Febex produces technical raw materials based on phosphorus, designed for numerous worldwide niche markets. Particularly oriented towards the electronics market, Febex products are of extremely high purity and of a reliable and consistent quality. Its core values make Febex one of the major actors on its markets.
Febex has been present in the chemical industry for 100 years, and has adapted to the markets’ requirements over the years. Production methods developed over time have enabled the evolution of commodity products towards top of the range premium products. Today, electronics are at the heart of Febex’s activities. The services associated with its range of products, Febex’s core values, bring a considerable added value.
Febex has been from 1976 to 2022 part of the Number One of the French Chemical Industry Arkema group. Since 2023 Febex is now part of the Belgium group Prayon.
With its unique thermal process, Febex has developed a wide range of Phosphoric Acid, designed to meet the individual needs of its customers. Along with its associated services, Febex stands out with its ultra-high purity product, adapted to electronic and pharmaceutical applications.
Phosphoric Acid crystallization
| Applications | Markets |
| Acidifying agent | Electronics industry |
| Cleaning agent | Pharmaceutical industry |
| Polishing agent | Chemical industry |
| Organic synthesis | Car industry |
| Catalyst | Agrifood industry |
| Water treatment | Cosmetics industry |
| Ortho Phosphoric Acid |
|
| Chemical Formula | H3PO4 |
| N° CAS | 7664-38-2 |
| N° CE | 231-633-2 |
One of Febex’s added benefits is its flexibility. We are capable of providing bespoke Phosphoric Acid by allowing customers the choice of:
Our laboratory equipment allows us to adapt the technical specifications in order to meet the individual needs of our customers. With our state of the art production facilities, we can provide the required P2O5 content and deliver a product that is ready to use.
Our standard packaging for liquid phosphoric acid is:
The crystallized phosphoric acid is conditioned in 25 kg buckets.
Please enquire for any other conditioning and packaging requirements.
Febex’s industrial and analytical equipment enables us to produce phosphoric acid according to individual specifications, conformity guaranteed.
The unique thermal process developed by Febex allows a reduction of the impurity content to a concentration on the level of the ppb. Combustion of phosphorus is the first phase of the process. Depending on the desired quality, several purification steps follow, enabling the elimination of impurities according to the specific requests of our customers. One of these steps eliminates Arsenic, a critical element for most industries. The concentration of the solution is then adjusted to the desired level. A crystallization step generates a 99% phosphoric acid in crystal form.
The electronics phosphoric acid is then conditioned in a clean room. This excludes all forms of contamination and guarantees the level of particles during filling. The Certificate of Analysis is issued based on tests performed on a sample collected just before conditioning.
Our Polyphosphoric Acid ranges from 102 to 118%. It is a hygroscopic, viscous solution, whose mainstream applications are in organic synthesis, in the polymer industry and in the fine chemical industry. Of a higher quality than those generally produced on the market, the purity of our pyro/polyphosphoric acids is the result of strictly controlled sourcing and manufacturing processes.
Polyphosphoric acid is produced from phosphoric acid by means of a polycondensation reaction, during which the phosphoric acid forms chains by eliminating water molecules.
Its concentration is generally indicated in monomer equivalent, from 102% to 118%. It can also be expressed as a P2O5-equivalent from 73.5% to 86%. A distinction is made between pyrophosphoric acid with a concentration of 102% to 109% and polyphosphoric acid with a concentration of 110% to 118%. Polyphosphoric acid is a polymer according to REACh ((CE) N°1907/2006, Article 3). The product obtained is viscous and hygroscopic.
Polyphosphoric Acid 116% viscosity illustrated in laboratory
The superior quality of our pyrophosphoric and polyphosphoric acid is greatly appreciated on our markets. We master the quality of our raw material because we manufacture it ourselves. Our phosphoric acid is extremely pure, thus limiting contamination by impurities. Furthermore, we use dedicated equipment for production.
| GRADE | H3PO4% masse | P205% masse | Ni (ppm) | Cu (ppm) | Fe(ppm) | Pb(ppm) | Densité(25°C) | *Ortho(% w/w) | *Pyro(% w/w) | *Tri(% w/w) | *Tetra(% w/w) | *Penta(% w/w) | *Hexa(% w/w) | *> Hexa(% w/w) |
| PPA 102 | 101.5-103.0 | 73.5-74.5 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 1 | ≈1.89 | 69-79 | 23-30 | < 3 | – | – | – | – |
| PPA 104 | 103.3-104.7 | 75.0-76.0 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 1 | ≈1.91 | 49-56 | 39-42 | 5-8 | < 1 | – | – | – |
| PPA 105 | 104.3-105.7 | 75.5-76.5 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 1 | ≈1.92 | 40-56 | 39-46 | 5-11 | < 1 | – | – | – |
| PPA 107 | 106.3-107.7 | 76.5-77.5 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 1 | ≈1.96 | 27-49 | 42-50 | 8-17 | 1-5 | < 2 | – | – |
| PPA 108 | 107.3-108.7 | 77.7-78.7 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 1 | ≈1.96 | |||||||
| PPA 111 | 110.5-112.0 | 80.0-81.1 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 1 | ≈1.99 | |||||||
| PPA 113 | 112.5-114 | 81.5-82.5 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 1 | ≈2.02 | 5-8 | 20-27 | 16-22 | 16-17 | 11-13 | 6-9 | 9-21 |
| PPA 115 | 113.5-116.3 | 82.5-83.5 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 1 | ≈2.04 | 4-6 | 17-20 | 15-17 | 15-16 | 12-13 | 8-10 | 21-24 |
| PPA 116 | 114.5-117.3 | 83.5-84.5 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 1 | ≈2.05 | 3-5 | 11-17 | 11-15 | 13-16 | 12-13 | 9-10 | 24-40 |
| PPA 117 | 116.0-118.0 | 84-85 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 1 | ≈2.07 | 2-4 | 7-11 | 8-11 | 11-13 | 10-12 | 9-10 | 39-52 |
| PPA 118 | ≥ 117.4 | 84-86 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 1 | ≤ 10 | ≤ 1 | ≈2.08 | 2-4 | 6-8 | 7-9 | 10-12 | 10-11 | 9-10 | 34-42 |
| Applications | Markets |
| Cleaning Agent | Fine Chemicals |
| Polishing Agent | Electronics Industry |
| Catalyst | Pharmaceutical Industry |
| Acidifying Agent | Chemical Industry |
|
Intermediate for Organic Synthesis |
Plastics Industry |
| Polymerization inhibitor | Car Industry |
| Construction | |
| Polymers | |
| Petrochemicals | |
| Paints | |
| Water Treatment |
| PolyPhosphoric Acid & Acide PyroPhosphoric Acid |
|
| Chemical Formula | H(n+2)PnO(3n+1) |
| N° CAS | 8017-16-1 |
| N° CE | 232-417-0 |
Fine chemicals, pharmaceutics, and petrochemicals
Polyphosphoric acid can be used as a catalyst or as a dehydrating, condensation or cyclization agent in organic synthesis.
Metal processing
Polyphosphoric acid enables chemical and electrolytic polishing on steel, titanium or aluminum based metal pieces.
Flame retardant for polyurethane
The phosphate polyols used in the manufacturing of these foams can be produced from polyphosphoric acid.
Febex is the only manufacturer of sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO2) outside of China. The specifications of our three grades of Sofibex are catered to meet the stringent requirements of state of the art applications such as electronics.
Our Sodium Hypophosphite, marketed under the brand Sofibex, is manufactured from a mixture of caustic soda, lime and phosphorous. It is then separated from the by-products of this reaction and purified. The crystallization is the last step of the purification process. It is followed by automatic conditioning in 25 kg bags. We also pack in 500 kg or 1000 kg big bags. Our process and know-how give Sofibex characteristics that render it unique and of the best quality on the market.
Sodium Hypophosphite crystallization
The monitoring of the calcium content and the concentration throughout the production chain ensure the yield and the quality of the product. A well-controlled crystallization process transforms Sodium Hypophosphite into liquid crystals. This facilitates the manipulation of the product, namely solution treatment. With our product, no filtration after solubilization. At Febex, we also offer a turnkey product, in a 60% solution (810g/L), conditioned in IBC of 1 250 kg.
Our range is made up of three high quality Sodium Hypophosphite, to cater to the requirements of each market:
| Applications | Markets |
| Antioxidant agent | Electronics industry |
| Anti-yellowing agent | Pharmaceutics industry |
| Cleaning agent | Cosmetics industry |
| Polishing agent | Chemical industry |
| Additive | Plastics industry |
| Catalyst | Car industry |
| Fiberglass components | Construction |
| Building insulation | Polymers |
| Reducing agent | |
| UV stabilizer | |
Market leader in nickel-plating, Sofibex is recognized for the homogeneity of the nickel deposit. This deposit protects the metal component from heat and corrosion or gives plastic components a metallic aspect. Our products are greatly appreciated in mechanical engineering, especially the automobile industry, as well as in the electronics industry. The level of phosphorous incorporated in the layer of nickel is superior to 11%, thus lending it anti-magnetic properties.
| Sodium Hypophosphite | |
| Chemical Formula | NaH2PO2 ·H2O |
| N° CAS | 7681-53-0, 10039-56-2 |
| N° CE | 231-669-9 |
Potassium hypophosphite was developed by Febex as an alternative to Sodium Hypophosphite. Its improved solubility is greatly appreciated for application in electroless metal plating.
The synthesis of Potassium Hypophosphite was developed to meet the requests of our clients. As an alternative to Sodium Hypophosphite, this salt offers improved solubility. The industrialization of the process took place in the second half of 2014.
Potassium Hypophosphite is characterized by its superior solubility compared to Sodium Hypophosphite. Sodium Hypophosphite allows the dissolution of ~810 g/L, while with Potassium Hypophosphite a solution >1000 g/L is possible. This property is of great value for electroless metal plating, extending the finished product’s operating life.
The meticulous selection of our raw material begins with a strict approval procedure. In conjunction with a rigorous control of our laboratory, we are able to guarantee quality and stability.
This product is exclusively available in an aqueous solution of min 70% (1 022 g/L). In this way we provide a turnkey, ready to use solution. Our packaging standards include:
• 40 kg drums
• 80 kg drums
• 320 kg drums
• 1400 kg IBC
| Potassium Hypophosphite | |
| Chemical Formula | KH2PO2 |
| N° CAS | 7782-87-8 |
| N° CE | 231-967-9 |
Manufactured from Suisse Febex’s Sodium Hypophosphite, our hypophosphorous acid is monitored throughout the entire value chain. With its pharmaceutical and technical grades, Febex caters to different markets for applications with specific requirements.
Hypophosphorous Acid (HPA), chemical formula H3PO2, is produced from our Sodium Hypophosphite, manufactured in Switzerland (NaH2PO2). The obtained HPA water solution has a concentration of 50%. The reaction consists in replacing the sodium (Na+) with an H+ proton by means of an ion exchange column.
Ion-exchange column for production of Hypophosphorous Acid
We ensure the quality of our product throughout the entire value chain, from the raw material to the finished product, with ongoing analyses during the process. The manufacturing process is automated and the line is dedicated entirely to the production of Hypophosphorous Acid.
We manufacture two grades of Hypophosphorous Acid. The technical grade is suitable for applications in the chemical industry, electroplating, etc. The other grade was specifically developed for the pharmaceutical industry and can serve as an active principal, reducing agent or whitening agent.
| Applications | Markets |
| Antioxidant agent | Electronics industry |
| Antiyellowing agent | Pharmaceutical industry |
| Emulsifier agent | Cosmetics industry |
| Dispersion agent | Chemical industry |
| Whitening agent | Plastics industry |
| Polishing agent | Car industry |
| Additive | Polymers |
| Catalyst | Paints |
| Reducing agent | Inks |
Our standard packaging for this product is:
| Hypophosphorous Acid | |
|
Chemical Formula |
H3PO2 |
| N° CAS | 6303-21-5 |
| N° CE | 228-601-5 |
Calcium phosphite is a coproduct of sodium hypophosphite and a source of phosphorus commonly used in a fertilizer or pesticide. It has superior properties for these uses than phosphate.
Calcium phosphite, CaHPO3, is obtained during the production of sodium hypophosphite. After a first stage where lime, caustic soda and elemental phosphorous are mixed, the calcium phosphite is separated from sodium hypophosphite through filtration, and then dehydrated.
Subject to the same quality control as its co-product, our calcium phosphite is extremely pure, and highly concentrated in phosphorous. The phosphite content is minimum 90%, amounting to a P2O5 equivalent of ~45%. The product comes in the form of white powder, conditioned in 900 kg big bags.
Calcium phosphite is a source of phosphorus commonly used in the field of fertilizers, for example for green turf for golf. The product is also used as a slow release fertilizer or as a fungicide. The advantage of calcium phosphite is that it is nearly inert. It distills low and constant doses of phosphate to the plants, thus requiring 30 to 50% less phosphite than phosphate to obtain similar yields[1]. Since its integration into the ecosystem is slower and the quantities released are lower than with a phosphate treatment, the level of phosphate released into the waterways is extremely low.
[1] Phosphite- a new fertilizer ? by Louis-Marie Houdebine –SPS nr. 304, April 2013
| Calcium Hydrogen Phosphite | |
|
Chemical Formula |
CaHPO3 |
| N° CAS | 21056-98-4 |
| N° CE | 244-182-1 |
Electronics is Febex’s main market, thanks to its dedicated products of the highest purity and its long-standing expertise. Our high technology equipments, such as the clean room, position us as the leader on the European markets.
In 1989, Febex produced its first electronic-grade phosphoric acid. Benefiting from 25 years’ experience, analyses and development, we have acquired world-renowned expertise in the electronics sector. Febex developed its range of products to cater to the specific requirements of its markets.
The production of phosphoric acid is made up of different steps, resulting in different qualities depending on the application. Electronics requires the highest possible purity, especially in regards to metals such as iron. Several purification steps ensure that impurities do not exceed the level of the ppb. The production unit of the electronic grades is situated in a dedicated building.
Processing takes place in a clean room and is monitored by a particle counter. Any form of exterior contamination is thus excluded throughout the production chain. The choice of production equipment is strategic to prevent contamination by metals, particularly iron, chrome, or nickel, or by alkalines.
Superbex, with an iron content below 2 ppm, is mainly used in first generation electronic equipment component production plants and in the TFT-LCD screen industry.
Ultrabex is electronic-grade with ultra-low iron contents: from 200 ppb (IC200[1]) to 50 ppb (IC50). With minute traces of impurities and stringent analyses, Ultrabex is ideal for applications requiring an extremely high purity and particle control, such as the manufacturing of electronic microchips.
Our material is packed in:
Sodium hypophosphite, marketed under the brand Sofibex, is produced from a mixture of lime, caustic soda and phosphorus. The quality of the finished product depends on the strict sourcing of the raw material. The production line is exclusively dedicated to the manufacturing of Sofibex.
Febex is the only producer outside of China, and its Sofibex is greatly appreciated on the market of electroless nickel plating, especially by the manufacturers of hard disks. The unique quality of Sofibex Swiss Made enables the incorporation of more than 11% phosphorus in the layer of nickel, rendering it amagnetic. Due to Sofibex’s excellent solubility, the nickel plating is homogeneous and completely amorphous, ensuring an extremely efficient protection against corrosion and heat.
Electroless Plating without Febex material
Electroless Plating with our Sofibex HD Swiss Made
As experts on the electronics market, we are able to cater to the specific requirements of each application. This knowledge, along with our expertise, has enabled us to develop a Sofibex HD grade suitable for the chemical nickel-plating of hard disks.
Sofibex is conditioned in 25 kg bags, or in big bags of 500 kg and 1 000 kg.
See our entire range of Sodium Hypophosphite HERE
Always seeking innovation, Febex has expanded its range by developing phosphorus products, which are adapted to the specific requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. With its tailor-made solutions, the applications in the industry are wide and diverse. Febex guarantees the traceability of its products in accordance with ISO 9001.
With its history in the electronics market, Febex’s expertise and state-of-the-art equipment allow it to meet the rigor that is essential in the pharmaceutical industry. Conditioning in a clean room excludes all external contamination. Our production lines are exclusively dedicated.
Clean Room certified ISO 14644-2
Our laboratory is equipped with measuring devices enabling us to identify the presence of 36 elements. Furthermore, with our database, we record more than 20 years of statistics on the quality of our products. This enables us to suggest customized specifications, aimed to meet the individual requirements of our clients who seek a turnkey solution. Our products are also frequently used in the cosmetics industry.
The purity of our products is one of the key elements for the pharmaceutical industry. The reliability of the supply guaranteed by our company, based in the heart of Europe, makes Febex the choice provider for phosphorus derivatives.
Febex is certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. We guarantee the traceability of our products throughout the entire value chain.
Phosphorus is an essential but limited resource on Earth. Febex has developed a comprehensive recycling method, adapted to the markets’ requirements. The contaminated phosphoric acid is reusable and of extremely high quality.
Phosphorus, in the form of phosphate, plays a key role in fundamental life processes, in the heart of cells themselves. It is one of the components of DNA, controls the breathing function and photosynthesis in plants, and in general, the cellular metabolism through molecules such as l’ADP/ATP[1] or NADPH. “There is no life on Earth without phosphorus”*.
Febex has developed a turnkey solution for the recycling of phosphoric acid used in the polishing/electrolytic stripping of copper pieces. We offer the removal of the spent acid, the recycling treatment and the delivery of fresh acid, all in a single package tailored to meet the technical and economic requirements of our customers.
Our know-how and expertise in the handling of phosphoric acid has enabled Febex to rapidly develop a specific purification method for efficient recycling of the acid and the copper it contained.
The used acid is blue and has an average content of 0.6% (6 kg / to) copper. After treatment, it contains less than 5 ppb (5 mg / to) of copper, and is regenerated to 99.99%. It is therefore perfectly reusable for polishing or in other areas.
[1] ADP/ATP : Adenosine diphosphate, Adenosine triphosphate
As a leader on the market for high-grade phosphoric acid, our analytical experience in R&D and production represents a source of innovation and developments that are part of the core values of Febex.
Febex’s main production site is a vector of quality and innovation embedded in the heart of Switzerland’s technological hub, surrounded by universities. We use all means of transport to supply our clients around the world. A second production line of sodium hypophosphite in China guarantees a continuous and reliable supply
Each production line is dedicated to the production of a single product to avoid all sources of internal contamination. Febex also has its own clean room, ensuring conditioning with zero contamination.
For its phosphoric acid production, Febex uses a thermal process, pledge of quality, followed by several purification steps. This process enables us to obtain an extremely high purity in our products and guarantee an impurity content of the order of the ppb (1 mg/ton). The different purification steps lead to the products of our phosphoric acid range.
The second production line is dedicated to the manufacturing of sodium hypophosphite, which is used mainly in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards, hard discs, and semi-conductors. Sodium hypophosphite is produced by the reaction of phosphorus in a mixture of caustic soda and lime. Several purification steps then generate a high purity, very fluid solid.
The quality of our products is continuously monitored throughout the entire manufacturing process, by a laboratory implanted within our production lines. Compliant to ISO 9001 standards, it allows complete control of the processes and real-time adjustments to production.
Quality is certified by our in-house laboratory, which issues the final Certificate of Analysis. It therefore has the role of control tower of our production plant, since it decides on the release of the finished product. An ICP mass spectrometry allows the analysis of up to 36 elements of the periodic table.
As the only manufacturer outside of China, Febex contributes to the local economy. Our products are adapted to the European markets, particularly in regards to standards. Our company is devoted to ensuring compliance with environmental requirements- in fact, this is one of its key strategies.
Since 2006, Febex is certified ISO 14001. However, we do not stop there but anticipate and go beyond the regulatory requirements. For example, Febex has developed a phosphoric acid recycling unit. Our process engineers continuously work on improving the functioning of our water treatment plant and optimize the management of our production lines. Febex has implemented a process to reduce its CO2 emissions, mainly by decreasing its energy consumption. By choosing energy efficient equipment, for example, Febex notably reduces its carbon footprint.
Elementary phosphorus is the principal raw material of Febex products. It therefore requires specific attention in the management and quality process. It also requires great expertise for its manipulation, since it is an extremely dangerous product and is spontaneously flammable in air. Furthermore, various sourcing methods are essential to ensure the security of supply, which requires great flexibility on the part of Febex.
Elementary phosphorus, called white or yellow phosphorus, is obtained from phosphate rocks that are naturally present in sedimentary deposits (common) or igneous deposits (rare). Its chemical formula is P4, and after transformation of the phosphate rocks it becomes a yellow solid that is highly flammable in air. For this reason, phosphorus is continuously stored under a layer of water
Handling of phosphorus requires extensive expertise and equipment designed to guarantee the isolation of the product from air. For over 70 years, Febex has received this raw material in 200 kg drums or 25 tons isotanks.
Delivery onsite of bulk Yellow Phosphorus by train
Since it is a raw material for various production lines, the purity of the phosphorus is essential to ensure the quality of our finished products. Suppliers are selected after a rigorous evaluation phase and a systematic quality control.
To ensure the security of supply and our production capacity, Febex obtains phosphorus from several specialists, based in various countries, also outside of Asia. The management of these suppliers requires a great deal of flexibility and rigor in the monitoring of the quality.
Melting unit for Yellow Phosphorus packed in drums
A true core strategy for Febex, quality is a value adopted by its employees. A well-managed supply enables the elimination of all sources of impurities. Febex demonstrates its commitment through its ISO9001 certification. Our laboratory’s measuring devices are adapted to the purity requirements required by our high-tech markets. We also have our own clean room for conditioning.
Febex’s analysis laboratory acts as a support function at all levels of the value chain: quality management, monitoring of production, innovation, supply… It is implicated in each quality control process, from the raw material to the finished product, thanks to state-of-the-art technical equipment. All the analytical data has been compiled in a database for many years. This wealth of information enables us to periodically establish statistics, a very efficient tool for evaluating the stability of our production.
The key to guaranteed quality is strict monitoring throughout the entire value chain:
Febex lab today : ICP MS
It all starts with the choice of suppliers, in terms of quality, security of supply, and price. All our raw material goes through a strict approval process. Febex makes sure it has several approved suppliers for each raw material. Furthermore, each supply of material is systematically analyzed in-house. This procedure guarantees complete traceability, guaranteed by the Febex laboratory, thanks to all the associated analyses.
We guarantee the quality of our products through various commitments. Our entire production site is certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. All our products are compliant with the European regulation REACH.
In order to guarantee the quality and purity of our products up to the conditioning stage, Febex has its own clean room, thus excluding all risks of contamination. The air quality is guaranteed by a particle filter and monitored by a counter.
Febex lab in the 40’s
Febex’s analysis laboratory acts as a support function at all levels of the value chain: quality management, monitoring of production, innovation, supply… It is implicated in each quality control process, from the raw material to the finished product, thanks to state-of-the-art technical equipment. All the analytical data has been compiled in a database for many years. This wealth of information enables us to periodically establish statistics, a very efficient tool for evaluating the stability of our production.
The laboratory analysis allow a continuous monitoring of the manufacturing process. This control tower guarantees the conformity of our products. Two factors give Febex the necessary reactivity to anticipate any problems:
Our laboratory is equipped with state of the art instruments that can analyze 36 elements of the periodic table, upon the customer’s request:
Febex can thus guarantee content of the order of the ppb, i.e. 1 mg per ton. The Certificate of Analysis is issued based on the final sample, obtained just before conditioning.
The entire production chain, including analyses, raw materials, intermediate and finished products, is recorded to enable complete traceability. All the information is stored in a database, and statistical analyses are carried out regularly.
For 100 years, Febex has proved its capacity for adaptation to Swiss and global economic market needs. Today we still anticipate these requirements and are able to put forward proposals for improvement. By investing in innovation each year, we can cater to new requests and establish ourselves on new markets.
Febex works in partnership with its clients to support their developments.
Febex has strong historic ties with Neuchâtel University. Various PhD have been, or are in the process of being carried out, specifically on the subject of flame retardants.
In 2009, Febex was approached by producers of high-voltage capacitors, who used phosphoric acid in the process of electrolytic copper polishing. The spent acid is blue and contains ~0.6% of copper (6 kg/to).
Within a year, thanks to a combination of analytical expertise, production and R&D, Febex was able to offer the client a recycling solution. After the recycling process, the acid contains less than 5 ppb of copper (5 mg/to) and is therefore perfectly suitable to be reused in our client’s electrolytic polishing process.
In 2008, Febex explored how to produce an odorless THPS, a key issue in the biocide industry. A new manufacturing process was thus developed, leading to a patent (lien sur le brevet).
“The opportunity of working in close collaboration with the industrial world is a fascinating challenge for a university research group. The cooperation with Febex, specialist in chemical phosphorus, has allowed me to give a new direction to my group, focalized on application and industrial challenges.”
Reinhard Neier has been a Professor of Organic Chemistry at Neuchâtel University 1991. The main focus of his career is research of complex molecules in organic synthesis, which is intimately linked to the fundamental processes of life.
“Phosphorus is one of the elements that has the ability to link itself with carbon. It therefore plays a key role in cellular biology and organic chemistry. The incredible diversity of phosphorus’ oxidative states makes it one of the most interesting to study. Its potential for innovation is therefore all the greater.”
Professeur Neier is greatly invested in the university and scientific community. It is crucial for him to center his activities on the education and the professional future of his students.
“With O. Vallat, Head of R&D at Febex, we obtained financing from the Swiss government’s Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI) for a PhD on the development of new phosphorus compounds for industrial use. The first work was accomplished in 2014 with our student obtaining the title and very encouraging results, thus opening the door to original, innovative perspectives for the aimed applications.”
The success of this collaboration is a great example of university-industry combined research. The expertise and knowledge of each party were extremely complementary and encourage us to continue/renew this experience.
“Our student quickly found a job in the industry, which shows the relevance of university education combined with the industry experience.”
Arkema announced Friday the 28th of October, the proposed divestment of Febex, a company specialized in phosphorus-based chemistry, to Belgian group Prayon. By joining Prayon, an industrial group specialized in phosphorus-based chemistry, the Febex teams will benefit from the Belgian group’s great expertise and growth ambitions in this area. This project marks an important step… Continue reading
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Rte des Placettes 1 / CP 189 / 1880 Bex
Phone +41 (0)24 463 05 50
Fax +41 (0)24 463 05 89
info.febex@febex.ch
