DuPont Plunkett Awards Recognize Innovations with Fluoropolymers

New insulated wire to downsize computer transformers, an environmentally friendly capacitor element for mobile phones and an anti-static membrane for work clothes that cut explosion risk were among the top applications recognized recently at an awards ceremony.

"The winners of this year's Plunkett Awards again demonstrate the valuable contributions of Teflon® in innovations that make a difference in people's lives by reducing costs or improving performance," said Tim McCann, global business director for DuPont Fluoropolymers.

The top prize for the Americas region went to Rubadue Wire Co., Greeley, Colorado, for triple-insulated wire that allows lower-cost production of smaller, more efficient transformers for computer power supplies and other devices. Replacing traditional enamel-coated magnet wire, Rubadue's TCA3 wire relies on the outstanding dielectric properties of Tefzel® to deliver superior insulation while reducing transformer bulk.

W.L. Gore & Associates GmbH of Putzbrunn, Germany, was the first-place European winner. Its anti-static version of Gore-Tex® laminate was developed for protective clothing used in environments involving flammable gases or fumes. Gore-Tex® Workwear anti-static membrane effectively dissipates dangerous static charges with a conductive grid 10,000 times denser than conventional conductive grids, according to Gore engineers. The anti-static material maintains the breathable, waterproof and windproof characteristics of standard Gore-Tex® membranes, which also are made with Teflon® PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

Nippon Valqua Industries, Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan, took first place in the Asia-Pacific region for an electrode membrane that allows a new, environmentally cleaner approach to backup power sources for mobile phones and personal computers. Made with Teflon® PTFE, the membrane is used to fabricate double-layer electric capacitors that store and discharge energy using physical phenomena. Unlike batteries, the capacitors require neither chemical reactions nor heavy metals.

The DuPont Plunkett Awards 2002 regional winners received USD 5,000 for first place, USD 3,000 for second place and USD 1,500 for third place.

The awards were established in 1988 in honor of the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Teflon® PTFE fluoropolymer resin by DuPont scientist Roy Plunkett.