Americhem, Inc. Introduces PFAS-Free EcoLube™ Line for Enhanced Lubrication in Plastic Parts
Americhem, Inc., a globally recognized designer and manufacturer of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds, and performance technologies, has unveiled its new EcoLube™ line of PFAS-free internally lubricated compounds. The EcoLube™ series is engineered to deliver superior tribological and mechanical properties in moving plastic parts, while addressing regulatory concerns around PFAS and promoting environmental responsibility.
Addressing PFAS Concerns
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), are under regulatory scrutiny due to their environmental persistence and potential health risks. Traditionally, PFAS has been used in various industrial applications for its non-stick and lubricating properties. However, growing regulatory restrictions are driving demand for PFAS-free alternatives.
“With regulations around the world severely restricting or banning the use of PFAS and PTFE, converters and manufacturers are challenged with finding alternatives that can match its self-lubricating performance,” said Matt Miklos, Vice President/General Manager of Americhem Engineered Compounds. “Our new PFAS-free EcoLube™ line showcases Americhem’s dedication to innovation, addressing our customers’ concerns while promoting environmental responsibility and product safety.”
Optimizing Performance without PFAS
EcoLube™ pre-lubricated engineered compounds and alloys are designed to help manufacturers reduce wear and friction in moving plastic parts, minimize noise during use, and decrease the coefficient of friction for plastic-on-plastic and plastic-on-metal applications—all without the use of PFAS. Potential applications span across various industries, including healthcare, industrial, transportation, and construction.
“Our EcoLube™ line combines Americhem’s specialty thermoplastics compounding experience with our lubricant additive technology to offer advanced eco-friendly solutions packaged to optimize the performance of a variety of products in markets like medical devices, industrial applications, non-automotive vehicles, and more,” added Matt Miklos.
Cost-Effective and Sustainable Solutions
Developed with a focus on cost reduction, service life, and environmental impact, EcoLube™ compounds offer a lightweight, sustainable replacement for metal, with formulations that resist corrosion and other damaging factors.
EcoLube™ Family of Lubricants
EcoLube™ redefines conventional lubrication by embedding performance-enhancing additives directly into the material, providing long-lasting lubrication from within. This innovative technology addresses a wide range of lubrication challenges:
- Solid state, non-migrating lubricants withstand extreme pressures, reducing frictional wear and “slip-stick” behavior in nylon bearings.
- Multifunctional, migrating boundary lubricants decrease the coefficient of friction and wear rate, offering immediate lubrication at start-up and high speeds.
- Non-traditional formulations provide shear reinforcement and abrasion resistance between moving parts.
- Low friction, non-migratory additives are designed to replace PTFE in various applications and thermoplastics.
Versatile Base Resins
Americhem has formulated EcoLube™ compounds in a wide variety of base resins, including ABS, PBT, PCABS, PC, PEI, PPE, PPS, PE, PP, PSU, PPSU, POM, PEEK, PPA, PA, and TPU.
Predicting Friction and Wear
Utilizing industry-backed data, Americhem’s experts can analyze applications, materials of mating parts, product life cycle, and frequency of use to predict the coefficient of friction and wear-resistance rate. Their experience ensures real-world tribology, moldability, and critical-to-quality (CTQ) factors are achieved with EcoLube™.
Commitment to Sustainability
Americhem is committed to delivering high-performance solutions in an environmentally and health-conscious manner. The development of EcoLube™ is a testament to their dedication to reducing harmful additives and fossil-based materials. This new line exemplifies Americhem’s goal to be a global sustainability leader in the polymers industry.
For further inquiries regarding EcoLube™ compounds, please contact Matt Miklos at [email protected].
