Introducing: Sustainable Sealing Material Grades

Some of our FKM grades require the use of fluorinated surfactants in the synthesis of their base polymers. These fluorinated surfactants belong to the PFAS family (detailed here).

In response to increased demand for more sustainable, compliant materials, PPE is in the process of transitioning to more environmentally friendly sealing materials. 

As part of our commitment to more responsible FKM manufacturing practices, we have evaluated samples of fluorosurfactant-free versions of the original polymers - named NFS polymers.

As a consequence of this transition, you will see an evolution of PPE FKM materials which are more sustainable but maintaining the same high sealing performance and continuity of supply.

Key Benefits of NFS Polymers

PPE's PFAS Sustainability Program will power an evolution of FKM sealing material grades. There are a number of significant benefits to this transition, including:

• Fluorosurfactant-free composition

PPE is focused on ensuring our customers can continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to high performance sealing solutions for the most critical applications, whilst contributing towards making the whole fluoropolymers production cycle more environmentally sustainable.

Aligned with the Fluoropolymers Product Group (FPG), PPE is making a voluntary commitment to reduce non-polymeric PFAS emissions from fluoropolymer manufacturing.

This includes the adoption of alternative manufacturing processes which no longer require the use of fluorosurfactants – marking a breakthrough in FKM offering.

Within this transition period, different timelines will apply for different materials. Get in touch with your key PPE contact for details on the development status of your required materials.

• No compromise on performance

It is important that this transition to more sustainable materials doesn’t lead to a reduction in expected sealing performance.

The results from the PFAS sustainability program show a high degree of correlation between the original materials and the new NFS versions. Using the new V91JF against V91J as an example, from physical properties (pictured below) through to compression set, thermo-analytical data and RDG performance, the two materials compare well and all within the typical values range.

It means an equivalence in physical, thermal, and sealing properties, as well as equivalence in applicative testing and behaviour during processing (both on O-rings and more complex geometries).

• Environmental and health benefits

Our transition to fluorosurfactant-free manufacturing processes will reduce levels of harmful pollutants released into the environment.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) includes around 10,000 chemical species with carbon-fluorine bonds. These chemicals are currently under review by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for their risks to human health and the environment. While most fluoropolymers – FKM, FEPM, FFKM – meet the OECD “Polymer of Low Concern” criteria (non-toxic, not bioavailable, non-water soluble, and non-mobile molecules), they are still categorised as PFAS based on molecular structure.

A switch to FKM materials which do not require fluorosurfactants is a significant step for minimising harmful environmental emissions, and keeping any residual impact on human health to an absolute minimum.

• Supporting your corporate sustainability goals