R&D - Project

PlastFlow Ongoing

PFAS-free additives for use as processing aids and to enhance tribological properties

PlastFlow develops plastic formulations using existing and newly developed additives to replace PFAS, thereby improving tribological properties and processing aids.

The PlastFlow project aims to develop plastic formulations using both additives already available on the market (short-term solutions) and new additives currently under development (medium-term solutions), in order to improve processing aids and tribological properties, as an alternative to the PFAS currently in use.

This initiative addresses growing regulatory and environmental concerns regarding fluorinated compounds, particularly PFAS, which are known for their persistence in the environment and their potential long-term toxicological effects.

For short-term solutions, the wide variety of fluorine-free additives available for tribological applications in injection moulding and as processing aids in film production makes it difficult for SMEs to independently assess performance and select the most suitable solutions. PlastFlow therefore aims to provide a clear overview of the existing options, in order to help SMEs select the PPA (polymer processing aid) best suited to their needs.

For medium-term solutions, the new additives will include both petrochemical formulations – representative of current technologies – and bio-based alternatives that enable more sustainable solutions whilst maintaining high performance. The bio-based resources will be sourced from waste or co-products from the agri-food and timber industries. The main challenges will be to ensure sufficient thermal stability and to adapt the molecular modifications to promote effective migration to the polymer surface.

PlastFlow bridges the gap between innovation and pragmatism, combining the development of new generations of additives with solutions that are immediately applicable and available on the market.