11/8/2023
Sustainability
News
Environmentally friendly non-stick-coating replaces PFAS
Per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) have been used for years in various medical devices for coating. Due to known risks of these substances, the EU is planning a universal ban on the production and use of PFAS. This means that numerous manufacturers are dependent on comparable alternatives. Fraunhofer IFAM has now developed a PFAS-free non-stick coating with PLASLON® technology that can be used instantly.
Companies that use 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.
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.
PFAS: Read it yet?
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.