with X=Br and/or iodine, and iodine/bromine contents in the range of from 0.05 to 1 wt.-%. and that has a defined molecular weight and viscosity. The invention further relates to a method for producing said fluoropolymer and to its use.

Abstract: New and novel copolymers of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene containing up to 24% by weight hexafluoropropylene having lower DSC melting temperatures at 8 weight percent or greater nominal HFP content, and having improved solution clarity and fluidity, longer gel times and lower extractables than prior art vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymers of comparable HFP content whose syntheses are disclosed in sufficient detail to duplicate, to novel compositions of matter and articles of manufacture containing such copolymers, processes for the preparation and use of the copolymers, of the compositions of matter containing such copolymers and of the articles of manufacture containing such copolymers are disclosed. Improved electrochemical cells based on the new and novel copolymers are particularly disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a transparent and partially fluorinated polymer which comprises three repeat units resulting from industrial monomers which are simple to access and which has a glass transition temperature of greater than 25° C., which polymer makes possible the preparation of articles, in particular of articles acting as guide or conductor for light in the region of the wavelengths of visible or near infrared type. This polymer is of use in the manufacture of optical fiber.

Abstract: The invention comprises a vinylene carbonate (VCA) copolymer having as comonomer chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) or tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). This copolymer is transparent, making possible the preparation of objects acting as guide or conductor for light with wavelengths of visible or near infrared type. Furthermore, it exhibits a glass transition temperature of greater than 60° C. which is appropriate for the preparation of optical fibers.

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 tetrafluoroethylene (TFE)/perfluoro (alkyl vinyl ether) (PVE) copolymer and a method for producing the copolymer, wherein the molar ratio of polymerized units based on TFE/polymerized units based on PVE is in the range of from 98.1/1.9 to 95.0/5.0, and its melt flow rate at 372° C. is from 35 to 60 g/10 min., and a weight-average molecular weight/a number-average molecular weight is from 1 to 1.7. The copolymer of TFE/PVE is excellent in the mechanical properties and the injection molding properties.

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: A base resistant, substantially amorphous fluoroelastomer comprising (1) 10-40 mole percent ethylene units, (2) 32-60 mole percent tetrafluoroethylene units, (3) 20-40 mole percent perfluoro ether units selected from the group consisting of perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ethers), perfluoro(alkyl alkenyl ethers) and perfluoro(alkoxy alkenyl ethers), and (4) 0.1 to 15 mole percent of a cure site monomer selected from the group consisting of i) 3,3,3-trifluoropropene-1, ii) trifluoroethylene, iii) 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylene, iv) 1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoropropylene, and v) 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. Such fluoroelastomers may be vulcanized with polyhydroxy curatives. The resulting vulcanized fluoroelastomer compositions are resistant to attack by amines, strong bases and hydrogen sulfide and possess a combination of good low temperature and high temperature properties and they are resistant to oil swell.

Abstract: Vinylidene fluoride polymers are produced by using a C3-C5 hydrocarbon as a chain transfer agent in the free radical polymerization process.

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: A method of making a curable fluoroelastomer is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of preemulsifying at least one perfluorovinylether in water, and copolymerizing the preemulsified perfluorovinylether with a gaseous fluorinated monomer in the presence of a cure site monomer. The method provides a fluoroelastomer having a glass transition temperature of less than −10° C. Also disclosed is a fluoroelastomer that consists essentially of a perfluorovinylether of formula (I) as defined below, a cure site component, perfluoromethylvinylether, and tetrafluoroethylene and/or chlorotrifluoroethylene.

Abstract: Thermoprocessable copolymers of TFE essentially formed by the following monomers: (a) FMVE; ((b) a perfluorodioxole of formula: the complement to 100% by weight being TFE.

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: The invention provides a surface active agent containing fluorine, which is a copolymer composed of several ethylenic unsaturated monomers containing a fluorinated alkyl group, a silicone chain, and a polyoxyalkylene group, and the surface loss energy of which is less than 110×10−5 mJ in an organic solvent. The copolymer of the surface active agent is soluble to water and in various organic solvents, and has a good compatibility with other ingredients used to form the coating compositions. The present surface active agent reduces the dynamic surface tension of the coating composition, and thereby, have a good foam-preventing property, coating compositions containing the present surface active agent yield coated films with uniform and smooth level surfaces without forming irregularity and striation even by coating operations at high speed and high shearing force.

Abstract: A method for forming a fluoropolymer comprises providing a reaction mixture comprising carbon dioxide, at least one fluoromonomer, and an initiator; and reacting the at least one fluoromonomer in the reaction mixture to form a fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer has a multimodal molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: There are provided a porous film comprising a polymer composition comprising (a) a polymer having C═C double bond and an aliphatic ring having 5 to 10 carbon atoms in a main chain thereof; and (b) another resin; a porous film, wherein all or a part of C═C double bond in the (a) polymer is disappeared; and a porous film, wherein the (a) polymer and the (b) resin are cross-linked therebetween. The porous film has appropriate porosity, air permeability and puncture strength, and is especially excellent in latent heat resistance or heat resistance. Further, there are provided a process for producing the porous film; a separator for a battery comprising the porous film; and a battery comprising the separator.

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: 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: 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 new class of low temperature initiators has been found, enabling fluoroolefin polymerizations at relatively low temperatures. These initiators are diacyl peroxides which allow improved productivity and product properties, as well as more favorable reaction conditions.