Assessment of Fluoropolymer Production and Use With Analysis of Alternative Replacement Materials
This report focuses on fluoropolymers, which are a subgroup of the much larger class of fluorinated chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Clearly distinguishing fluoropolymers is important to understanding their distinctive chemical properties, associated risks and benefits, and roles in commerce. In this report, the factors that are considered in a lifecycle assessment (LCA) of fluoropolymers will be discussed. These include the manufacturing of fluoropolymers, their use in industry, and available replacement technologies. Emphasis is placed on fluoropolymer plastics because of their extensive use in the commerce sectors considered here, specifically aerospace, automotive, battery, building construction, chemical processing, electronics, infrastructure, semiconductor, solar panel, and wind energy industries.
Research Organization: Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), Aiken, SC (United States); Vanderbilt Univ., Nashville, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Environmental Management (EM)
Report Number(s): SRNL-STI-2023-00587; TRN: US2410742
Country of Publication: United States
Language: English
Jacobs, Stephanie A., Kosson, David S., Brown, Kevin G., Cutshaw, Ashley, Conrad, Justin, Feraldi, Rebe, Ferguson, Lee, Guelfo, Jennifer, Hawkins, Troy, James, Julie, Jamieson, Matt, Kugler, Alex, Motkuri, Radha Kishan, Stringer-Hye, Richard, Torgeson, Joshua, Unger, Scott, & Zhang, Jingyi (2024). Assessment of Fluoropolymer Production and Use With Analysis of Alternative Replacement Materials. https://doi.org/10.2172/2370520