In this blog post, we’ll explore the impending PFAS ban, an issue that primarily affects the plastics and lubricants industries. The exact scope of the restrictions is not yet clear, but the market signals are unmistakable: whoever establishes a suitable substitute first will have the upper hand. This is where hexagonal boron nitride, hBN, comes into play as a promising substitute for PTFE in lubricants and polymers.
PFAS Ban
The proposed ban on substances in the PFAS family also includes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is used in many applications as a process and processing aid due to its unique friction properties and chemical resistance.
It is not only the lubricants industry that is seeking substitutes for PTFE; the plastics industry must also look for alternatives to meet the new market demand for PTFE-free products. This is because PTFE is used in many products, such as films, seals, plain bearings, and other components modified for friction properties.
Why hBN is an alternative to PTFE
Boron nitride is a hexagonal ceramic material with a structure similar to that of graphite. This crystalline structure gives hBN its outstanding properties: it is extremely heat-resistant, chemically inert, and has a very low coefficient of friction, particularly in the range of low and very high shear forces. These properties are similar to those of PTFE, but hBN can be used in even more demanding environments without losing its mechanical or tribological properties.
While PTFE plays an important role in many industrial applications, it reaches its limits under extreme temperatures or aggressive chemical conditions. This is where hBN comes into play. Its thermal stability far exceeds that of PTFE, and it demonstrates its advantages when used in high-temperature environments or under vacuum conditions.
HeBoFill® in Lubricants
One application area for HeBoFill® LUB LINE and BASIC LINE as a PTFE substitute is their use in lubricants. Unlike PTFE, which can decompose at high temperatures, hBN remains stable and retains its excellent lubricating properties even under extreme conditions.
HeBoFill® boron nitride powders offer one of the best solid lubricants: the hexagonal layers, which can slide easily against one another, allow it to be used as a solid lubricant in dry friction systems where liquid lubricants cannot be used.
Typical applications in the lubrication sector include
• High-temperature lubricants in metalworking, e.g., forging, casting
• Dry lubrication of plain bearings, seals
• Lubricants in machine guides, locks, doors
• Food-safe lubrication in filling systems, conveyor belts, packaging machines
Hexagonal boron nitride is also NSF H1-certified for use in food-grade lubricants. It is therefore permitted for use in machinery and equipment where incidental contact with food cannot be ruled out. This certification makes hBN an excellent choice for companies that rely on food safety and hygiene.
In addition, hexagonal boron nitride is non-toxic and free of microplastics, making it an ideal choice for sensitive applications in the food processing or pharmaceutical industries where NSF H1-certified lubricants are required.
HeBoFill® in Polymers and Plastics
In addition to the lubricants industry, hBN is also increasingly being used in the polymer and plastics industries. Its outstanding thermal and tribological properties make it an ideal filler for polymers, particularly when high temperature resistance and high thermal conductivity are required. HeBoFill® enhances the thermal conductivity of plastics while maintaining their electrical insulation properties.
In the plastics industry in particular, the range of applications is virtually endless. Whether in O-rings and valves, conveyor chains, plain bearings, or cable insulation, boron nitride can be used as a filler to modify the polymer matrix. In applications where PTFE is used as a solid material, a substitute can be found by using a different polymer as the matrix and adding boron nitride as a filler.
Henze BNP offers boron nitride powders within the HeBoFill® family that are FDA-approved for food contact in plastics. This makes boron nitride an attractive option for a wide range of applications in food packaging and processing. In addition, all boron nitride powders in the HeBoFill® family have EU food contact approval.
Fazit
Hexagonal boron nitride offers a cutting-edge alternative to PTFE, particularly in the fields of lubricants and polymers. With its superior heat resistance, chemical inertness, and excellent friction-reducing properties, hBN can extend the performance limits of PTFE and be used in applications with demanding thermal and chemical requirements. NSF H1 certification for lubricants and FDA approval for polymers underscore the versatility and safety of hBN in sensitive sectors such as the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Companies looking for a durable, high-performance, and safe alternative to PTFE should consider HeBoFill®. Not only does it offer properties similar to those of PTFE, but it also outperforms PTFE in many areas, particularly under extreme conditions.