BJ Jun – KSCNT – South Korea
PFAS stands for Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, the substances are chemicals which have been used for nonstick cookware, water-repellant textiles, firefighting foams, and food packaging. According to current studies on PFAS, the substances have bioaccumulation potentials and toxicities. There are concerns about their environmen-tal persistence and potential health risks. And there are regulatory actions globally.
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a fluoropolymer, it is technically a part of PFAS. PTFE is generally considered un-reactive and stable. While PTFE is not directly harmful, it often arises toxic PFAS compounds, such as PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid), in its production and degradation processes under high heat or wear.
PTFE is commonly used in paints and coating industries for texture pattern. However, there is no product that can fully replace PTFE on the market. To fulfill the “Voice of customers”, KSCNT would like to take this opportunity to introduce new developments, PFAS free texture agent for powder coatings.
PTFE has low melt flow index, and it doesn’t molten in binders. With these properties, PTFE forms texture pattern in the powder coatings. PTFE is an effective material which forms fine texture patterns with small dosage. But there is a big problem with producing powder coatings. PTFE’s coefficient of friction is just 0.05 ~ 0.10, it is the third lowest among solid materials. Due to the low coefficient of friction, it takes more resources on extrusion and grinding and it is directly related to productivity. There are some PTFE free texture agents in the market. And they generate texture patterns with two main mechanisms, rheology and reactivity. Rheology is mainly related to viscosity; its related materials are resins, fillers, and pigments. With partial difference in flowing, it helps on forming the patterns.
Reactivity is using reaction speed; its related materials are hardeners, resins, and additives. When there are several reactions with different reaction speeds, there is micro-sized roughness on the coated surface. The roughness reduces the gloss of the coated materials, and it also effects on forming the patterns.
However, most PFAS free products which are currently on the market do not 100% replace PTFE. Because they are worse interlayer adhesion with stickers, inks, and silicon sealants. Some products have poor heat resistance, and it is not proper on white colored powder coatings, others form different patterns by used resins, and they have short shelf-life.
KSCNT recently developed new PFAS free texture agents, the main chemistry is acrylic polymers. To comply with EU-REACH regulations, the polymers are only made with EU-REACH registered monomers. These new PFAS free texture agents have strong advantages compared with the other products.
Compatible on different systems
HAA system – Hybrid system – TGIC system.
Good interlayer adhesion
Good adhesion with stickers, inks, and silicon sealants.
Same system, same dosage, same pattern
Making similar patterns with different Resin Makers.
High productivity
Easy grinding, easy extrusion.
Productivity is the same as general powder coatings.
Good weather resistance
Available for QUALICOAT applications.
Good heat resistance
They have good hear resistance as same as normal glossy Powder Coatings.
Some people might be able to say that the last century was built with PTFE. PTFE has been used in variable industries, from gaskets to aerospace. As we use PTFE commonly and frequently in our daily lives, it is easy to forget about its harmful effects. Several studies have proven that continued use of PTFE is dangerous. And we, Coating Industries, are facing big challenges to replace PTFE for our society and environment.
KSCNT’s newly developed PFAS-free texture agents show significant advancement. They generate fine texture patterns in main systems such as HAA system, Hybrid system, and TGIC system. The products also with advantages in productivity, interlayer adhesion, heat resistance, and weather resistance. This innovation will provide an effective, sustainable alternative that meets market demands against PFAS free regulations.
KSCNT’s products in Italy are distributed by L’Aprochimide.
