Dyneon completes the fluoropolymer cycle: A hat-trick for the environment
The recycling method developed by Dyneon reclaims full-value raw materials. This is the only process in the world that retains the high-performance properties of fluoropolymers during recycling.
15. Nov. 2011
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Footballers that score three goals in a row are said to have scored a hat-trick. This sporting feat is something that only exceptionally talented players can achieve. Dyneon, however has done just that with three innovative technologies that will set the standard around the world for environmentally-friendly fluoropolymer manufacture.
In collaboration with a team of researchers from the University of Bayreuth, Dyneon has developed a patented method to fully recycle perfluorinated polymers such as PTFE and becomes the first manufacturer of fluoropolymers to show how the cycle for this high-performance material can be completed. A demonstration plant that is currently under consideration would be able to almost completely recycle up to 500 tonnes of PTFE during the initial phase of operation. The reclaimed monomers flow back into the production process for new fluoropolymers. Contrary to all other processes known on the market, the Dyneon process creates full-value raw materials for production. Moreover, the pilot plant can also process products from PTFE compounds, products with fillers such as carbon fibres and fluoropolymers enriched with glass.
Industrial standard: During the initial phase of operation, the demonstration plant being considered by Dyneon should recycle 500 tonnes of PTFE and PTFE compounds per year.
Recycling is of great importance to the automobile industry in particular. The amount of PTFE products in modern motors, with optimised fuel consumption, is increasing because they are the only ones that fulfil the high requirements. On the other hand, since 2006, the EU directive on end-of-life vehicles has prescribed a recycling quota of 85% by weight when cars are being scrapped. This will increase to 95% in 2015. With its recycling method, Dyneon is therefore solving a crucial customer problem.
Dyneon has already twice set new technological standards for the environmentally-friendly manufacture of fluoropolymers. Firstly, chemical engineers from Gendorf implemented innovative retention and recycling technologies for the emulsifier PFOA and thereby significantly lowered emissions. Another global premier was the development of a replacement emulsifier for PFOA with changeover seven years before the voluntary agreement of the industry.
Now, what’s it called if a footballer scores four goals in a row?
We also published an article about this topic in GAK – Gummi Fasern Kunststoffe 12/2011, P. 727.
Only available in German.
You can download it here.
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