Global regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are tightening across the EU and the US, leaving manufacturers across industries to urgently seek high-performance materials that can meet evolving environmental and safety standards without compromising technical performance
Asahi Kasei, a diversified global company, has developed a new PFAS-free polyamide (PA) engineered for demanding low-friction applications.
For decades, PFAS additives have been utilised to provide low friction and wear resistance in engineering plastics. As regulatory pressure grows, industries ranging from industrial machinery to automotive are seeking alternative solutions. Asahi Kasei’s new PFAS-free PA has been designed to address this shift by combining environmental responsibility with the advanced material performance required for next-generation components.
The new PA features low-friction and sliding properties that are crucial for applications where lubrication with oil or grease is not possible. It can maintain stable performance under high-load and high-temperature conditions. These characteristics make it suitable for mechanical parts such as gears, chain guides, and other sliding components that must operate reliably in dry conditions.
To meet the needs of manufacturers worldwide, Asahi Kasei offers PFAS-free PA in unreinforced and reinforced grades. These options enable engineers to select the optimal balance of strength, stiffness, and durability for their specific needs.
Utilising its unique processing control technology, Asahi Kasei can further tailor the material’s performance profile. Customised formulations can optimise filler content, heat resistance, stiffness, and behaviour under wet conditions, providing design flexibility to help customers transition to PFAS-free solutions without sacrificing product performance.
Yoshitaka Hori, senior general manager of Asahi Kasei’s Leona PA66 business, said, “As industries around the world move away from PFAS, we see a strong need for materials that go beyond compliance and actually raise the bar for durability and efficiency. Our new PFAS-free PA delivers exactly that, and we are excited to support our customers in building safer, more sustainable products.”
