Offsets for Capstone™ Fluorosurfactants and Fluoropolymers

Capstone™ products have been discontinued as of early 2025. To help manufacturers and formulators continue achieving the industry-leading performance that fluorosurfactants and fluoropolymers provide, ChemPoint has entered a partnership with Innovative Chemical Technologies (ICT) to distribute their Thetawet™ fluorosurfactants and Thetaguard™ and Thetapel™ fluoropolymers. Below, we have created a guide for formulators to compare ICT products with Capstone™ to find offsets and similar grades.

Thetawet™

Thetawet™ is a line of short-chain fluorosurfactants that excel in improving wetting, leveling, liquid penetration, and foam generation in aqueous formulations. It achieves this by significantly reducing surface tension with low end-use concentrations. Thetawet™ matches the performance of long-chain fluorinated surfactants that have been restricted due to PFAS regulations. Compliant with the U.S. EPA 2010/15 PFOA Stewardship Program, it is typically used with hydrocarbon surfactants to enhance performance in applications such as paints, coatings, inks, adhesives, cleaners, degreasers, mold release coatings, and oilfield brines.

Thetaguard™

Thetaguard™ polymers are water dispersible and used to provide maximum repellency to dirt, soil, and oil. They are used in applications such as latex paints, industrial coatings, and hard surface sealers. These polymers comply with the U.S. EPA 2010/15 PFOA Stewardship Program. Specific grades like Thetaguard™ FA-1000 additionally provide surface tension reduction, and Thetaguard™ HS-3012 and HS-3035 offer vapor permeability and stain protection without altering substrate appearance, making them ideal for use in hard surface penetrating sealers.

Thetapel™

Thetapel™ polymers are solvent-soluble fluorinated acrylics dissolved in odorless mineral spirits. They provide excellent water, oil, and stain resistance. Most Thetapel™ grades also provide a high degree of wetting and surface-tension reduction at low concentrations and can improve surface cleanability. Applications where Thetapel™ is used include apparel, upholstery, leather repellents, solvent-based coatings, cleaners, and some waxes and polishes. Like Thetaguard™, these polymers also comply with the U.S. EPA 2010/15 PFOA Stewardship Program.

*Not considered an offset, but possibly the best fit

For any application where Capstone™ fluorosurfactants or fluoropolymers may have been used, ChemPoint has technical experts ready to assist you in making the switch. Contact us below; we are happy to help you find a solution. We can provide samples and guidance to ensure your formulations continue to perform at their best.