PFOA-free PTFE Wax Additives

EU REACH-compliant PTFE wax additives from BYK

Ammonium and sodium salts of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) occur in the course of manufacturing and processing various fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). With effect from July 4, 2020, the EU is severely restricting the handling of PFOA and related compounds.

In the EU, according to Entry 68 of Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, PFOA and related compounds, with effect from July 4, 2020, may no longer be...

manufactured or put on the market.
used in manufacturing substances/mixtures/articles if the concentration is equal to or above 25 ppb in the end product.
put on the market as a component of substances/mixtures/articles if the concentration is equal to or above 25 ppb in the end product.

With effect from June 30, 2020, BYK will therefore be discontinuing the production and sale of wax additives containing a PTFE with a PFOA content of above 25 ppb. The additives concerned will be replaced by new, low-PFOA (< 25 ppb) and hence EU REACH-compliant versions. These variants can replace the originals on a one-to-one basis.

PTFE wax additives with a PFOA content above 25 ppb Discontinuation from June 30, 2020	Alternative PTFE wax additives with a PFOA content below 25 ppb EU REACH-compliant
AQUACER 1550	AQUACER 1550 R
CERAFLOUR 981	CERAFLOUR 981 R
CERAFLOUR 996	CERAFLOUR 996 R
CERAFLOUR 997	CERAFLOUR 997 R
CERAFLOUR 998	CERAFLOUR 998 R
CERACOL 607	CERACOL 607 R

The reduction of the PFOA content has no influence on the properties of the wax additives.

In addition, BYK offers wax additives which contain PTFE that is already EU REACH-compliant. The products concerned are:

PTFE with a PFOA content below 25 ppb - EU REACH-compliant

In order to determine the PFOA content of PTFE, BYK applies a specially developed in-house method which ensures that only suitable raw materials are used. This method is based on a process developed by the company 3M and made available by them to the European authorities, and it allows PFOA to be measured even in extremely low concentrations.

PFOA-free PTFE wax additives from BYK: the alternative without changing the formulation

The findings shown below demonstrate that, with regard both to hardness and to surface slip, there is no difference between CERAFLOUR 996 and the EU REACH-compliant variant CERAFLOUR 996 R. The visual properties such as gloss and haze are also identical.

Test system: Polyester/melamine top coat

Further to this, BYK is working on innovative solutions to completely substitute PTFE in formulations. The aim is to obtain the same scratch and abrasion resistance as can be achieved with PTFE, but with an alternative raw material base.

Should you wish further information on BYK’s EU REACH-compliant wax additives, do not hesitate to talk to your local BYK partner or to contact us using the contact form.