Abstract: To provide an optical member having an excellent transparency and heat resistance and further having favorable light resistance as compared with a molded product made of a conventional ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, a process for producing the same, and an article provided with the optical member. An optical member made of a molded product containing a crosslinked product of an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer comprising units (A) based on tetrafluoroethylene, units (B) based on ethylene and units (C) based on CH2?CH—CnF2n+1 (wherein n is an integer of from 2 to 10), wherein the molar ratio ((A)/(B)) of the to above units (A) to the above units (B) is from 50/50 to 66/34, and the molar ratio ((C)/{(A)+(B)}) of the above units (C) to the sum of the above units (A) and the above units (B) is from 4.0/100 to 10/100.

Abstract: Iodine containing amorphous fluoropolymers having at least one fluoropolymer with a cure site, where the fluoropolymer has a Mooney viscosity of 2 or less (ML 1+10) at 100° C. according to ASTM D1646, and a peel strength to a roll mill of 10 dN/cm or less and methods for making such iodine containing amorphous fluoropolymers are described. Articles derived from the cured product of such iodine containing amorphous fluoropolymers are also described. Solutions, dispersions and coatings derived from such iodine containing amorphous fluoropolymers are also described.

Abstract: A process for reducing thermally induced discoloration of fluoropolymer resin produced by polymerizing fluoromonomer in an aqueous dispersion medium to form aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion and isolating the fluoropolymer from the aqueous medium to obtain fluoropolymer resin. The process comprises: contacting the aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion with sorbent.

Abstract: To provide an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer which is excellent in heat resistance and flexibility. An ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer comprising repeating units (A) based on tetrafluoroethylene and repeating units (B) based on ethylene in a ratio of repeating units (A)/repeating units (B)=66/34 to 75/25 (molar ratio) and as an optional component, repeating units (C) based on a monomer represented by CH2?CX(CF2)nY (wherein each of X and Y which are independent of each other is a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, and n is from 2 to 8) in an amount of from 0 to 1 mol % based on the total number of moles of the repeating units (A) based on tetrafluoroethylene and the repeating units (B) based on ethylene, and having a volume flow rate measured at 297° C. of from 4 to 1,000 mm3/sec and an elastic modulus of at most 500 MPa.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for making a fluoropolymer comprising an aqueous emulsion polymerization of one or more fluorinated monomers wherein said aqueous emulsion polymerization is carried out in the presence of at least one cyclic fluorocompound of the following formula (I): wherein X1, X2, X3, equal or different from each other are independently selected among H, F, and C1-6 (per)fluoroalkyl groups, optionally comprising one or more catenary or non-catenary oxygen atoms; L represents a bond or a divalent group; RF is a divalent fluorinated C1-3 bridging group; Y is a hydrophilic function selected among anionic functionalities, cationic functionalities and non-ionic functionalities.

Abstract: Provided is a PTFE skived film capable of exhibiting, with a single layer, sliding properties, barrier properties with regard to a liquid contact surface, and excellent tear resistance during injection molding. This skived film is characterized by being obtained by cutting a polytetrafluoroethylene block or a modified polytetrafluoroethylene block subjected to a thermal fusion treatment under reduced pressure or subjected to a pressurized thermal fusion treatment after being subjected to fusion under reduced pressure.

Abstract: A noncrystalline fluoroelastomer which is a copolymer consisting essentially of vinylidene fluoride and a fluoromonomer represented by the general formula (1): CH2?CFRf??(1) wherein Rf is a straight or branched fluoroalkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and has a vinylidene fluoride units/fluoromonomer units mol ratio of 78/22 to 22/78 and a glass transition temperature of not higher than 25° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyvinylidene fluoride polymer having an ultra-high molecular weight, and unexpected physical properties. The ultra-high molecular weight polymer is clear, has a lower melting point, reduced crystallinity, excellent impact resistance, and a high elongation at the yield point. The ultra-high molecular weight polyvinylidene fluoride can be alone, or blended with other polymers, in final applications and articles.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing a fluorinated olefin/vinyl alcohol copolymer having a high molecular weight which can be formed into a strong film with high productivity. A process for producing a fluorinated olefin/vinyl alcohol copolymer, which comprises emulsion polymerizing a fluorinated olefin and a vinyl ether in the presence of an aqueous medium and an emulsifier and converting the repeating units based on the vinyl ether to the vinyl alcohol.

Abstract: A novel aqueous polymerization process for making fluoropolymer dispersions is disclosed in which non-ionic non-fluorinated emulsifier is used to produce fluoropolymer emulsions. The emulsifiers contain blocks of polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and/or polytetramethylene glycol. The process and fluoropolymer produced contain no fluorinated surfactant. The fluoropolymers have excellent resistance to discoloration.

Abstract: A method of producing fibers, includes placing a composition that includes one or more fluoropolymers in the body of a fiber producing device and rotating the device at a speed sufficient to eject material from the fiber producing device to form fluoropolymer microfibers and/or nanofibers.

Abstract: To provide a binder for a storage battery device, whereby good adhesion is obtainable, and it is possible to realize good charge and discharge characteristics in a secondary battery by well suppressing swelling of an electrode by an electrolytic solution. A binder for a storage battery device, which is made of a fluorinated copolymer comprising repeating units (a) derived from tetrafluoroethylene and repeating units (b) derived from propylene, wherein the molar ratio (a)/(b) is from 60/40 to 75/25, and the total of the repeating units (a) and (b) is at least 90 mol % in all repeating units.

Abstract: A copolymer comprising 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and vinylidene fluoride and having a surface energy of between about 20 and about 30 mJ/m2. A process of preparing a surface having a surface energy of between about 20 and about 30 mJ/m2, comprising a step of applying said copolymer to a support. A method of preventing biofouling on an article of manufacture comprising applying said copolymer to the article of manufacture. An article of manufacture that is at least partly covered with said copolymer.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer powder, whereby it is possible to simply and inexpensively produce an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer powder excellent in handling efficiency from a slurry having an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer dispersed in a fluorinated organic solvent. A method for producing an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer powder, which comprises feeding, at a feeding linear velocity exceeding 0.10 m/sec.

Abstract: The present invention provides a preparation process for converting to a vinylidene fluoride elastomer having a group having sulfinic acid, sulfinic acid derivative, sulfonic acid or sulfonic acid derivative at one end or both ends of its trunk chain, and the preparation process provides a vinylidene fluoride elastomer having, at one end or both ends of its trunk chain, end groups represented by the formula: —CR1R2—CR3R4—SO2H, wherein R1 to R4 may be the same or different and each is hydrogen atom or fluorine atom, by allowing a vinylidene fluoride elastomer having, at one end or both ends of its trunk chain, end groups represented by the formula: —CR1R2—CR3R4—X1, wherein R1 to R4 are as defined above, X1 is bromine atom or iodine atom, to react with a sulfur compound represented by the formula: (M1)nH2-nS2O4, wherein M1 is a monovalent or divalent metal ion or ammonium ion, n is an integer of 0 to 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a perfluoroelastomer composition comprising: a perfluoroelastomer having a nitrogen-containing curing site; and a catalyst mixture comprising: a tertiary amine; and an organic dicarboxylic acid represented by general formula (1) or (2) in an amount of 0.4 to 2 mol per mol of the tertiary amine: HOOC—COOH??(1) HOOC-A-COOH??(2) wherein A in formula (2) is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a phenyl group, which may be partially or fully fluorinated. Also disclosed is a perfluoroelastomer molded article obtained from the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the polymerization and copolymerization of monomers in the presence of fluorinated propylene solvents. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of polymerization mediums suitable to polymerize one or more monomers to form polymers and/or copolymers, with a tetrafluoropolypropylene being used as a solvent or diluent for the one or more monomers.

Abstract: To provide a fluorinated elastic copolymer having high crosslinkability, having high flowability and excellent in the compression set and the resistance to bases, and its production process. A process for producing a fluorinated elastic copolymer, which comprises copolymerizing (a) tetrafluoroethylene and (b) propylene and as the case requires, (c) a perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) in the presence of an iodine compound represented by the formula RI2 (wherein R is a hydrocarbon group or perfluoroalkyl group having at least 3 carbon atoms) at a temperature of from 0° C. to 50° C., and a fluorinated elastic copolymer obtained by the production process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the polymerization in an aqueous medium of monomers, and especially of fluoromonomers, using non-fluorinated surfactants; and the fluoropolymers formed therefrom. Specifically, the method of the polymerization uses one or more non-fluorinated surfactants selected from the group consisting of polyvinylphosphonic acid, polyacrylic acids, polyvinyl sulfonic acid, and salts thereof. Additionally, the use of polyvinylphosphonic acid, polyacrylic acids, polyvinyl sulfonic acid as surfactants in aqueous free radical polymerization is also novel.

Abstract: A method of making expanded fluoropolymer articles thermally bonds portions of expanded fluoropolymers together, without using an adhesive or crushing force, to produce stronger bonds at the joint between the expanded fluoropolymers than the bonds within the constituent expanded fluoropolymers. The method involves placing the portions of expanded fluoropolymers to be thermally bonded together in intimate contact with each other after wet-stretching the expanded fluoropolymers, and removing the wetting agent used to wet-stretch the expanded fluoropolymers, without subsequent expansion or stretching, to yield an expanded fluoropolymer article exhibiting unexpected and superior properties that can be used in a variety of medical and industrial applications.

Abstract: Blended fluoropolymer compositions are provided. In one embodiment, a liquid dispersion of a first fluoropolymer is blended with a liquid dispersion of a second fluoropolymer. The first fluoropolymer may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as a low molecular weight PTFE (LPTFE) that has been polymerized via a dispersion or emulsion polymerization process, and which has not been agglomerated, irradiated, or thermally degraded. The LPTFE may be in the form of an aqueous dispersion, having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m), with the LPTFE having a first melt temperature (Tm) of 332° C. or less. The second fluoropolymer may be a melt processible fluoropolymer (MPF), such as methylfluoroalkoxy (MFA), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), for example, in the form of an aqueous dispersion, and having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m).

Abstract: A true tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer of the fine powder type is provided, wherein the copolymer contains polymerized comonomer units of at least one comonomer other than TFE in concentrations of at least or exceeding 1.0 weight percent, and which can exceed 5.0 weight percent, wherein the copolymer is expandable, that is, the copolymer may be expanded to produce strong, useful, expanded TFE copolymeric articles having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. Articles made from the expandable copolymer may include tapes, membranes, films, fibers, and are suitable in a variety of end applications, including medical devices.

Abstract: Provided is a rubber composition, which is excellent in fuel permeation resistance, and is capable of achieving improvements in low-temperature embrittlement property and solvent crack property. The rubber composition includes: a fluororubber having a fluorine concentration content of 70 to 71 wt % as a main component; a crosslink-type agent; and the following components (A) and (B), in which: the total content [(A)+(B)] of the above-mentioned components (A) and (B) falls within the range of 17 to 25 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the above-mentioned fluororubber; and a weight ratio (A)/(B) of the content of the above-mentioned component (A) to the content of the above-mentioned component (B) falls within the range of 2.0/1 to 3.0/1: (A) barium sulfate; and (B) a neutral silica.

Abstract: A fluoroelastomer comprising a copolymer of fluoroolefin monomers selected from one or more of the group consisting of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, and ethylenically unsaturated co-monomers; wherein the fluoroelastomer has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from about ?60° C. to about 53° C. A process of making the fluoroelastomer.

Abstract: A copolymer comprising 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and vinylidene fluoride and having a surface energy of between about 20 and about 30 mJ/m2. A process of preparing a surface having a surface energy of between about 20 and about 30 mJ/m2, comprising a step of applying said copolymer to a support. A method of preventing biofouling on an article of manufacture comprising applying said copolymer to the article of manufacture. An article of manufacture that is at least partly covered with said copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of chemistry and relates to radically coupled PTFE polymer compounds that can be used, for example, as tribo materials, and a method for the production thereof. The object of the invention is to disclose radically coupled PTFE polymer compounds which exhibit improved wear resistances with comparable gliding properties, and furthermore a simple and efficient method for the production of such compounds. The object is attained through radically coupled PTFE polymer compounds comprising radiation-chemically and/or plasma-chemically modified PTFE powders, on the particle surface of which olefinically unsaturated polymers are chemically radically coupled by a reactive conversion into a melt.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of a true tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer of the fine powder type is provided, wherein the copolymer contains polymerized comonomer units of at least one comonomer other than TFE in concentrations of at least or exceeding 1.0 weight percent, and which can exceed 5.0 weight percent, wherein the copolymer is expandable, that is, the copolymer may be expanded to produce strong, useful, expanded TFE copolymeric articles having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils.

Abstract: A hydrophobic dielectric film for electrowetting, which can drive a conductive liquid by using a low voltage and containing a vinylidene fluoride based polymer.

Abstract: Provided is a paint composition which can give a coating having excellent stretchability and further having excellent contamination resistance. A solvent-based paint composition comprises a fluorocopolymer (I), and an organic solvent (II), the fluorocopolymer (I) including: a perhaloolefin structural unit (a) that contains two carbon atoms, a vinyl acetate structural unit (b), a hydroxyl group-containing vinyl monomer structural unit (c) represented by the following formula (1): CH2?CH—O—(CH2)n—OH wherein n is an integer of 2 or more, and a carboxyl group-containing monomer structural unit (d) represented by the following formula (2): R1R2C?CR3—(CH2)m—COOH wherein R1, R2, and R3 are the same as or different from one another, and each a hydrogen atom or a C1-C10 linear or branched alkyl group; and m is an integer of 2 or more.

Abstract: The present invention involves a cross-linked carboxylic acid hydrophobically modified copolymer product in which cross-linked carboxylic acid is modified with a non-hydrocarbyl hydrophobe, namely, poly(dimethyl siloxane) or fluoronated alkyl methacrylates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making copolymers of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and vinylidene fluoride by an emulsion polymerization process having unexpectedly high melting temperatures, even at low crystallinity levels. The invention involves adjusting the microstructure of the copolymers through a controlled polymerization to obtain controlled microstructure copolymers with unique properties, including those with high melting temperature and low crystallinity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hydrophobic solid surfaces, and more particularly to polyvinylidene fluoride (PIMP) membranes having a superhydrophobic surface. The invention also relates to the process for preparing these membranes and also to the industrial applications thereof. The PVDF membranes according to the invention comprise a superhydrophobic surface comprising a structure that is porous on the nanometer scale and interconnected crystalline nodules of micrometer size.

Abstract: Process for reducing thermally induced discoloration of fluoropolymer resin produced by polymerizing fluoromonomer in an aqueous medium to form aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion and isolating said fluoropolymer from said aqueous medium to obtain said fluoropolymer resin. The process comprises: heating the fluoropolymer resin to a temperature of about 160° C. to about 400° C.; and exposing the heated fluoropolymer resin to an oxygen source.

Abstract: A process for reducing thermally induced discoloration of fluoropolymer resin produced by polymerizing fluoromonomer in an aqueous dispersion medium to form aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion and isolating said fluoropolymer from the aqueous medium to obtain the fluoropolymer resin. The process comprises: exposing the aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion to oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Process for reducing thermally induced discoloration of fluoropolymer resin produced by polymerizing fluoromonomer in an aqueous dispersion medium to form aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion and isolating fluoropolymer from said aqueous medium by separating wet fluoropolymer resin from the aqueous medium and drying to produce fluoropolymer resin. The process comprises: exposing the wet fluoropolymer resin to an oxygen source during drying.

Abstract: A process for reducing thermally induced discoloration of fluoropolymer resin produced by polymerizing fluoromonomer in an aqueous dispersion medium to form aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion and isolating said fluoropolymer from the aqueous medium to obtain the fluoropolymer resin. The process comprises: exposing the aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion to oxidizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a fluoropolymer [polymer (F)] comprising: recurring units derived from vinylidene fluoride (VDF); from 10% to 50% by moles of recurring units derived from trifluoroethylene (TrFE); and from 0.01% to 10% by moles of recurring units derived from at least one (meth)acrylic monomer [monomer (MA)] having formula (I) here below: wherein: R1, R2 and R3, equal to or different from each other, are independently selected from a hydrogen atom and a C1-C3 hydrocarbon group, and ROH represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C5 hydrocarbon moiety comprising at least one hydroxyl group. The invention also pertains to a process for the manufacture of said polymer (F) and to use of said polymer (F) as ferroelectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric or dielectric material in electrical and electronic devices.

Abstract: To provide a method for producing a PTFE fine powder having a low paste extrusion pressure property by a simple method. The method for producing a PTFE fine power comprises emulsion polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene in the presence of an aqueous medium, a fluorinated surfactant and a radical polymerization initiator, to produce an aqueous PTFE emulsion, and coagulating it in the presence of at least one bulk density-reducing compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, an ammonium salt and urea in an amount of from 0.4 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of PTFE.

Abstract: A polymer comprising recurring units derived from vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and trifluoroethylene (TrFE), such polymer comprising end groups of formula —CF2H and/or —CF2CH3 in an amount of at least 60 mmoles per kg of VDF recurring units [polymer (F)], a process for its manufacture and the use thereof as ferroelectric, piezoelectric, dielectric or pyroelectric material in electric/electronic devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a treatment method of biomass to maximize sugar yield, which uses a specific additive which can effectively adsorb lignin-derived compounds and various inhibitors of the enzymatic activity to promote saccharification of cellulose catalyzed by cellulose hydrolases, and thus can maximize sugar yield from pretreated biomass.

Abstract: Described are methods for processing material, material processing systems, and processable materials. Preferred embodiments relate to a method of and apparatus for producing formable products such as polymer products and thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: A noncrystalline fluoroelastomer which is a copolymer consisting essentially of vinylidene fluoride and a fluoromonomer represented by the general formula (1): CH2?CFRf??(1) wherein Rf is a straight or branched fluoroalkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and has a vinylidene fluoride units/fluoromonomer units mol ratio of 78/22 to 22/78 and a glass transition temperature of not higher than 25° C.

Abstract: Provided are vinylidene fluoride copolymers exhibiting higher adhesion with respect to metal foils than do conventional vinylidene fluoride copolymers, and to provide uses of the vinylidene fluoride copolymers. The vinylidene fluoride copolymers are obtained by copolymerizing vinylidene fluoride with a compound represented by Formula (A). In Formula (A), R1, R2 and R3 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom or an alkyl group; and X is an atomic group with a molecular weight of not more than 500 containing a heteroatom and having a main chain composed of 1 to 20 atoms, or is a heteroatom.

Abstract: To provide an antifouling composition which is a fluorine-type antifouling composition using a short chain perfluoroalkyl group and which is excellent in antifouling properties and water/oil repellency and presents good durability against washing. An antifouling composition comprising a fluorocopolymer which comprises from 30 to 65 mass % of polymerized units (a) having a C1-6 perfluoroalkyl group, from 1 to 67 mass % of polymerized units (b1) having —(C2H4O)— and from 3 to 34 mass % of polymerized units (b2) having —(C4H8O)—, wherein the content of —(C2H4O)— is from 20 to 65 mass %, and the content of —(C4H8O)— is from 2 to 13 mass %.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of branched fluoropolymers having long chain branches and little or no gels, by a process involving polymerization at high temperatures using persulfates and optionally multifunctional initiators. The invention also relates to gel-free, branched polymers with strain hardening produced by the process.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a fluoropolymer [polymer (F)] comprising: recurring units derived from vinylidene fluoride (VDF), and from 0.01% to 5% by moles of recurring units derived from at least one (meth)acrylic monomer [monomer (MA)] having formula (I) here below: wherein: R1, R2 and R3, equal to or different from each other, are independently selected from a hydrogen atom and a C1-C3 hydrocarbon group, and ROH represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-C5 hydrocarbon moiety comprising at least one hydroxyl group, said polymer (F) comprising end groups having formula —CF2H and/or —CF2CH3 in an amount of at least 30 mmoles per Kg of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) recurring units. The invention also pertains to a process for the manufacture of said polymer (F) and to use of said polymer (F) as binders for the manufacture of electrodes or for the manufacture of membranes.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a fluoroolefin polymer from an azeotropic mixture of monomers having a constant composition, the process including the step of: contacting in a reaction zone: (i) an initiator; and (ii) an azeotropic mixture of monomers including at least one fluoroolefin and, optionally, at least one ethylenically unsaturated comonomer capable of copolymerizing therewith; wherein the contacting is carried out at a temperature, pressure and length of time sufficient to produce the fluoroolefin polymer.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing terpolymers by polymerization of VDF (vinylidene difluoride), TrFE (trifluoroethylene), and CFE (1-chloro-1-fluoroethylene) or CTFE (chlorotrifluoroethylene) monomers in the presence of a radical polymerization initiator, characterized in that: i) an initial mixture of VDF and of TrFE, free of CFE and of CTFE, is fed into an autoclave, ii) the initiator mixed with water is injected into the autoclave so as to achieve, inside the autoclave, a pressure at least equal to 80 bar, in order to form a suspension of VDF and TrFE monomers in water, iii) a secondary mixture constituted of VDF, TrFE and CFE or CTFE is injected into the autoclave, then iv) as soon as the polymerization reaction starts, said secondary mixture is reinjected continuously into the reactor, so as to maintain therein a constant pressure of at least 80 bar.

Abstract: An ionomeric membrane formed of a sulphonic (per)fluorinated ionomer wherein the sulphonic groups are at the end of short side chains (SSC), said ionomer having: equivalent weight between 700 and 1600 g/eq; side chains of formula: —O—CF2—CF2—SO3?M+, wherein M is hydrogen or an alkaline metal; said membrane having the following combination of properties: size variations, for both the orthogonal directions xy of the plane, lower than 15%, measured after dipping of the ionomeric membrane, dried at 105° C. under vacuum for one hour, in demineralized water at 100° C. for 30 minutes; the membrane, dipped at the temperature of 50° C. for 22 hours in a water/ethanol mixture containing 40% by weight of alcohol, remains integral.