Americhem, a globally recognised designer and manufacturer of custom colour masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds, and performance technologies, has launched the EcoLube line of PFAS-free internally lubricated compounds.
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launch concept
EcoLube delivers advanced tribological and mechanical properties in moving plastic parts while addressing industry challenges around proposed PFAS regulations and promoting environmental responsibility.
Poly- or perfluoroalkyl (PFAS) and associated substances, including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), have come under regulatory scrutiny due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. While PFAS has been widely used in various industrial applications, including in some plastics for their non-stick and lubricating properties, there's a growing demand for PFAS-free alternatives.
“With regulations around the world severely restricting or banning the use of PFAS and PTFE, converters and manufacturers are challenged with finding alternatives that can match its self-lubricating performance,” said Matt Miklos, Vice President/General Manager of Americhem Engineered Compounds. “Our new PFAS-free EcoLube™ line showcases Americhem's dedication to innovation addressing our customers’ concerns while promoting environmental responsibility and product safety.”
Optimising performance without PFAS
EcoLube pre-lubricated engineered compounds and alloys are designed to help manufacturers reduce the wear and friction of moving plastic parts, reduce noise during use, and decrease coefficient of friction for plastic-on-plastic and plastic-onmetal applications – all without the use of PFAS components. End-use applications can include healthcare, industrial, transportation, building & construction, and more.
“Our EcoLube line combines Americhem’s specialty thermoplastics compounding experience with our lubricant additive technology to offer advanced eco-friendly solutions packaged to optimise the performance of a variety of products in markets like medical devices, industrial applications, nonautomotive vehicles, and more,” added Miklos.
Developed with a focus on cost reduction, service life, and environmental impact, EcoLube compounds offer a lightweight, suitable and sustainable replacement for metal with formulations that resist corrosion and other damaging factors.
EcoLube family of lubricants
EcoLube "shatters" the limitations of conventional lubrication, ushering in a new era of embedded performance. This technology integrates specially designed functional additives directly into the material providing long-lasting lubrication from within. A variety of functional additives cater to specific applications, resulting in a versatile EcoLube product line capable of tackling a wide range of lubrication challenges.
- Solid state, non-migrating lubricants that stand up to extreme pressures, reducing frictional wear and "slip-stick" behaviour in nylon bearings.
- Multifunctional, migrating, boundary lubricants reduce the coefficient of friction and wear rate by providing immediate lubrication at start-up and high speeds.
- Non-traditional formulations offer shear reinforcement and abrasion resistance between moving, mating parts.
Low Friction, non-migratory additives are designed to offset PTFE in various applications and thermoplastics.