Benefits of fluoropolymers for green technology

Since the introduction of the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC) in 2009, the deployment of renewables has kept growing yearly, reaching more than 22% in 2020. The 2022 study 'EU’s global leadership in renewables' confirms that the EU is already in a leading position for renewables technology development and deployment. 

The terms ‘green energy’ and ‘renewable energy’ are often used interchangeably, but there is one essential and sometimes confusing difference between them. While most green energy sources are also renewable, not all renewable energy sources are considered entirely green.

Fluoropolymers offer a unique range of properties that are sought after by green technology manufacturers and offer the following benefits:

• Protection against extreme weather and environments
• Protection against corrosion
• Resistance to chemicals, acids and solvents
• Insulation against electricity and extreme temperatures
• Tensile strength and resistant to high working pressures
• Improved durability by increasing the lifespan of components
• Improved efficiency and safety
• Fire resistance
• Design flexibility

Green technology applications benefiting from fluoropolymers:

• Fuel cell and and flow state batteries
• Fuel tubes and hoses 
• Composite structural components that provide lighter weight and fuel efficiency for both aerospace and automotive applications
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells
• Gaskets and seals preventing leaks and environmental releases
• Solar panels and wind turbines
• Fluoropolymer coatings are used in offshore wind, wave, tidal, solar and hydro electric power applications

Fluoropolymers are also helping to enable the recently published Hydrogen Strategy, which sets a 13% target for clean ‘green’ hydrogen in the energy mix by 2050. Some of the most common components in hydrogen power storage and production, including fuel cells and electrolyzers used in water, are manufactured using fluoropolymers.

To find out how Fluorocarbon can help your latest green project contact info@fluorocarbon.co.uk