Asahi Kasei Develops PFAS-Free PA66 with Low Friction and High Load Performance

As the European Union and the United States increasingly tighten global regulations on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), manufacturers across various industries are urgently seeking high-performance materials that can meet evolving environmental and safety standards without compromising technical performance.

According to foreign media reports, the global diversified company Asahi Kasei has announced the development of a new type of PFAS-free polyamide (PA) specifically designed for demanding low-friction applications.

Image source: Asahi Kasei

For decades, engineering plastics have relied on PFAS additives to enhance their low friction and wear resistance. As regulatory pressures mount, industries ranging from automotive to industrial machinery are seeking alternative solutions. Asahi Kasei's newly developed PFAS-free PA addresses this shift by seamlessly blending environmental responsibility with the advanced material performance required for next-generation components.

Novel polyamide (PA) materials exhibit excellent low friction and sliding properties, which are crucial for applications where oil or grease lubrication is not feasible. They maintain stable performance even under high loads and temperatures. These characteristics make them ideal for mechanical parts such as gears, chain guides, and other sliding components that need to operate reliably in dry environments.

To meet the diverse needs of global manufacturers, Asahi Kasei offers PFAS-free polyamide (PA) materials, including both unreinforced and reinforced grades. These options allow engineers to select the optimal balance of strength, stiffness, and durability for specific application requirements.

With its unique processing control technology, Asahi Kasei is able to further customize material properties. Tailored formulations can optimize filler content, heat resistance, stiffness, and wet-state performance, providing design flexibility and helping customers transition to PFAS-free solutions smoothly without sacrificing product performance.

"As industries worldwide phase out PFAS, we're seeing an urgent demand for materials that go beyond compliance, truly elevating standards for durability and efficiency," said Yoshitaka Hori, Senior General Manager of Asahi Kasei's LEONA PA66 business. "Our new PFAS-free PA materials are designed precisely for this, and we are excited to support our customers in creating safer, more sustainable products."