Americhem launches PFAS-free lubricated compound for healthcare

Americhem, a global leader in polymer solutions headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, U.S.A., has introduced EcoLube™ MD, a PFAS-free internally lubricated compound specifically designed for healthcare applications. This innovation builds on the success of Americhem’s EcoLube™ line and addresses the growing need for sustainable, regulatory-compliant materials in medical devices.

EcoLube™ MD offers superior lubrication performance without the use of PFAS, ensuring compliance with evolving global regulations while reducing environmental impact. The pre-lubricated engineered compounds minimise wear and friction in plastic components, reducing noise and enhancing the performance of plastic-on-plastic and plastic-on-metal applications. These features make it ideal for medical devices such as minimally invasive surgical instruments, syringe pumps, prosthetics, and surgical robots.

“With regulations around the world potentially restricting or banning the use of PFAS and PTFE, healthcare OEMs are challenged with finding alternatives that can match their self-lubricating performance,” said Matt Miklos, vice president and general manager of Americhem’s Engineered Compounds division. 

Linda Boyett, vice president of Global Technology & Innovation at Americhem, said Ecolube™ MD has undergone testing for performance and biocompatibility. She said internal testing has indicated similar performance to the more traditional internal lubricants and wear resistant additives in most cases. Ecolube™ MD has undergone ISO10993 –5 testing for biocompatibility as part of the global medical compliance certifications.

Americhem has formulated EcoLube™ MD in a variety of base resins, including ABS, PBT, PCABS, PC, PEI, PPE, PPS, PE, PP, PSU, PPSU, POM, PEEK, PPA, PA, and TPU, catering to diverse medical device manufacturing needs.