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 Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants, PFOA and related compounds, with effect from July 4, 2020, may no longer be manufactured, placed on the market and used whether on their own, in mixtures or in articles.
A specific exemption applies in case the concentration of PFOA or any of its salts in substances, mixtures or articles, is equal to or below 25 ppb.
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). These variants can replace the originals on a one-to-one basis.
PTFE wax additives with a PFOA content above 25 ppbDiscontinuation from June 30, 2020 | Alternative PTFE wax additives with a PFOA content below 25 ppb |
|---|---|
AQUACER 1550 | |
CERAFLOUR 981 | |
CERAFLOUR 996 | |
CERAFLOUR 997 | |
CERAFLOUR 998 | |
CERACOL 607 |
In addition, BYK offers wax additives which contain PTFE with a PFOA content below 25 ppb. The products concerned are:
PTFE with a PFOA content below 25 ppb
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.
The findings shown below demonstrate that, with regard both to hardness and to surface slip, there is no difference between CERAFLOUR 996 and the new 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 wax additives, do not hesitate to talk to your local BYK partner or to contact us using the contact form.
