Options and Limitations of PFAS-free Coatings

 
Due to increasing awareness that PFAS cause environmental and health issues, the interest in replacing PFAS in coatings has raised accordingly. However, it also has become clear that there is no one-to-one replacement, requiring application-related PFAS-free solutions. The use of plasma technology for environmentally benign durable water repellent (DWR) surfaces currently based on PFAS is discussed showing options and limitations. Regarding the physicochemical properties of fluorocarbons, methyl-functionalized siloxanes are the best candidates for PFAS-free coatings. Plasma processing, functionality, industrial feasibility as well as environmental aspects are considered to show novel ways for PFAS-free coatings.