REGULATION
Per- and Polyfluorinated (PFAS) based Lubricants — why they are indispensable
Stephan Baumgärtel, Manager Lubricants, UNITI
The function of lubricants is to prevent friction, wear, and corrosion. A study shows that 23% of global energy consumption is due to friction and the reprocessing of worn components. New technologies for reducing friction could decrease energy losses by 18% in the short term and by 40% in the long term (source: Gesellschaft für Tribologie, GfT). This would reduce CO2
emissions by 1,460 million tons in the short term and 3,140 million tons in the long term.
Lubricants based on fluoropolymers, often collectively referred to as “PFAS” (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), play a small but very crucial role. This group of synthetic chemicals comprises thousands of compounds, though only a few are used industrially. Some PFAS are proven harmful to humans and the environment, while others are not. It is therefore necessary to distinguish between them. Some hazardous PFAS have entered the environment as by-products in the past. This was not the case with lubricants, as these are normally used in closed environments. However, the industry has made considerable efforts to prevent the formation of harmful PFAS as by-products of the PFAS used by lubricant manufacturers. Industrially used PFAS are extremely stable—hence their nickname: “forever chemicals.” This stability is essential for many industry applications. The use in consumer products may be disputed. To eliminate any potential risk, several EU member states have proposed banning all PFAS, regardless of individual risk. That would be comparable to banning all mushrooms— like champignons and chanterelles—just because some, like the fly agaric, are poisonous.
Properties of PFAS-containing specialty lubricants PFAS-based lubricants and greases are a niche category
16 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.190 DECEMBER 2025
(estimated less than 1% of the total market) with unique properties. Due to these they can hardly be replaced in many applications. Their chemical structure gives them exceptional characteristics such as: • High thermal stability: They can withstand extreme temperatures, both high and low.
• Chemical resistance: They are resistant to aggressive chemicals, acids, and bases.
• Non-flammability: PFAS are often non-flammable, providing increased safety in high-risk environments.
• Low volatility: PFAS have a very low evaporation rate, extending service life and making them indispensable in specialised applications such as optics (anti-fogging) and vacuum technology (low vapor pressure).
• Low friction and wear: They efficiently reduce friction and wear, extending the lifespan of machines and components.
For lubricants, polyfluoroethers (PFPE) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are used from the PFAS family. Lubricants containing these materials are physically and chemically stable, durable, non-flammable, extremely robust, radiation-resistant, and exhibit high electrical resistance.
Use of PFAS based lubricant products PFPE/PTFE-based lubricants and greases are very expensive compared to conventional oils and greases. Therefore, they are typically only used when environmental conditions demand it. For example, they are used in automotive components such as exhaust gas recirculation valves, hydraulic clutch systems, and high-load bearings. The applied quantity per system is typically between 0.3 g and 3 g, depending on the product function and application.
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