• Direct fluorination
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SUDFLUOR is a Cleantech expert in the use of molecular fluorine. Our R&D explores new ways of using fluorine in industry, and our services include surface treatment of materials by direct fluorination, corrosion resistance of metals, plastics durability in harsh environments and specialty fluorides synthesis.

About direct fluorination

Direct fluorination is a recognized method to modify the surface properties of materials, particularly polymers. This process enables only the chemical modification of the outermost surface layer, while retaining the material’s core properties. In the case of organic polymers, for example, the modified polymer layer is generally between 0.01 and 10 microns. This gaseous treatment, generally carried out at room temperature, makes it possible to adapt to the most complex geometries and a wide variety of materials. The chemical modification, which takes place on the surface of end-products or semi-manufactured parts, is stable and durable over time.

Direct fluorination is also used in chemical reactions as F2 is the most reactive fluorination reagent with a high oxidation capacity.  Reaction with F2 is thus the only  route to metal fluorides of the highest valency (e.g. AgF2, WF6), through direct fluorination of metals or metal oxides. It is also increasingly used in organic synthesis, as molecular fluorine is a highly selective fluorinating agent.

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Our expertise

  • Materials Expertise

    • Conducting fluorination tests on all types of materials
    • Research into new applications and development of original, industrializable processes
    • Processing of small batches
    • Technical validation of high value-added processes and pre-industrialization
    • Advice and recommendations on the use and properties of fluorination
    • Support for industrialization
    • Investigating materials’ resistance to corrosive environments

  • Implemented techniques

    • Low-temperature fluorination and oxyfluorination of plastics, carbon, natural and synthetic fibers…
    • Passivation of metals
    • Material and surface characterization techniques: microscopy, contact angle measurement, ATR-IR, hardness, thermobalance
    • Study of mechanical properties: tensile testing, thermomechanical analysis, DSC

  • Application examples

    • Protection of metals exposed to corrosive or aggressive environments
    • Modification of surface properties of plastics and fibers: adhesion, tribology, selective gas permeability, printability/wettability
    • Non-stick coatings for tooling (injection molds), e.g. fluorination of DLC coatings
    • Studies on exposure of materials to corrosive environments

WHAT WE OFFER

RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES

EXPERTISE & SUPPORT IN THE USE OF FLUORINE

HELP BALANCING PRODUCTIVITY AND ECO-SUSTAINABILITY

Salindres’ Chemical platform

A unique site in France dedicated to fluorine chemistry

The Salindres plant is one of France’s oldest chemical sites. In 1855, the Pechiney group launched its first chemical activity with the production of sulfuric acid, soda ash and lime chloride. This was followed by aluminum production in 1860 and the very first production of hydrofluoric acid in 1899.

Since then, activities have evolved over the years, but the site has maintained a close relationship with fluorine chemistry right up to the present day. Today, Solvay operates the site and uses anhydrous HF to manufacture fluorinated molecules.

The Salindres chemical platform is also home to Axens (a subsidiary of Institut Français du Pétrole) and the Groupement d’Intérêt Economique Chimie. The latter supplies energy to the companies located on the site, treats the platform’s liquid effluents and manages general services. The chemical platform is classified under the European SEVESO high threshold directive.

SUDFLUOR has been based on the Salindres chemical platform since 2016, and thus benefits from all the industrial infrastructures required for its business specializing in molecular fluorine chemistry.

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SUDFLUOR’s Green Tiger generators

Fluorine gas generation and use finally made safer and easy

Our Green Tiger generators have been developed with particular attention to personal safety. They have also been designed to be easy to use and install close to the process. To illustrate their ease of installation and functionality, take a look at the GT Discovery installation video by clicking on the link below.