Robust production of semiconductors boosted demand for fluoropolymers last year. Fluoropolymers are also used for automobiles, coatings, and construction materials. In particular, coatings are the applications into which each manufacturer is directing its energies. All of these products develop coating films with excellent weatherability that can be attributed to the functions of fluoropolymers, and are building their presence in the applications for large-scale structures. In response to the announcements of declining revenues and profits by leading electronics manufacturers, the manufacturers of inorganic fluorine compounds that have been expanding their sales in IT-related products are now facing a difficult situation.
Fluorine compounds have excellent properties typified by high durability.
Inorganic fluorine compounds, meanwhile, have been used as materials for producing the intermediate products of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, reagents and catalyst supports. Each manufacturer has been directing all its energies into developing new compounds equipped with special functional groups and commercializing new fluorination methods. The IT bubble, however, burst, and a slump in the market for commodities such as cellular phones and personal computers is worse than originally expected. Manufacturers of inorganic fluorine compounds are no doubt facing a tough situation. On the other hand, some leading manufacturers are further accelerating the development of new technologies, eyeing this situation as a chance to outdistance their competitors.