Eco-Friendly Nonstick Coating Replaces Per- and Polyfluorinated Chemicals (PFAS) in Everyday Products

Per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) have been used for many years to coat a variety of everyday products and processes such as pans, tableware, packaging, and more. Due to the known risks of these substances to humans and the environment, at least a partial ban on the production and use of PFAS is expected to be implemented soon. Therefore, for many companies, the use of comparable alternatives is essential. Fraunhofer IFAM has developed PLASLON® technology, a PFAS-free, non-stick coating that meets the required performance requirements and can immediately replace existing technologies.

PFAS are a group of thousands of individual chemicals. They are not originally produced in nature, they are very stable and therefore accumulate continuously in the environment. Fluoride compounds, also known as "eternal chemicals," can appear in human blood serum and cause negative health effects. As a result, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is considering banning the production, use and sale of PFAS. The European Commission is expected to make a decision on the matter in 2025, according to the German Federal Environment Agency.

Companies using PFAS will face challenges because of the ban. In order to maintain processes and production, alternative solutions must be found. Plasma technology provides the ideal conditions for this. The plasma coatings developed at Fraunhofer IFAM are not only fluorine-free (Zero-F), but also free of additives. They are suitable for almost all materials. Due to their properties, some coatings are particularly suitable as PFAS-free non-stick, slip and hydrophobic coatings.

Using PLASLON® coatings, Fraunhofer IFAM researchers have developed a PFAS-free alternative characterized by excellent non-adhesive properties and high mechanical resistance. The coating is produced using plasma technology and is designed as a gradient layer, which on the one hand can have excellent adhesion to the product body and on the other hand can show the best non-stick properties. The coating is also easy to clean, resistant to cutting and wear. No holes, food safety. It is also lipophilic in edible oils.

The unique selling point of PLASLON® coating is that - unlike other non-stick coatings - it is also suitable for enamel, glass, stoneware and porcelain due to its good adhesion and excellent hardness. In particular, products made from these materials are very scratch-resistant.

Source: Chemeurope