DIC Develops Environment-Friendly PFAS-Free Surfactants
DIC Corporation has announced the development of the MEGAFACE™ EFS series of environment-friendly surfactants that deliver a performance rivaling that of conventional fluorosurfactants despite not containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).
These novel products are suitable alternatives to fluorosurfactants across a wide range of applications such as displays, semiconductors, automotive components, and coatings.
The company intends to introduce this product line in various markets including Japan, other East Asian countries, Europe, and the United States. Their focus is on industries spanning from electronic materials to electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries.
Fluorosurfactants, added in small amounts, lower the surface tension of liquids, improving emulsification and surface activity. They thus play a key role in detergents, coatings and industrial products, among others.
Nevertheless, worries regarding latent environmental risks linked to PFASs have led to discussions about regulating these substances, especially in Europe and the United States. As a result, there is an increased need for the development of PFAS-free alternatives to fluorosurfactants.
DIC started the development of a PFAS-free surfactant in a proactive response to rising global needs for sustainable alternatives to fluorosurfactants. Leveraging its proprietary technologies and environment-friendly raw materials, the Company succeeded in creating the MEGAFACE™ EFS series of products boasting surface activity equal to or better than that of conventional fluorosurfactants.
While realizing PFAS-free surfactants that rival fluorosurfactants on the performance front has been seen as a difficult challenge, DIC has achieved this goal with the MEGAFACE™ EFS series of products with an ability to reduce surface tension as good or greater than that of fluorosurfactants, thereby ensuring excellent coating uniformity (leveling behavior).
In the DIC Vision 2030 long-term management plan, DIC sets forth a basic strategy of expanding its Functional Products business with a focus on sustainable products. The DIC Group plans to leverage its extensive background and technical proficiency in synthetic resins to accelerate the development and support the sales of these products. In doing so, they aim to contribute to the resolution of key social imperatives.
