As regulations on PFAS tighten, manufacturers are seeking PTFE-free materials that will maintain high performance without compromising safety. Our Stanyl® PA46 provides you a PTFE-free option that offers key tribological properties like low friction, wear resistance, and temperature stability. This allows industries to meet regulatory demands while maintaining high performance.
Growing health and environmental concerns have led to a demand for PTFE-free solutions in tribology applications. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), long valued for reducing friction and wear in high-demand applications such as gears, chain guides, and bushings, is now under scrutiny due to its classification as a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). As a result, manufacturers are exploring PTFE alternatives to maintain high performance standards while aligning with emerging regulatory and safety demands.
Why PTFE faces scrutiny
PTFE belongs to PFAS, a group of over 10,000 chemicals characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them resistant to degradation. While not all PFAS are harmful, some, like PFOA and PFOS, have been restricted due to health risks, including cancer, immune system issues, and liver damage. Regulatory bodies such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are closely monitoring PFAS, and future restrictions on PTFE use remain possible.
PFAS persistence in the environment, food, and water—and their accumulation in human tissue—underscore concerns about these “forever chemicals.” While current regulations do not restrict PTFE, proposed measures, particularly in Europe, could have a global impact. European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) proposal to phase out PFAS under REACH, a regulation of the EU, to improve protection of human health and the environment from risks that can be posed by chemicals, has received substantial feedback, and while implementation could extend beyond 2025, restrictions may still materialize.
The Challenge of replacing PTFE
Replacing PTFE in tribological applications is challenging due to its exceptional performance characteristics. Without PTFE, frictional heat could compromise performance, requiring time and cost-intensive alternatives. Materials and lubricants must work together as a system, emphasizing the need for comprehensive PTFE-free solutions.
Envalior is addressing these challenges with PTFE-free alternatives, particularly focusing on Stanyl®, a high-performance polyamide 46 (PA46). Stanyl offers high temperature resistance, wear properties, and low friction without PTFE, making it suitable for various tribological applications.
PTFE's role and benefits in tribology
PTFE is widely used in tribology due to its low-friction and high wear-resistance properties. As either a pure polymer or an additive in composites, PTFE improves durability and performance, making it popular for components like gears and bearings. It also reduces friction under high load and speed conditions, a critical function in applications that demand longevity and efficiency.
Essential tribological material requirements include:
Polymers such as POM, PEEK, and polyamides like PA66 and PA46 have been developed to meet these needs. Despite PTFE’s unmatched capabilities, its future use is in question due to its inclusion within the PFAS chemical group.
3 PTFE-free solutions in tribology applications
1. Chain and belt guides
Automotive timing systems rely on low-friction, durable chain and belt guides. Stanyl PA46, including TW341, TW441, and HGR3-W, provides PFAS-free solutions for high-speed, high-pressure conditions.
2. Gears and actuator components
Stanyl’s high temperature resistance and durability suit compact, long-lasting gears. Envalior’s PTFE-free Stanyl grades include unfilled, glass fiber (GF), and carbon fiber (CF) reinforced options, are strong alternatives to PTFE materials.
3. Sliding bearings
Stanyl PTFE-free materials, like TW376, excel under high pressure and temperature, offering a good potential alternative for PTFE-containing Stanyl PA46 grades and various other PTFE-containing materials, such as PA66, POM, and PPA. Stanyl TW376 has demonstrated good performance in various demanding tribological applications where currently PTFE-containing materials, including PTFE-containing PA46, are being used.
A sustainable path forward
Envalior is committed to developing PTFE-free solutions that meet tribological demands without compromising on performance. Stanyl’s high temperature properties and excellent wear resistance demonstrate that it is possible to achieve high performance without PFAS. By partnering with lubricant manufacturers, we are maximizing synergies between PTFE-free plastics and lubricants to deliver robust solutions.
With material expertise, design assistance, and testing support, we are helping customers navigate evolving regulations and meet their tribological needs with confidence.
Application Expert, Gears & Bearings
Adnan Hasanovic is application expert for actuators and bearings at Envalior. In his global role he focuses on tribological applications, such as gears, bearings, and wear and friction bushings, as well as structural applications including actuator housings and covers. Adnan also supports global Envalior activities in existing and new application fields. He joined Envalior after he completed studies of mechanical engineering. Before joining Envalior, Adnan worked as CAE engineer and application development engineer.
Business Development Manager
Marta Bach is a Business Development Manager at Envalior, specializing in Specialty Materials with a focus on tribological applications. She has held technical and commercial positions across the chemical industry focusing on materials. She has an extensive experience in the automotive and construction markets, with commercial responsibilities of several European countries. Marta has a degree in organic chemistry and holds a PhD in solid state chemistry.
20 January 2025
4 min read
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