Our research group invented a novel process for fluoropolymerization that is superior to the conventional emulsion polymerization in a number of key aspects. The process is carried out in supercritical carbon dioxide. More precisely speaking, the process is carried out in a binary CO2- fluoromonomer system. The process has the following merits that are very special and advantageous:

(1) Polymer of very high molecular weight up to 1,300,000
(2) Highly crystalline polymer product
(3) Non-gelling of product
(4) Monodisperse MWD
(5) Very high conversion
(6) Lower temperature process than emulsion polymerization
(7) Safe operation without fear of temperature runaway (or pressure abort)
(8) Feasibility of continuous operation
(9) Higher reactor yield of polymer per reactor volume

The process has been demonstrated for PVDF (polyvinylidenefluoride) using a minipilot supercritical polymerization process system. A U.S. patent was awarded for this novel process.

S. Lee, H. B. Lanterman, A. Sardesai, J. Wenzel, B. Marshall, J. Yen, R. Amin-Sanayei, and M. Moucharik, “Polymerization of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) in a Supercritical Fluid Medium”, U.S. Patent No. 7,091,288, August 15, 2006.

If you are interested in licensing this technology, please contact the University of Missouri Technology Transfer Office.