In most cases, the lubricant or grease is applied as a very thin film and remains enclosed within the system for its entire service life, preventing product loss that could shorten system life.
Due to the exceptional properties of PFPE and PTFE, lubricants with these components are used in critical applications where other lubricants would fail. Examples include: • High-temperature applications: Fluoropolymer- based lubricants are used to lubricate bearings in corrugated board production, rubber vulcanisation (tire manufacturing), and film heat-treatment ovens.
• Contact with reactive, corrosive, or explosive fluids and gases: PFPE-based lubricants serve as sealing and working fluids in vacuum pumps and valves exposed to harsh chemical or thermal conditions.
• Applications requiring low outgassing: In high-vacuum pumps, optical instruments, and enclosures where lubricant condensation must be avoided, PFPE/PTFE lubricants are ideal due to their very low vapor pressure.
• Power generation: In nuclear power plants, PFPE lubricants are used in bearings for pumps exposed to radiation. Radiation quickly degrades ordinary lubricants, but PFPE-based ones remain stable for extended periods.
• Lifetime lubrication in automotive and mechanical engineering: PTFE-based lubricants cannot be easily replaced without compromising functionality, including noise reduction. Compatibility with plastics/elastomers and performance under varying conditions must always be ensured. These lifetime lubricants must withstand large temperature ranges.
• Emergency systems: PTFE and PFPE-based lubricants are also used in emergency systems where machines must start quickly after long idle periods (e.g., fire doors, backup generators, gear units).
PFPE- and PTFE-based lubricants also find use in general industrial applications due to their oxidation stability and prevention of deposits, for example in heavily loaded bearings and pivots. They reduce lubricant change frequency and total lubricant use.
Environmental impact PTFE-containing lubricants are basically unaffected by weather or oxidation and are not washed out of components due to their insolubility. Therefore, direct emissions to the environment are in general negligible. Moreover, PFPE/PTFE lubricants are used in very small
volumes and typically only once for the entire service life of a component. Used parts are disposed of according to EU waste regulations, typically through incineration or melting. Studies (KIT / Conversio) show that PFAS used in lubricants are largely destroyed under typical municipal incineration conditions.
Potential Impact of restrictions Restricting PFPE and PTFE lubricants would affect a wide range of downstream users. Substituting PFAS-based lubricants is almost impossible in many applications. In rare cases, microplastics could be used instead, but their use is also being restricted. Complete redesigns of equipment, machines, and components would likely be necessary, reducing performance and longevity. Industry experts warn that banning PFPE/PTFE lubricants could have severe consequences: • High industry costs to find or develop alternative lubricants, if possible, at all.
• Some critical systems in sensitive industries could no longer operate.
• PFAS based sealing materials would disappear, causing extreme maintenance burdens across industries.
• Reduced safety when handling reactive substances (oxygen/hydrogen, etc.).
• Increased pollution, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions due to higher lubricant usage, lower
efficiency, shorter lifetime and frequent lubricant exchange.
• Loss of market share and jobs in EU companies compared to non-EU competitors.
Ongoing discussions Consultations are underway regarding the future of PFAS in lubricants, which also involve UEIL representatives. The two responsible evaluation committees, RAC (Risk Assessment Committee) and SEAC (Socio-Economic Assessment Committee), will submit recommendations to the European Commission in 2026. Reportedly, RAC will support an early ban, while SEAC, recognising PFAS importance, will advocate for a transition period of up to 13.5 years. The final decision will rest with the European Commission. However, uncertainty remains: if PFAS are banned in many other industries, will enough suppliers remain to serve the small European market?
uniti.de
LUBE MAGAZINE NO.190 DECEMBER 2025
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