Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWMSubstitution of fluoropolymers. Development of an assessment methodology that takes into account materials science, technical, and ecotoxicological aspects. Extensive research on substitution requirements and the current state of the art, particularly in the field of seals. Use of digitalization tools such as AI-supported data analysis and semantic structuring of data.
Fluoropolymers – Research, assessment, and evaluation of substitution options in technical applications
Ongoing research project
Project description
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are also known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence and are subject to severe regulatory restrictions on their use due to environmental and health concerns. However, in particular fluoropolymers are still considered indispensable in many high-tech areas such as medical engineering, the automotive and chemical industries, and renewable energy production due to their unique properties. Examples of applications include seals, coatings, insulation, corrosion protection, membranes for chemical processes, and much more. The replacement of fluoropolymers is therefore a field of research of high technical and economic relevance.
The aim of the Fluorbest project was to support efforts to replace fluoropolymers by developing and applying a systematic and structured method for evaluating selected applications of fluoropolymers and possible substitutes based on the current state of research and technology.
Fraunhofer IWM subproject:
- Linking the project to the MaterialDigital platform
- AI-supported literature research and evaluation
- Data structuring, analysis, and evaluation
Transfer of project results to the following Fraunhofer IWM R&D services for companies:
- rovision of an evaluation methodology for the substitution of fluoropolymers
- Accelerated development of the state of the art on specified topics using AI-supported methods
- Provision of a user interface for targeted retrieval of research results
