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The safety concern around PFAS has sparked global action. Regulators across the UK, European Union, and the U.S. are proposing to ban or restrict PFAS substances to only a few critical uses. Manufacturers using these products are looking to find safer alternative materials, without compromising product performance.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, or PFAS, are used in millions of everyday items. These substances, which are renowned for their resistance to heat, oil, stains, and water, are ubiquitous in products such as technical clothing, non-stick cookware, food packaging, and many more. Considered “forever chemicals” their persistence in the environment poses a significant risk. PFAS, including compounds like PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulforic), do not break down and risk contaminating our food and water, which may lead to health hazards such as liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility issues and cancer1.
In the face of the PFAS concerns, we take pride in offering a range of proven high-performance PEEK polymers as potential safer and more sustainable alternatives.
PEEK polymers, regarded as one of the highest performing polymers in the world, are well suited for extreme and demanding environments and can support multiple requirements at the same time.
Suitable for continuous-use temperatures up to 260°C (500°F). Glass transition temperatures up to 170°C (338°F)
Low coefficient of friction. High abrasion and cut-through resistance
High strength and stiffness in demanding conditions. Excellent long-term creep and fatigue properties
Withstands a wide range of acids and bases and shows excellent performance in hydrocarbons and organic solvents
Meets applicable regulatory requirements and safety standards in its intended applications
Elevate your industry with PFAS alternative PEEK solutions
Victrex has a range of PFAS-free* polymers that are proven in highly-demanding environments from food contact to tribological applications.
VICTREX FG™ grades are high-performance polymers for use in food, beverage, and water processing equipments.
Compliant with major food contact regulations and standards such as EU 10/2011 and US FDA 21 CFR 177.2415, VICTREX FGTM grades are suited for demanding environments supporting multiple requirements for safety, quality and regulatory compliance of the industry.
VICTREX WG™ polymers, premium wear grades offer excellent wear resistance and a reduced, very stable coefficient of friction. VICTREX WG™ 101 is PFAS-free* and does not contain other halogenated additives or talc.
Learn about PFAS concerns, regulatory and commercial factors, and PEEK polymers' promise as a sustainable, high-performance replacement based on material attributes and market uses.
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PEEK polymer is fast changing the ‘metal-first’ mindset. Our Chief Scientist Dr. John Grasmeder explains why
1. European Environment Agency, What are PFAS and how are they dangerous for my health? https://www.eea.europa.eu/help/faq/what-are-pfas-and-how
*PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have not been intentionally added, used, or generated as by-products in the manufacturing process of unfilled Victrex PEEK and PAEK polymers. In addition, Independent third party laboratory analysis on representative product samples has confirmed that Perfluoroalkyl substances (including PFOA, PFHxS, PFCA’s C9-C14) are not detectable in Victrex products down to test detection limits. A small number of Victrex products contain PTFE (a fluoropolymer, part of the PFAS family of substances) as an additive – these are manufactured by third party companies which comply with the PFOA restrictions of the POPs regulation (EU 2019/1021). For more information https://www.victrex.com/resources/faq
Victrex provides a PEEK polymer portfolio suited for non-implantable medical and healthcare applications that are PFAS-free. These high-performance polymers are used for applications from surgical instrumentation to drug delivery. This includes pharmaceutical contact grades that are supported by appropriate biocompatibility testing, including USP 661 and USP Class VI.