PFAS in general

The topic of PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) has received a high media presence, which entails a ban on more than 10,000 substances at the European level. In addition to toxic and highly volatile substances, the current ECHA draft also provides for a ban on products that have become an indispensable part of everyday life and industry. These are Fluoropolymers and Fluoroelastomers such as PTFE, FKM, FVMQ, FFKM.

PFAS are a group of industrial chemicals that all have a similar molecular structure, a “carbon chain”, and the element “fluorine”. This carbon-fluorine bond is very strong, which makes it difficult to break down.

In the production of FKM polymers, harmful non-polymeric forms of PFAS are used as process aids. They are based on chains of carbon atoms, which usually have a chain length of between 2 and 13 atoms, much shorter than those of polymers. The shorter chain length means that, compared to polymers, they are more mobile, reactive and more easily transmitted to humans, e.g. via groundwater.

The very large polymers PFAS, e.g. PTFE/FKM/FVMQ/FFKM, etc., are often considered too large to be absorbed by our bodies and therefore unlikely to cause us harm. Fluoroelastomers and plastics have no reactive or functional groups that could undergo chemical reactions and are therefore chemically inert. In addition, they are difficult to degrade due to their low solubility in water or other solvents and their high molecular weight of Mn ≥ 1000 g/mol, in addition, fluoropolymers are thermally stable and can withstand high temperatures. This means that they do not break down into their components or decompose during use and do not release harmful emissions.

Accumulation of fluoropolymers in the human body is also unlikely, as they are not bioaccumulative due to their chemical structure. In summary, there are currently no restrictions on the use of fluoroelastomer and/or fluoropolymer products, nor are there any studies claiming that they are dangerous.

PFAS Replacement in Polymer Production – FSFP Compounds

GITIS is aware of the growing concern about PFAS chemicals and is taking steps to eliminate them. We are currently in the process of converting all our compounds to a polymer base that is produced without fluorinated surfactants, the so-called FSFP compounds. This step is an important part of our sustainability strategy and helps to reduce our environmental impact. We are committed to working with our customers to ensure a smooth transition. The importance of a stable supply chain is at the core of our business. Therefore, we have developed a comprehensive plan to support the transition and ensure supply: Our internal activities started in March 2023; it will only take a few more months until everything is completed.

Many compounds are already based on the modified polymerization technology, while other classes will not experience the transition until 2025/2026, depending on the type. The classic materials with a higher fluorine content or low temperature materials according to our technical documentation (Technology Guide) are already available. With the FSFP compound technology, we will deliver on our promise to the market to support our customers with the best sealing technology; based on the results, we do not expect any changes in overall material performance.

It must also be said here that the PFAS substances in the production of polymers are a local problem of the polymerization factory. The substances used as surfactants in production are no longer found in the finished product, as they leak out during tempering.

This does not mean “PFAS-free”, that would be a contradiction in terms. It only means that polymer manufacturers do not use PFAS substances in the production of polymers.

PFAS Alternatives

FKM / FFKM is usually not replaceable as a sealing material! In individual cases, one can think about specific alternatives (chem. resistance / temperature). Please contact us directly, we already have some good solutions here.