Americhem Unveils PFAS-Free Compounds for Healthcare Applications

Americhem Inc. has launched the EcoLube MD line of PFAS-free internally lubricated compounds specifically for medical devices and other healthcare applications.

Building on the success of Americhem’s launch of EcoLube in 2024, EcoLube MD offers significant advantages for healthcare applications, according to the company. As a sustainable, non-PFAS solution, EcoLube MD addresses the need for effective wear and friction reduction. It also ensures compliance with current and future regulations, demonstrates environmental stewardship, and reduces environmental impact.

EcoLube MD pre-lubricated engineered compounds and alloys are designed to help manufacturers reduce the wear and friction of moving plastic parts, reduce noise during use, and decrease the coefficient of friction for plastic-on-plastic and plastic-on-metal applications, all without the use of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) components. End-use applications can include minimally invasive surgical devices, syringe pumps, prosthetics, surgical robots, and more.

Matt Miklos, vice president/general manager of Americhem’s engineered compounds division, noted that healthcare OEMs are increasingly concerned about sustainability and ensuring that new products meet current and future regulations.

“With regulations around the world potentially restricting or banning the use of PFAS and PTFE, healthcare OEMs are challenged with finding alternatives that can match their self-lubricating performance,” he said. “Our new PFAS-free EcoLube MD line meets their unique needs and helps them stay ahead in their respective markets.”

Related: Americhem Healthcare Launches ColorRx Medical Grade Polymers in Europe

Ecolube MD has undergone testing for performance and biocompatibility. Internal testing has indicated similar performance to the more traditional internal lubricants and wear resistant additives in most cases. Ecolube MD has undergone ISO10993 –5 testing for biocompatibility as part of the global medical compliance certifications.

“ISO10993 – 5 testing for biocompatibility is an important global medical compliance certification, and we’re proud that EcoLube MD is a proven solution that supports sustainability and performance for the healthcare industry,” said Linda Boyett, vice president of Global Technology & Innovation at Americhem.

The EcoLube technology integrates specially designed functional additives directly into the material, providing long-lasting lubrication from within. A variety of functional additives cater to specific applications, resulting in a versatile EcoLube product line capable of tackling a wide range of lubrication challenges.

• Solid state, non-migrating lubricants that stand up to extreme pressures, reducing frictional wear and “slip-stick” behavior in nylon bearings.
• Multifunctional, migrating, boundary lubricants reduce the coefficient of friction and wear rate by providing immediate lubrication at start-up and high speeds.
• Non-traditional formulations offer shear reinforcement and abrasion resistance between moving, mating parts.
• Low friction, non-migratory additives are designed to offset PTFE in various applications and thermoplastics.
• Ecolube MD biocompatibility testing and compliance with the medical certifications are coupled with AEC’s stringent Process Change Management commitments and locked formulation promise make it an easy choice for a variety of medical applications.

Americhem has formulated EcoLube compounds in various base resins, including ABS, PBT, PCABS, PC, PEI, PPE, PPS, PE, PP, PSU, PPSU, POM, PEEK, PPA, PA, and TPU.

“We pride ourselves on our ability to customize products to fit end-market performance, conversion processes, color, and aesthetic requirements. By working closely with our customers, we shape specifications and new technologies to meet their unique needs and sustainability objectives,” Miklos said.

Americhem designs and manufactures custom color masterbatches, functional additives, engineered compounds, and performance technologies for the global polymer industry. The company operates 10 manufacturing plants and maintains sales offices worldwide.