Solvay Eliminates the need for Fluorosurfactants

Solvay Eliminates the Need for Fluorosurfactants Solvay, a global leader in fluorochemistry, is launching a new line of high performance Tecnoflon® peroxide curable fluoroelastomers (FKM) that are made without fluorosurfactants (a type of PFAS used as process aids). The proprietary new technology, known as NFS (non-fluorosurfactant), represents a breakthrough in FKM polymerization and aligns with Solvay's sustainability roadmap, Solvay One Planet, as the company leads the fluoropolymers industry toward a more sustainable economy. [caption id="attachment_141078" align="aligncenter"] Solvay eliminates the need for PFAS-based process aids in its Tecnoflon® FKM portfolio.(Photo: Solvay, PR030)[/caption] "Our peroxide curable FKM portfolio has always been the broadest in the industry making Tecnoflon® a premier brand with our customers" said Georges Houtappel, Executive Vice President, Automotive Business, Solvay Materials. "This unique new non-fluorosurfactant polymerization process underscores our leadership in innovation, confirming our firm commitment to increase capacity and create a sustainable future." Solvay will begin mass sampling of the new Tecnoflon® peroxide curable grades in July 2022, allowing the market to test and adopt the NFS technology before the portfolio's global roll-out. By the first quarter of 2024, Tecnoflon® FKM is aimed to be converted to NFS. FKM rubbers that cure with peroxide are used in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, chemical processing, electronics, and healthcare. Seals, gaskets, O-rings, and hoses are all common components. Source