Electro Plating, High-Purity Solvents

Potassium Perflurobutane Sulfonate (FC 98)

Potassium Perfluorobutane Sulfonate, commonly known by its commercial designation FC-98 or PFBSK, is a high-performance anionic fluorinated surfactant and flame retardant additive. Chemically represented by CAS number 29420-49-3, this salt consists of a perfluorinated four-carbon chain attached to a sulfonate group with a potassium cation. It has gained significant prominence as a sustainable alternative to long-chain perfluorinated compounds like PFOS due to its lower bioaccumulation potential. As a white or yellowish crystalline powder, FC-98 exhibits exceptional thermal stability and chemical resistance, making it ideal for high-temperature processing environments. Its primary mechanism involves reducing surface tension and facilitating the formation of a protective char layer during combustion. This material is particularly valued in the polycarbonate industry for providing transparency while achieving rigorous fire safety standards without compromising mechanical properties. Its regulatory profile and efficiency at very low concentrations make it a critical component in modern polymer engineering and specialty chemical manufacturing.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Superior thermal stability up to 450 degrees Celsius.
Excellent flame retardancy at extremely low dosage levels.
Maintains optical clarity and transparency in polymer resins.
Lower environmental impact compared to long-chain fluorinated compounds.
Halogen-free performance when utilized in specific plastic formulations.
Non-corrosive nature preserves manufacturing equipment and molds.
High efficiency in smoke suppression during combustion events.
Compatible with a wide range of engineering thermoplastic materials.
Minimal impact on the physical and mechanical resin properties.
Cost-effective solution due to high active ingredient concentration.
Enhanced chemical resistance against harsh solvents and degradation.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Chemical Formula: C4F9KO3S with high purity crystalline structure.
Decomposition temperature exceeds standard melt processing ranges for PC.
Acts as a nucleating agent for char formation during fire.
Solubility optimized for homogenous dispersion in melt compounding.
Moisture content controlled below 0.1 percent for stability.
Particle size distribution tailored for rapid polymer integration.
pH neutral characteristics prevent degradation of sensitive polymer chains.
Low volatile organic compound emission during high heat extrusion.
Compliant with REACH and global environmental regulatory frameworks.
Surface activity facilitates uniform distribution across complex macromolecular lattices.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Flame retardant additive for transparent and opaque polycarbonate.
Component in electronics housings requiring UL 94 V-0 ratings.
Safety additive for automotive interior and exterior plastic parts.
Manufacturing of aerospace components where fire safety is paramount.
Used in high-performance coatings as a leveling surfactant agent.
Integration into electrical switchgear and connector resin systems.
Additive for construction materials including lighting fixtures and lenses.
Functional surfactant for specialized chemical synthesis and processing.
Protective layer additive for lithium-ion battery separators.
Essential for producing fire-resistant medical devices and specialized laboratory equipment.