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Sealing without PFAS?

28 Nov 2024  |
Study by Fraunhofer IWM examines the effects of a possible PFAS ban for EagleBurgmann

The group of substances known as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) has come under intense scrutiny. In the U.S., a reporting requirement will take effect in 2025, and the European Union has been considering a comprehensive, cross-industry ban since early last year. A ban on fluoropolymers would be particularly critical, as the elimination of these high-performance materials would have a drastic impact on many industries. But what are the challenges in finding suitable substitutes? The Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials (IWM) and materials experts from the Freudenberg Group investigated this question.

Beginning in May 2025, companies in the United States that manufactured PFAS in the U.S. or imported PFAS, semifinished products containing PFAS, or products into the U.S. between 2011 and 2022 will be subject to reporting requirements. In addition, individual states are beginning to restrict the use of PFAS or require reporting. The scope and deadlines vary widely from state to state.

On February 7, 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a draft for a far-reaching PFAS ban. By the end of September 2023, affected companies and organizations were invited to submit comments on the potential scientific and socio-economic impacts of such a regulation. More than 4,400 stakeholders took advantage of this opportunity and provided more than 5,600 comments and additional information. EagleBurgmann, a member of Freudenberg, also participated in this consultation phase. “We support the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, but call for a differentiated, risk-based approach to chemicals regulation, as is planned for PFAS,” says Thomas Böhm, Senior Expert Digital Engineering & Standards, summarizing the company’s position.

Material of choice – but expensive

The recently published study “Replacement of Polymeric PFAS in Industrial Applications with Harsh Environments” by Fraunhofer IWM illustrates the current indispensability of fluoropolymers, particularly in the sealing industry. These materials are used in a wide range of applications, including compressors, motors, gears, drive systems, hydraulics, and the food and beverage industry. Fluoropolymers are often the material of choice when the sealing material must meet several requirements, such as excellent high-temperature resistance and compatibility with lubricants or meeting the requirements for a food-contact material, high resistance to aggressive cleaning processes, and a low tendency to absorb and transfer aromas. However, fluoropolymers are also expensive materials that are generally only used when their performance cannot be achieved by other, less expensive polymers.

The authors of the study concluded that a complete replacement of PFAS in the sealing industry is not currently possible without significant loss of material properties, performance and product life. Given the diversity of more than 10,000 different PFAS compounds, they call for a nuanced, evidence-based discussion on the regulation of this class of substances.

Life cycle assessment as a plausible assessment method

Dr. Raimund Jaeger, Head of the Tribology Business Unit at Fraunhofer IWM, explains: “In our view, the life cycle assessment of fluoropolymers, which are considered ‘polymers of low concern’, is a plausible method to arrive at a realistic assessment of the potential risk to humans and the environment. All stakeholders involved in this study agree that safe production and disposal of polymeric PFAS is essential. If care is taken to avoid harmful environmental impacts, the use of fluoropolymers in industry should continue to be possible“.

There is no binding timetable for the introduction of a European PFAS regulation yet. However, the industry is already preparing for possible changes. At EagleBugmann, the search for replacement materials is in full swing, despite the current indispensability of fluoropolymers: “We have a unique expertise in the development of polymer materials such as elastomers and thermoplastics for industrial high-performance requirements. Our materials have made many new technologies possible in the past, and our materials experts are highly motivated to continue developing innovative solutions for future challenges,” says Böhm.

The full Fraunhofer study can be found here: PFAS information – EN

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