Arkema Inc.

David A Seiler

Gregory Scott O'Brien

Sean Michael Stabler

David Shin-Ren Liu

Thomas F Roland

Ramin Amin-Sanayei

James J Henry

Mark A Aubart

Walter Phillip Kosar

Adam W Freeman

Adam Wade Freeman

Mark Anthony Aubart

Gregory S O'brien

Leo T Hutton

Sean M Stabler

The invention relates to fluoropolymer filament for use in 3-D printing, and 3-D printed fluoropolymer articles having low warpage, excellent chemical resistance, excellent water resistance, flame resistance, and good mechanical integrity. Additionally, the articles of the invention have good shelf life without the need for special packaging. In particular, the invention relates to filament, 3-D printed polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) articles, and in particular material extrusion 3-D printing. The articles may be formed from PVDF homopolymers, copolymers, such as KYNAR&#xae; resins from Arkema, as well as polymer blends with appropriately defined low shear melt viscosity. The PVDF may optionally be a filled PVDF formulation. The physical properties of the 3-D printed articles can be maximized and warpage minimized by optimizing processing parameters.

3-D printed fluoropolymer structures

The invention relates to a heterogeneous, co-continuous copolymer composition of vinylidene fluoride and at least one other comonomer. Preferred comonomers are hexafluoropropylene and perfluoroalkylvinyl ether. The co-continuous morphology is provide by first forming a first phase polymer, then adding one or more comonomers before half of the original monomer stream has been added, and at an effective level to cause phase separation of the copolymer. The co-continuous morphology provides a means for incorporating a high level of comonomer into the copolymer with little or no adverse effect on the melting temperature. The morphology also provides the copolymer composition with a unique combination of properties, including a high melting point, good flexibility and good low temperature impact resistance. The unique properties of the polymer make it useful in end-use application where those properties provide performance advantages, such as in the wire and cable market, and in oil and gas applications.

Heterogeneous, co-continuous copolymers of vinylidene fluoride

The invention relates to a porous separation article having a fluoropolymer, polyamide, PEEK, or PEKK binder interconnecting one or more types of interactive powdery materials or fibers. The interconnectivity is such that the binder connects the powdery materials or fibers in discrete spots rather than as a complete coating, allowing the materials or fibers to be in direct contact with, and interact with a fluid. The resulting article is a formed multicomponent, interconnected web, with porosity. The separation article is useful in water purification, as well as in the separation of dissolved or suspended materials in both aqueous and non-aqueous systems in industrial uses. The separation article can function at ambient temperature, as well as at elevated temperatures.

Porous separation article and separation method

The invention relates to chemically resistant structures that float on top of a liquid to reduce the level of evaporation from the liquid. The liquid could be in a small container or vat, or in a larger pool, pond, or reservoir. The structure is preferably a foamed material of a polyamide or fluoropolymer, or may be a hollow or foamed structure having a polyamide or fluoropolymer outer layer. The structures covering the liquid may consist of a single structure or two or more discrete structures that partially or fully cover the surface of a liquid. The covering is especially useful where the fluid contains toxic, reactive or corrosive substances. One preferred structure is a polyvinylidene fluoride foam structure (such as a KYNAR from Arkema Inc) at about 0.1-36 inches in length/diameter.

Chemical resistant evaporation control structures

The invention relates to a porous separation article having a fluoropolymer or polyamide binder interconnecting one or more types of interactive powdery materials or fibers. The interconnectivity is such that the binder connects the powdery materials or fibers in discrete spots rather than as a complete coating, allowing the materials or fibers to be in direct contact with, and interact with a fluid. The resulting article is a formed multicomponent, interconnected web, with porosity. The separation article is useful in water purification, as well as in the separation of dissolved or suspended materials in both aqueous and non-aqueous systems in industrial uses. The separation article can function at ambient temperature, as well as at elevated temperatures.

Porous separation article

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Garnet Valley, PA, United States of America

David A Seiler