PROCESSING | PROCESS AIDS AND LUBRICANTS


fluoropolymers such as PTFE, particularly in catheter and surgical device applications,” said Rezak. “This shift seems to be largely driven by planning for potential future PFAS-related regula- tions, especially those emerging from Europe. While concrete restrictions in medical devices are still limited – particularly in the United States, where some PFAS regulations have recently been sof- tened – the perception of regulatory risk is influenc- ing material decisions today. Many OEMs are proactively exploring alternatives to stay ahead of possible future requirements and to facilitate long-term compliance across both European and US markets.” Americhem highlighted its PFAS-free internally


Above: Avient has introduced GlideTech Formulations, a new non-PFAS lubricious


technology for catheters


the globe,” said Dale McCormick, Business Man- ager at Ingenia Polymers. “With the EU market needing to transition away from fluoropolymer- based PPAs later this year, we see tremendous interest and evaluations of our products there and wide adoption ahead of the deadline.” Argus Additive Plastics displayed fluorine-free


processing aid masterbatches at K2025. New products included Argumelt PA 1376 LD for film production and Argumelt PA 1407 LD that demon- strated reduced die-build up.


Healthcare challenge Lubricating technologies are crucial in medical applications, which often have stringent perfor- mance and regulatory requirements. “Qualifying new materials in healthcare can be


difficult, as even minor material changes some- times require extensive biocompatibility testing, validation, and regulatory approval, depending on the medical device’s classification, and often involve years of data and close OEM collaboration,” said Ashley Rezak, Marketing Manager, Healthcare Specialty Engineered Materials Americas at Avient. “As a result, manufacturers must carefully balance innovation and risk with their suppliers, since material substitutions can impact device perfor- mance, sterilisation compatibility, and global regulatory approvals.” The latest from Avient is GlideTech Formulations,


a non-PFAS lubricious technology for catheters in its engineered materials portfolio for healthcare. The compounds provide the necessary coefficient of friction (CoF) without the use of polytetrafluoroeth- ylene (PTFE), and they offer enhanced processabil- ity compared to traditional catheter materials on conventional extrusion equipment, Avient reported. “We are clearly seeing increased interest from medical device manufacturers in moving away from


28 COMPOUNDING WORLD | April 2026


lubricated compounds for healthcare at a recent industry exhibition. As part of the EcoLube MD portfolio, the compounds reduce friction and wear without PFAS additives for applications including auto-injectors, wearable pumps, and precision robotic tools (also see Medical Compounds feature starting on page 13). Techmer PM announced a collaboration with


Premix Group to launch a non-PFAS additive technology for fluid management in pipette tips, microplates, and diagnostic devices. The companies said that the technology “modifies surface energy at the molecular level, delivering clean fluid release, volumetric accuracy, and low extractables, without the need for fluorinated coatings or secondary treatments.” Loadings between 4 and 8% can be customised to balance hydrophobicity and clarity. Additives are used to reduce wear and friction in moving machine parts, where they can improve abrasion resistance and reduce COF to reduce noise. PTFE has been widely used in these types of applications, said Robert Kaminsky, Technical Sales Manager at Mitsui Chemicals America. Although fluoropolymers such as PTFE may not be restricted by PFAS regulations in these applications, the changing regulations have prompted some design- ers to investigate alternative materials. Mitsui Chemicals’ Lubmer ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) melt-processable pel- letised additives offer an alternative for reducing wear and friction. A new grade is designed for polyamide applications (also see Polyamide Additives feature starting on page 31).


Powders and waxes Shamrock Technologies, which offers micronised PTFE powders to reduce friction and wear, also offers UHMWPE wear additives in powder form with various mean particle sizes down to 35 micron. New from the company is a modified, crosslinked version


www.compoundingworld.com


IMAGE: GETTY/AVIENT


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