A new polymer bearing material that is free of both per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been developed by Igus, marking an important step in the company's efforts to create sustainable alternatives to conventional plain bearings.

Due to their water, heat and dirt resistance, PFAS and PTFE are key materials in the production of self-A new self-lubricating plain bearing material was developed without PFAS. Source: Igus GmbHlubricating plain bearings in a variety of industries. However, PFAS degrade slowly, posing risks to both human health and the environment.

Addressing these concerns, iglide JPF is a plain bearing material delivering high wear resistance and durability without the use of PFAS or PTFE. This dry-running, wear-resistant polymer offers comparable friction and wear performance to iglide J, and its development is a response to growing global regulatory pressures to limit the use of harmful substances in industrial and consumer products.

"From the onset of the discussions about a potential PFAS ban in Europe, we prioritized the research and development of alternative materials," said Dr. Magnus Orth, head of the Igus Material Center. "Our in-house material development and compounding capabilities enable us to quickly respond to regulatory changes and offer new solutions that meet market demands."

"Users who have relied on iglide J for their machines and systems can now opt for a PTFE-free alternative with equivalent performance,” said Lars Butenschön, head of the iglide plain bearing technology business unit. "Our goal is to transition our standard materials to PTFE-free formulations. We are already in the process of developing alternatives for materials such as iglide X and iglide W300, and early test results have been very promising."