AGC Inc. recently announced the company has developed an innovative process to manufacture fluoropolymers without the use of surfactants (hereinafter "the technology"). Using the technology, AGC reports that it aims to achieve a continuous and stable supply of fluoropolymers.

Some fluoropolymers have been conventionally manufactured through a method called emulsion polymerization using fluorinated surfactants as polymerization aids. In the past few years, there has been a growing demand for the development of manufacturing technologies not using fluorinated surfactants. However, some other currently developed technologies using non-fluorinated surfactants have some issues, such as the generation of fluorinated byproducts and inferior performance of products compared to those manufactured through conventional technologies. 

The technology AGC has developed makes it possible to manufacture fluoropolymers having the same type of high-performance properties as those produced by conventional methods with an extremely low generation of fluorinated byproducts, without using any surfactants.

Fluoropolymers produced using the technology demonstrate the same kind of properties as those of conventional products, such as heat resistance, cold resistance, chemical resistance, durability, and other properties. The technology is currently in development with the aim of starting industrial-scale production by 2030.

As part of its key strategy in the medium-term management plan AGC plus-2026, AGC Group aims to strengthen its sustainability management and create three social values: Blue Planet (realization of a sustainable global environment), Innovation (creation of an innovative future society) and Well-being (contribution to a safe and secure living). Through the development and application of the technology, the AGC Group will continue to provide safe, reliable, and highly essential products and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

AGC Chemicals Americas is a global subsidiary of AGC Inc. Headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, AGC Chemicals Americas maintains manufacturing operations in nearby Thorndale, Pennsylvania, a satellite sales office in Guaratinguetá, Brazil, and warehouses located throughout North America. Learn more at www.agcchem.com.