DuPont Molykote® new generation solutions
One of the most important changes in the world of industrial lubricants in recent years has been the
gradual replacement of PFAS-containing materials. Stricter European and global regulations, as well as sustainability considerations, encourage manufacturers and users to choose more
environmentally and health-friendly alternatives.
In response to this challenge, the
DuPont Molykote® brand has developed several
high-performance PFAS-free lubricants that are also a reliable solution in industrial environments.
What are PFAS and why is it a problem?PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of artificial compounds that were previously widely used in lubricants, coatings and seals, due to their excellent:
- friction-reducing ability
- their thermal and chemical resistance
However, these substances:
- degrade very slowly in the environment,
- can accumulate in living organisms,
- may pose a long-term health and environmental risk.
For this reason, PFAS are increasingly being
restricted in many industries, especially under the EU REACH regulation.
What does a PFAS-free lubricant mean?A lubricant can be considered
PFAS-free if:
- it does not contain intentionally added fluorinated compounds (e.g. PTFE),
- its formulation complies with current and future environmental regulations,
- it is based on alternative solid lubricants or additives (e.g. MoS₂, special soap systems).
The goal is not only to comply with regulations, but also to ensure
long-term sustainable industrial operation.
Molykote®’s PFAS-free approachThe focus of DuPont Molykote® developments was to ensure that the replacement of PFAS does not result in a
loss of performance. The new formulations feature:
- excellent wear and seizure protection,
- stable lubricity under high loads,
- good corrosion protection,
- wide temperature range,
- industrial and – for certain products – food compatibility.
Typical PFAS-free Molykote® productsMolykote® DX (S)- White grease
- Good boundary lubrication properties
- Suitable for sliding surfaces, plastic-metal combinations
- Typical applications: hinges, guide rails, mechanical structures
Molykote® P-1500 (S)
- White, heavy-duty lubricating paste
- Excellent seizure and fretting protection
- Good water and wash resistance
- “Clean” lubrication
- Typical applications: assembly paste, sliding surfaces, threaded joints, precision and industrial machine components
Molykote® P-40 (S)- Heavy-duty grease
- Excellent anti-seize protection
- Forms a dry lubricating film that can be used at high temperatures
- Typical applications: screws, threaded joints, brake systems
Molykote® G-4500 FMS- Multipurpose grease
- Good thermal and oxidation stability
- Clean operation, low evaporation
- Typical applications: industrial bearings, electrical and precision equipment
Where is PFAS-free lubrication particularly beneficial?- Food and pharmaceutical industries – strict hygiene and regulatory environments
- Automotive industries – long service life, high loads
- Heavy industry and marine applications – corrosion and thermal loads
- Sustainable companies – strengthening ESG aspects
SummaryPFAS-free Molykote® lubricants are
not compromise solutions, but the result of conscious developments. With their help:
- the environmental impact can be reduced,
- legal compliance becomes easier,
- stable, reliable lubrication performance can be achieved in the long term.
The industrial lubrication technology of the future is
clearly moving towards PFAS-free, and Molykote® offers proven alternatives that can be used today.
