Eco-friendly Alternatives to PFAS in Sight
Due to their impact on humans and the environment, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may be on the way out. The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) is looking for cleaner alternatives. By Ruben Vorwald
PFAS are found in multiple everyday products like pan coatings, textiles, packaging and cleaning agents. Their chemical stability and water repellency make them attractive for many applications, but they have been criticized due to their persistence in the environment and the potential health hazards which they pose.
Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) have long been widely used in the tram sector on account of their exceptional properties, for numerous products from printed circuit boards to plastic plain bearings and lubricating greases. However, in view of the growing concerns, the possibility of dispensing with these chemicals is being considered.
The health concerns PFAS pose are considerable. These chemicals are extremely stable and only degrade very slowly in the environment and in living organisms. Scientific studies have shown that PFAS can be connected to a number of health problems including hormonal disorders, increased cholesterol levels, disorders of the immune system, delayed development in children, and an increased risk for certain types of cancers. Their resistance and toxicity make them a serious threat for human health and the environment.
Researchers around the world are working intensively on developing alternatives to PFAS which are effective and environmentally compatible. An excellent example of such an alternative is the PLASLON® coating developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM). This coating is produced by means of plasma technology and is a PFAS-free alternative for different applications – also in the tram sector. It is characterised by outstanding non-stick properties, mechanical resistance, and food safety without the negative environmental impact of PFAS.
The PLASLON® coating consists of a gradient layer which enables excellent adhesion to the product body while expressing optimum non-stick properties. It is non-porous, resistant to cutting and abrasion, and demonstrates oleophilic behaviour with regard to edible oils and fats. It is also suitable for materials like enamel, glass, stoneware and porcelain, which normally have poor non-stick properties.
The potential applicability of these findings for the rail-transport sector is huge. Transport providers could profit from PFAS-free alternatives by adapting their operating practices and introducing eco-friendly technologies and materials. This could not only help reduce the strain on the environment but also improve the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of the rail-transport sector in general.
The future of tram transportation lies in providing eco-friendly solutions which keep an eye on performance as well as sustainability. By continuing research into and developing PFAS substitutes we are on the right path to implementing this vision step by step and ensuring a sustainable future for public transport.