Keywords
Citation
(2002), "Fluoropolymers made with supercritical CO2 technology", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 49 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2002.12849ead.010
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Fluoropolymers made with supercritical CO2 technology
Fluoropolymers made with supercritical CO2 technologyKeywords: Fluoropolymers, Carbon dioxide
Du Pont Fluoroproducts has introduced what is thought to be the first commercial Du Pont Teflon fluoropolymer resins made using proprietary and fundamentally new manufacturing technology that replaces traditional water-based polymerisation with a process based on supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2).
According to Du Pont, the technology produces Teflon with enhanced performance and processing capabilities, while generating less waste. It was developed jointly by Du Pont and scientists at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. The products are being manufactured at the company's Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA, plant in a new US$40 million facility that started up in late 2000.
The process is first being used to make select melt-processible products for applications such as wire and cable insulation and brackets, flexible tubing, and industrial films. It can also be used to make other melt-processible fluoropolymers, whose applications include high-purity fluid-handling systems. The new products will be targeted at the data communications, semiconductor, automotive and other industrial markets.
Further details are available from: Du Pont (UK) Limited. Tel: +44 (0)1438 734835; Fax: +44 (0)1438 734550; E-mail: Andrew.Wilkins@gbr.dupont.com