PFAS‑Free Material Approaches

Per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in industrial applications to provide lubricity, processing stability, and surface performance. However, increasing regulatory attention and sustainability requirements are driving the need for alternative material approaches that do not rely on fluorinated substances.

The Challenge of PFAS in Industrial Applications

PFAS materials, including fluoropolymers such as PTFE, have historically been employed to address challenges related to friction control, wear reduction, and polymer processing. At the same time, their persistence in the environment has raised concerns, leading manufacturers to reconsider material choices across multiple industries.

Rethinking Performance Without Fluorinated Materials

Rather than pursuing direct one‑to‑one replacements for PFAS, PFAS‑free strategies often focus on achieving required performance through alternative polymer design concepts and formulation approaches. These strategies may involve different mechanisms to deliver lubricity, surface control, or processing stability without the use of fluorinated compounds.

Application Considerations

PFAS‑free approaches can be relevant in a variety of industrial contexts, including plastic and resin systems where friction, wear, or processing behavior must be carefully controlled. In such applications, material selection depends on the balance between performance, processability, and regulatory or sustainability requirements.

From Technical Considerations to Product Selection

This page provides an overview of PFAS‑free material concepts and considerations. For a lineup of PFAS‑free products developed and supplied by NOF America, please refer to the PFAS‑free product catalog.

View PFAS‑Free Product Catalog