Users of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals", are under pressure due to regulatory proposals from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This also affects the use of fluoroelastomers, whose economic significance is enormous.

Fraunhofer experts initiated the "HATE-Fluor" project at the beginning of February. Together, they want to develop high-performance elastomer compounds to replace fluoropolymers in certain technical applications. Various industries can benefit from this, including manufacturers of semi-finished and finished parts as well as companies in mechanical engineering industry, medical engineering, clean room and semiconductor technology, chemical process technology and electrical applications.

In the future, a commercially available fluorine elastomer sealing ring could consist of a fluorine-free high-performance elastomer with adapted antioxidants, formulations and a specially developed coating.

Many companies are looking for alternatives to poly- and perfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS), as their possible uses in the future are uncertain and voluntary commitments are expected. PFAS are found in everyday products such as coated pans, pizza boxes and outdoor jackets, as well as in medical engineering, heat pumps and batteries. While there are already fluorine-free substitutes for some everyday applications, there is a great need for new individual solutions to replace fluoropolymers for technical applications that have to withstand extreme conditions

In the newly initiated "HATE-Fluor" project, teams of experts at the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF and the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM will develop fluorine-free coated elastomers and offer customizable modular solutions to meet the growing market demand.

The modular structure of this system, consisting of paint and plasma coatings, is intended to cover a broad spectrum in the section of fluorine alternative seals. The target properties are determined by the areas of application of the fluoroelastomers that are being replaced in the project.