High-performance coatings without PFAS
With growing restrictions on PFAS due to health and environmental risks, Ionbond provides PFAS-free coatings offering the same benefits.
What are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PTFE (commonly known as Teflon), are synthetic chemicals valued for their chemical stability, hydro- and oleophobic properties, electrical insulation, low friction properties and heat resistance. They are used in many different applications such as non-stick materials in the food industry, for medical applications, in the energy industry, for automotive and industrial components. However, their durability comes at a severe cost - PFAS do not break down in nature, contaminating water and soil and accumulating in human bodies, with their long-term effects still not fully understood.
PFAS accumulate in ecosystems and have been found in drinking water and wildlife worldwide. Exposure has been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, immune system damage, hormonal disruption, and developmental problems in children. When heated or incinerated, PTFE can release toxic fumes harmful to both humans and the environment.
With growing regulations and environmental concerns, industries must seek safer alternatives to PFAS chemicals in coatings before the damage becomes irreversible.
Stricter EU regulations are reshaping industries
In the EU, PFAS are widely used across various industries, including automotive, the food industry and electronics, due to their electrical, non-sticking and heat-resistant properties. However, their persistence in the environment and potential health risks have prompted regulatory actions. In 2024, the European Commission adopted measures under the REACH regulation to restrict the use of certain PFAS, such as perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), in consumer products.
Additionally, a broader proposal to ban all non-essential uses of PFAS is under consideration, with input from multiple EU member states. These regulations aim to protect human health and the environment by reducing PFAS emissions.
PFAS applications
PFAS-based materials, primarily in the form of PTFE (Teflon), are widely used both as coatings and as a material for manufacturing components in aerospace, automotive, food processing, and medical industries. But their environmental risks and tightening regulations call for change. Ionbond offers high-performance PVD and PACVD coatings as sustainable replacements.
Need a PFAS-free coating service solution?
Aerospace industry
• Fuel and hydraulic system seals
• Lubrication and low-friction coatings for moving parts
• Anti-icing coatings
• Corrosion-resistant coatings for structural components
Automotive industry
• Fuel hose and gasket seals
• Brake and transmission fluid coatings
• Non-stick coatings for engine components
• Weather-resistant coatings for exterior parts
• Bearings and bushings with low-friction coatings
Decorative applications
• Water and stain-repellent coatings for jewelry and watches
• Scratch-resistant coatings for consumer goods
• Non-stick coatings on high-end surfaces
Food contact & pharma industry
• Anti-sticking coatings for cookware (Teflon coatings) and cutting utensils
• Food packaging
• Conveyor belts in food processing plants
• Bakeware and industrial cooking equipment coatings
Forming & molding Tools
• Release coatings for injection molding
• Wear-resistant coatings for high-friction surfaces
• Non-stick coatings for forming tools in plastic and rubber manufacturing
Fuel Cells & electrolyzers applications
• Proton exchange membranes
• Corrosion-resistant coatings for metal plates
• Hydrophobic coatings for gas diffusion layers
Industrial applications
• Anti-corrosion coatings for chemical processing equipment
• Low-friction coatings for various mechanical applications
• As a material for manufacture of various seals, low-friction and electrically insulating components
• Electrically insulating coatings
Medical industry
• Catheters and guidewires with friction-reducing coatings
• Implant coatings to resist bacteria and improve biocompatibility
• Surgical tools with electrical insulations and/or non-sticking properties
• Drug delivery systems with controlled release coatings
Green solutions for PFAS-free Ionbond coatings
Finding a 1:1 replacement for PFAS chemicals is challenging, but Ionbond’s PVD and PACVD coatings may in many cases provide the same key advantages - without the environmental risks. Our advanced coatings deliver exceptional chemical stability, wear resistance, corrosion protection, low friction, non-stick properties, heat resistance, and electrical conductivity or insulation, making them a viable alternative to PTFE and hard chrome plating in demanding industries like aerospace, automotive and decorative applications.
Properties that make PVD/PACVD coatings a strong PFAS alternative
As regulations tighten, now is the time to switch to sustainable solutions. Ionbond’s experts work closely with customers to develop tailored coatings free of PFAS chemicals for their specific applications. Below are some properties of PVD/PACVD coatings that make them useful replacements for PFAS-containing surfaces.
At Ionbond, we understand the challenges of replacing PFAS in your application. That’s why we take a tailored approach, analyzing your specific needs to find the best alternative. With decades of experience in sustainable coating solutions, including for aerospace and other demanding industries, we are your trusted partner in PFAS replacement.
Superior wear resistance
Chemical stability against aggressive media
Enhanced corrosion protection
Higher adhesion strength
Tailored surface characteristics like:
• Low friction
• Hydrophobic or oleophobic
• Non-sticking
• Electrical conductivity
• Electrical insulation
• Heat resistance
• IR transparency
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