BARLOG Plastics presents PFAS-free plastic alternatives to PTFE at Fakuma 2024

Overath, 01.10.2024 BARLOG Plastics provides comprehensive information about alternatives to PTFE-modified compounds at Fakuma 2024. In addition to comprehensive application engineering advice, including laboratory testing, the company is actively developing bearing materials with alternative additive systems. The trade fair offers visitors an ideal platform to discover the possibilities.

PFAS, known as “eternity chemicals”, comprise over 10,000 substances that are used in numerous industrial applications because of their thermal and chemical stability. However, they have fallen into disrepute because of their environmental and health impacts. On March 23, 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposed a comprehensive restriction of these substances, which also affects the import of finished products containing PFAS from non-EU countries. Companies that process fluoropolymers would also be affected by a ban, although some fluoropolymers, such as PTFE, have so far been classified as harmless and even suitable for direct food contact.

Alternatives to PTFE-modified compounds

The question of alternatives to PTFE-modified compounds has been frequently asked since the ECHA proposal, but there is no general answer. BARLOG Plastics recommends considering each application specifically and individually, since fluoropolymers are used in a very wide range of applications due to their versatility and specific properties such as temperature behavior, chemical resistance and mechanical strength. “No polymer can replace PTFE 1:1, and a change of material may require adjustments in the product design,” says Peter Barlog, Managing Partner of BARLOG Plastics. ”We offer comprehensive application engineering advice, including laboratory testing, and we are actively developing bearing materials with alternative additive systems.”

Alternatives to PTFE-filled bearing materials

PTFE is also a popular additive in tribological applications. Although there is no direct substitute for PTFE, BARLOG Plastics has succeeded in developing alternatives to PTFE-filled sliding materials. “Special filler concepts that do not require PTFE can be used to achieve excellent friction and wear results in various tribological applications,” adds Peter Barlog in conclusion.

Visit BARLOG Plastics at the Fakuma in hall A3, booth 3209, to learn more about the alternatives to PTFE-modified compounds.