Chromis Technologies is pleased to announce that the Japan Patent Office has granted a new patent covering our proprietary class of gas-selective polymer materials. The patent (Japanese Application No. 2022-562494) protects a novel type of amorphous crosslinked fluorinated copolymer, engineered for use as the selective layer in advanced gas separation membranes.
This milestone strengthens Chromis’ global IP portfolio and reinforces our position as a leading innovator in high-performance fluoropolymer technologies for energy, environmental, and industrial markets.
Solving the Hard Problems in Gas Separation
Efficient gas separation is vital to multiple critical industries, including:
- Natural gas processing, where CO2 and H2S must be removed
- Helium recovery from natural gas streams
- Carbon capture from flue gases
- Refrigerant recovery, especially separating complex mixtures like R410a
Legacy methods — such as amine absorption and cryogenic distillation — are energy-hungry, corrosive, and hard to maintain.
Membrane-based systems offer a cleaner, simpler path, but their effectiveness depends entirely on the selective polymer layer that determines which gases get through.
That’s where Chromis adds value.
Our Innovation: Advanced Materials for Membranes
Chromis Technologies does not manufacture membranes. Instead, we supply the high-performance fluorinated polymers that coat membrane substrates — forming the critical selective layer that makes gas separation possible.
Our newly patented polymer family offers a combination of:
- Amorphous structure – promoting fast, consistent gas flow
- Heavily fluorinated chemistry – for excellent chemical resistance
- Crosslinked architecture – delivering mechanical strength, thermal stability, and long-term durability
How Crosslinking Works
During polymer synthesis, we blend in specialized crosslinker molecules. After the material is shaped into a thin film or coating, these crosslinkers are activated by heat (300°C+) or UV light, forming permanent molecular bonds that “lock” the polymer chains together into a tough, resilient network.
Why Crosslinking Matters
Crosslinking can greatly enhance the already extraordinary performance of our materials:
- Structurally tough – resistant to cracking or creep
- Thermally stable – for use at elevated operating temperatures
- Chemically resilient – immune to plasticization by hydrocarbons, CO2 and other acid gases
- Ultrathin and high-performing – enabling selective layers under 1 micron thick
- Process-ready – with flexible curing options (heat or UV)
The result is a membrane-selective layer material that delivers industrial-grade strength with best-in-class gas selectivity — ready to be coated onto flat-sheet, hollow-fiber, or other commercial membrane substrates.
Enabling Better Systems — Without Building Them
By supplying best-in-class amorphous fluorinated polymers, Chromis helps membrane manufacturers and system integrators create:
- Higher-flux membranes
- Longer-lasting, more chemically robust systems
- Lower-energy gas separation processes
- Cleaner paths to CO2 capture, refrigerant recycling, and helium recovery
We make the materials that make membranes better.
Global Recognition, Real-World Impact
The grant of this Japanese patent reflects growing international recognition of Chromis’ materials technology and its critical role in next-generation membrane design. This comes as industries worldwide race to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and reclaim valuable gases more sustainably.
We’re proud to support that effort with the polymer chemistry that makes it possible.
About Chromis Technologies
Chromis Technologies develops advanced fluoropolymer materials for use in optics, energy, and environmental systems. We specialize in solving complex technical challenges through smart materials design and robust industrial chemistry. For technical inquiries or collaboration opportunities, contact us at info@chromistechnologies.com.
FAQs
What exactly did Chromis patent?
Chromis patented a class of amorphous crosslinked fluorinated copolymers used as the selective layer material in gas separation membranes. The patent covers how these polymers are made, their chemical structure, and how they are used in separation applications.
Does Chromis manufacture membranes?
No. Chromis develops and supplies the selective polymer coatings that are applied to membrane substrates. These materials are designed to work as the active layer in flat-sheet, hollow-fiber, or other membrane formats made by our partners.
Why is crosslinking important?
Crosslinking improves mechanical strength, thermal stability, and resistance to chemical degradation. It prevents common failure modes like plasticization (softening) when exposed to gases like CO₂ or hydrocarbons.
What makes these materials different from traditional membrane polymers?
Most traditional membranes use hydrocarbon-based polymers, which can degrade over time. Chromis’ materials are heavily fluorinated and crosslinkable, making them much more durable in harsh environments— like high-pressure or corrosive gas streams.
What gases can these materials help separate?
They are particularly effective for separating:
- CO2 and H2S from natural gas (sweetening)
- Helium from hydrocarbon gas streams
- Fluorinated refrigerants in mixed gas recovery
Can these materials be used in existing membrane systems?
Yes. Our polymers are designed to be compatible with standard membrane fabrication processes, including casting, coating, and lamination on porous supports.