PFAS Free Colour Masterbatch Solutions!

by | Mar 26, 2024 | News | 0 comments

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PFAS Free Colour Masterbatch Solutions!

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 4700 industrial chemicals, widely used in everyday products from food packaging, toiletries and non-stick cookware to clothing and carpets.

 The regulation of PFAS chemistry has focused almost exclusively on two synthetic chemicals of concern: Perfluoro-octanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluoro-octane-sulphonate (PFOS). These have been studied in depth and found to be toxic and persistent in the environment. Almost all the PFAS based substances ever made are most likely to still be in our environment today!

Awareness of the widespread contamination of the environment with these compounds has grown over the last decades which alongside a growing understanding of their toxicity has led to restrictions in manufacture and in the market for these and associated chemicals – both through voluntary phase-out and through national and international regulations.

FKM (Fluoroelastomer) is a type of synthetic rubber that contains fluorine and has excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and oils, making it a popular choice for high-performance applications.

The inclusion of PFAS in FKM materials is usually in the form of additives or processing aids primarily to help enhance specific properties of FKM, allowing them to withstand harsh environments and maintain their performance over time.

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FKM (Fluoroelastomer) is a type of synthetic rubber that contains fluorine and has excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and oils, making it a popular choice for high-performance applications.

 

The inclusion of PFAS in FKM materials is usually in the form of additives or processing aids primarily to help enhance specific properties of FKM, allowing them to withstand harsh environments and maintain their performance over time. 

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Whilst efforts are underway to develop PFAS-free formulations to mitigate these concerns and maintain the desired properties of FKM there are several alternatives to FKM that offer similar or even better performance in certain aspects.

Prisma colour can offer bespoke colouring solutions for all the below polymer systems including the option of utilising customer specific polymer grades as the masterbatch carrier system to avoid introducing any additional polymer types into your compounds. Contact our friendly sales team for more information.

HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)

HNBR offers excellent heat resistance and chemical resistance, similar to FKM. It also provides good mechanical properties and abrasion resistance. HNBR is commonly used in automotive applications, oil and gas industries, and industrial seals.

Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber is known for its wide temperature range (-60°C to 230°C), excellent flexibility, and resistance to ozone and UV radiation. While not as chemically resistant as FKM, silicone rubber is suitable for many high-temperature applications, including automotive, aerospace, and medical devices.

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer)

EPDM offers good resistance to heat, weathering, and steam. It’s commonly used in outdoor applications, automotive cooling systems, and HVAC systems. While not as resistant to chemicals and oils as FKM, EPDM is a cost-effective alternative for less demanding applications.

Polyurethane (PU)

Polyurethane offers excellent abrasion resistance, tear strength, and flexibility. While not suitable for high-temperature applications like FKM, polyurethane is commonly used in seals, gaskets, and industrial parts subjected to mechanical wear and stress.

When choosing an alternative to FKM, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of your application, including temperature range, chemical exposure, mechanical stress, and cost constraints.

 

 

PFAS Free FKM is also being brought into the market and can be utilized as the carrier for the Prismagum-F range of rubber masterbatches.

If you have concerns over PFAS in your products and are looking for colouring solutions for PFAS free compounds please contact our contact our Sales Team by email or phone us on+44 (0)1457 856505.

If you would like to receive a sample, technical data sheet or MSDS:

Call us free today on +44 (0) 1457 856 505
or
Visit our website: Prisma Colour
or
Email sales@prismacolour.com

We will support you with any colouring or additive solutions!

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