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Chemical and industrial processes: Fluoropolymers enable a high level of efficiency and safety in various chemical and industrial manufacturing processes, helping them remain internationally competitive. Fluoropolymers contribute to corrosion and leaching prevention, fewer leaks, lower maintenance and prevention of emissions, particularly in applications involving aggressive chemical fluids. They are used in coatings, linings, piping, vessels, fluid-handling components, filters, vents and cable coatings. Corrosion costs the US economy over $250 billion per year, so even a nominal reduction in corrosion would result in avoided costs of some $2.5 billion per year to US industry;
Consumer products: A $1.5 billion industry, fluoropolymer-coated cookware provides easy-clean, non-stick properties, saving time, water and energy. Products last longer and facilitate cooking with less added fat. Consumer survey data shows strong preference both for non-stick properties in cookware and for using less fat in cooking;
Energy: Fluoropolymers have contributed to significant technical advances in solar power generation, production efficiencies in wind turbines and to the development of lithium ion batteries. The costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells have halved in recent years, with installed capacity enough to power 11.2 million American homes. Production efficiency increases of ETFE modules relative to glass provide a potential yearly saving of up to $4 billion for US PV module manufacturers. Fluoropolymers enable efficiency gains in wind turbine production. Installed capacity of both PV and wind energy is increasing quickly; a pre-requisite is unit cost reductions driven by efficiency gains. Fluoropolymers facilitate advanced energy storage and conversion technologies and are key components of lithium ion batteries;
Building and construction: Fluoropolymers provide durable, thermally stable, easy-to-clean, building materials which can both reduce building cooling costs and energy use, enabling novel “landmark” architectural designs. These include the Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA, and Denver Airport’s ETFE and PTFE fiberglass roofs.
