New PFOA-free fluorinated resin unveiled

03-Oct-08

Asahi Glass Co. (AGC) recently announced the introduction of its Fluon® PTFE E-SERIES, a new line of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) products not containing salts of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The applications of Fluon® PTFE E-SERIES includes wire & cable insulation, cookware coatings, parts for electronics, hose and tubing and the like. The company wishes to commercialize Fluon® PTFE E-SERIES beginning in early 2009 and targets for complete conversion of its current PTFE products to Fluon® PTFE E-SERIES by the end of 2010. Conventionally, PFOA has been widely used as a polymerization surfactant for fluoropolymer products, including PTFE. However, concerns have been expressed about its persistence and widespread presence in the environment. AGC is participating in the global stewardship program to elimate the use of PFOA, its precursors and higher homolog chemicals, along with 7 other companies. As a result of such efforts, AGC has successfully developed a new high-performance surfactant as an alternative to PFOA. By using this new surfactant, AGC is able to manufacture the Fluon® PTFE E-SERIES products. The company's new surfactant has already been certified in Japan under its Chemical Substances Control Law, and has been approved for use in the U.S. under the U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). AGC is also in the process of registering the new surfactant in the EU under the REACH program.