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Oerlikon Drives PFAS-Free Coating Innovation with DLC and Ceramic Alternatives, Meeting Global Regulations and Delivering High Performance Across Industries

Oerlikon Switzerland
Overview
Oerlikon is advancing PFAS-free thin film coatings, like Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) and ceramic coatings, as high-performance alternatives across diverse industrial applications. These new solutions aim to match or exceed the durability, wear resistance, and friction reduction properties of traditional PFAS-based materials. The company is committed to global PFAS regulation compliance, providing sustainable options for industries transitioning away from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
In Depth

Key Findings

Oerlikon is actively developing and commercializing advanced PFAS-free thin film coatings designed to serve as high-performance alternatives to traditional PFAS-based solutions across various industrial sectors. The company’s portfolio of alternatives, including Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) and specialized ceramic coatings, is engineered to deliver comparable or superior properties in terms of durability, wear resistance, and friction reduction, crucial for critical applications.

Technical / Clinical Details

The development of Oerlikon’s PFAS-free coatings focuses on replicating and enhancing the desirable properties of fluorinated compounds—such as chemical inertness, hydrophobicity/oleophobicity, and low friction—without using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. DLC coatings, for instance, offer exceptional hardness and wear resistance, significantly reducing surface friction in mechanical systems. Ceramic coatings provide high thermal stability and corrosion resistance, protecting components in harsh environments. These technologies are adaptable to specific industry needs, finding applications in precision engineering, automotive, medical devices, and textiles, highlighting their versatility and performance capabilities.

Background & Context

PFAS compounds have been widely used due to their unique properties, but their persistence in the environment and potential health concerns have led to increasingly stringent global regulations. The European Union, in particular, is moving towards a comprehensive ban on PFAS, compelling industries worldwide to seek compliant and sustainable alternatives. Oerlikon’s initiative directly responds to these global environmental imperatives, positioning the company as a leader in providing sustainable industrial solutions and contributing to a circular economy model.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

Oerlikon’s advanced PFAS-free coating solutions are vital for industries committed to reducing their environmental footprint and complying with evolving regulatory landscapes. These coatings enable manufacturers to maintain high product performance and reliability while adopting more sustainable practices throughout their supply chains. As the demand for environmentally responsible materials grows, Oerlikon’s commitment to PFAS-free innovation will likely accelerate industry-wide transitions, fostering a more sustainable technological future. The company aims to sustain its leadership in this domain, driving the next generation of green coating technologies for a safer and better tomorrow.

Source: https://www.oerlikon.com/en/about-us/sustainability/advanced-pfas-free-coatings/

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