PFAS are used as coatings in medical products. Due to known risks, the EU is planning a universal ban on their production and use. With PLASLON® technology, Fraunhofer IFAM has now developed a PFAS-free non-stick coating that can be used immediately.
Companies that use per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) will face significant challenges as a consequence of the ban. In order to maintain processes and production, alternative solutions must be found. Plasma technology can help here. Researchers at the Fraunhofer IFAM have developed a PFAS-free alternative with non-stick properties with their coating. They are free of fluorine and additives and can be applied to almost all materials. Some of the coatings are particularly suitable as PFAS-free non-stick coatings, anti-friction coatings and hydrophobic finishes due to their property profile.
The coating, which is produced with plasma technology, is a gradient layer to enable adhesion to the product body on the one hand and to develop non-stick properties on the other. Due to its adhesion and hardness, the coating is also suitable for enamel, glass, stoneware and porcelain. In particular, products made from these materials are very scratch-resistant but have low non-stick properties.
The scientists at the institute have the required know-how of the corresponding production processes to be able to economically refine products in large quantities. Depending on the application, they develop different concepts, such as XXL systems or continuous systems. Combined with low energy consumption during production, unrestricted heat transfer during use and a long service life, the coating is sustainable and trendsetting.
We wanted to know from Frauke Averbeck, expert at the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, what associations and companies can do now.
You can find the complete interview here.