Japan-based materials giant AGC Inc. (TYO: 5201) has announced the commercial launch of a new grade of its high-performance fluoroelastomer, “AFLAS FFKM,” developed without the use of surfactants or fluorinated polymerization solvents — a first for the company. The new SF grades mark a major milestone in environmentally conscious polymer manufacturing, particularly within the demanding semiconductor industry.
The move reflects growing industry pressure to eliminate fluorinated compounds considered persistent in the environment. AGC said the innovation, made possible by its proprietary Surfactant-Free & Fluoro Solvent-Free Technology, delivers performance on par with conventional materials while aligning with the tightening sustainability standards of global electronics manufacturers.
The new product will initially serve high-temperature applications, with commercial shipments beginning this month. AGC plans to progressively expand the technology to other categories of its AFLAS FFKM series.
“This is a critical breakthrough,” the company said in a statement. “While surfactants and fluorinated solvents were long considered indispensable for producing high-performance FFKM, customer demand—especially from the semiconductor industry—has pushed the need for alternative manufacturing technologies.”
AGC’s FFKM materials are renowned for their superior resistance to heat, chemicals, and plasma—properties that are essential in semiconductor etching processes. The AFLAS FFKM series is widely used as a sealing solution in etching equipment, where plasma resistance translates into longer maintenance cycles and enhanced operational safety.
Traditionally, surfactants and fluorinated solvents have played a vital role in enhancing polymerization reactivity and efficiency. However, their environmental footprint has prompted regulatory scrutiny and customer pushback, especially from sectors committed to green supply chains.
The company noted that several attempts across the industry to produce surfactant-free FFKM had struggled to meet required performance benchmarks. AGC’s success in overcoming these technical hurdles stems from years of research into advanced polymerization techniques.
Yoshinori Hirai, President of AGC, framed the development as part of the company’s broader strategy to “Look Beyond” — its corporate philosophy emphasizing forward-thinking materials innovation. “We will continue to contribute to the realization of a safe, secure, and sustainable society,” he said.
AGC, a global leader in glass, chemicals, and advanced materials, is positioning the solvent-free FFKM as a competitive differentiator amid growing regulatory and environmental demands on the semiconductor and industrial sealing markets.
With the launch, AGC adds further momentum to its shift toward greener materials science, even as the semiconductor industry itself undergoes rapid transformation to balance performance and sustainability.
