Innovative Oil-Repelling Coating, Similar to Teflon, Omits Harmful PFAs
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the University of Toronto have unveiled a new non-toxic nonstick coating that rivals the performance of Teflon, traditionally made with persistent and potentially harmful chemicals known as PFAS [1][2][4].
The innovative coating is crafted from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a flexible, inert, and biocompatible silicone polymer widely used in medical devices [1][4]. To improve its oil-repellent properties, the researchers invented a method called nanoscale fletching, which involves adding tiny, slippery groups of carbon and fluorine atoms to the ends of the PDMS molecular chains [4].
The key to this new coating lies in the shortest possible PFAS molecule—one carbon atom bonded to three fluorine atoms. Studies suggest that this molecule doesn't accumulate in the body like its longer cousins, posing far lower toxicity to humans and aquatic life [1][4].
Traditional PFAS-based coatings such as Teflon use long-chain PFAS (typically C8 or longer) that are highly persistent in the environment, bioaccumulate in humans, and have been linked to cancer, hormonal disruption, and liver damage [2]. They are non-biodegradable and prone to leaching, especially under high heat [2].
In contrast, the new coating uses only trace amounts of the shortest PFAS molecule, achieving comparable oil and water repellency through the nanoscale "fletching" technique [4]. This results in drastically reduced PFAS content overall, minimizing environmental persistence and health risks associated with long-chain PFAS [2][4].
The coated materials scored a "6" on the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) oil repellency scale, on par with existing PFAS-based coatings, but with a fraction of the fluorine content [4]. The coating held up when heated to 200°C, blasted with water jets, and soaked in acidic and basic solutions [1][4].
Moreover, the coating performed well on textured or porous surfaces like fabric and wire mesh, which often defeat traditional nonstick coatings [1][4]. The authors argue that the quantities of potential emissions from the material are minuscule [1][4].
This innovation represents a major advancement toward safer nonstick surfaces, reducing exposure to PFAS chemicals known to cause serious health issues while maintaining performance. Environmentally, the shorter PFAS molecules degrade more readily (or at least do not persist or accumulate like the longer chains), significantly lowering contamination risks [1][2][4]. Additionally, the inert PDMS base further contributes to a safer material profile.
The search for alternatives to PFAS has so far come up short. However, this new development could reshape how we think about slick surfaces, offering a promising solution for a safer and more sustainable future.
[1] Nature Communications [2] Environmental Science & Technology Letters [4] University of Toronto news release
- The new non-toxic nonstick coating, crafted from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), has shown comparable performance to Teflon, but uses a shorter PFAS molecule that poses lower toxicity to humans and aquatic life.
- Traditional PFAS-based coatings, such as Teflon, are highly persistent in the environment, bioaccumulate in humans, and have been linked to various health issues like cancer, hormonal disruption, and liver damage.
- The innovation of this new coating lies in a method called nanoscale fletching, which involves adding tiny, slippery groups of carbon and fluorine atoms to the ends of the PDMS molecular chains to improve its oil-repellent properties.
- The coated materials, using only trace amounts of the shortest PFAS molecule, achieved a "6" on the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) oil repellency scale, similar to existing PFAS-based coatings, but with a significantly reduced PFAS content.
- This new coating could potentially revolutionize the field of health-and-wellness, by minimizing environmental persistence and health risks associated with long-chain PFAS and offering a safer, more sustainable alternative for therapies-and-treatments involving nonstick surfaces.
- In the future, researchers will further explore the potential of this technology, aiming to push the boundaries of science and tech in the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier, and more innovative environment.
