SBIR Phase II: Commercialization of Perfluorocyclobutyl Polymers for Integrated Optics and Other High Performance Applications

This SBIR Phase II project proposes to pursue commercialization of perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) polymer products successfully developed during Phase I. High performance fluoropolymers, whose structure can be readily adjusted to achieve performance targets and which can be easily processed are in demand for next generation technologies including integrated optics, fuel cell membranes, gas separation membranes, and deep UV lithography. Tetramer's patented PFCB polymers exhibit superior processing and performance advantages including excellent molding and extrusion capability, unmatched thermal stability, zero by-products during polymerization and fabrication, and the ability to tune properties for these large market applications that promise significant growth from to their global economic attractiveness and strategic military importance to the United States. This distinctive activity will enhance scientific and technological knowledge in both academia and industry for such diverse technically driven fields as lower cost higher data rate integrated optics, fuel cell membranes, white light LEDs, and gas separation membranes and particularly the discipline of polymer chemistry due to its structural versatility. After protecting intellectual property, Tetramer plans to share the results through published papers, and university and industrial seminars. This project will also contribute to US global leadership in the above fields of strategic commercial and military interest.