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High-performance lubricants without PFAS: The future of drive technology

The impending PFAS restrictions pose major challenges for the lubricant industry, but innovative technologies such as OMC2 additive technology already offer powerful alternatives. Thanks to their excellent friction and wear reduction as well as their positive impact on efficiency and sustainability, they are a future-proof solution for numerous industrial applications.

Reading time: approx. 4 minutes | An article by TUNAP | TUNAP Blog

PFAS ban: A challenge for the lubricant industry

Whether multifunctional oils, dry lubricants or high-performance lubricants for specialised applications - polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been an essential component of many lubricants to date. Due to its unique molecular structure, PTFE provides a very smooth surface that minimises friction and wear. This makes PTFE particularly valuable for highly loaded friction contacts, such as those found in small gears. These can be found in various applications such as automotive, home automation, power tools and e-bikes.

The addition of PTFE significantly improves the efficiency and service life of such small gears. Less wear not only means higher product quality, but also lower material and maintenance costs.

EU restrictions: PFAS-containing lubricants facing the end?

However, PTFE is increasingly becoming the focus of regulatory authorities as it belongs to the group of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are contained in numerous everyday products due to their water, grease and dirt-repellent properties - from non-stick coatings and water-repellent textiles to fire extinguishing foam and lubricants.

Their environmental persistence is particularly problematic: PFAS degrade very slowly or not at all and can accumulate in nature and in organisms. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is therefore planning to classify PFAS as substances of very high concern (SVHC). The restrictions currently under discussion could mean an almost complete ban, with only transitional periods of a maximum of 13.5 years planned for lubricants containing PFAS. Applications that are not classified as critical - such as use in small gearboxes - would probably only be given a period of 18 months.

Innovative lubricants: Efficient even without PFAS

To date, there is no standardised solution for PFAS-free lubricants, as the requirements vary depending on the application. The development of alternative technologies is complex and resource-intensive.

As a leading manufacturer of speciality lubricants, TUNAP was quick to develop high-performance lubricants that do not require PTFE and have proven themselves in practice. One outstanding example is the OMC2 additive technology (Organic Molybdenum Compound). This technology causes micro-flow smoothing of metal surfaces in friction contacts and also forms wear-resistant protective layers.

The result: reduced surface roughness and a more even load distribution between contacting metal parts. This significantly minimises friction, which is reflected in lower operating temperatures. As lower temperatures extend the service life of the lubricant, small drives equipped with OMC2 technology can be used for considerably longer. At the same time, the improved wear protection ensures that the components remain functional for longer

Sustainable efficiency and reduced operating costs

The advantages of OMC2 additive technology are manifold: it enables a longer service life of lubricants while simultaneously reducing consumption. Tests on the TUNAP Power Tool test bench have shown that power tools with the OMC2-based high-performance lubricating grease TUNGREASE function perfectly even after 250 hours of continuous use.

In addition, the lower frictional heat reduces energy consumption, which not only reduces CO2 emissions but also minimises the environmental impact. Less maintenance and repair work also leads to higher machine availability and lower disposal costs.

All in all, this not only means technical benefits for users, but also considerable cost and resource savings - and all without PFAS.

Three phases of the OMC2 effect:

formation of a lubricating film: the OMC2 additives attach themselves to the metal surfaces under pressure and form a stable lubricating film.
densification of the protective surface layer: mechanical stress causes the metal structures to deform in the nanometre range, reducing the surface roughness and creating an effective protective layer.
surface smoothing: The additives penetrate deeper into the metal and cause plastic deformation, which leads to a further reduction in friction and wear.

Contact us now if you are looking for alternatives for your PFAS-containing lubricants.

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