Fluorine-free solid lubricant additives for formulators replacing PTFE and PFAS-containing materials. WS₂, MoS₂, and hBN provide EP, AW, and AF performance without fluoropolymer chemistry.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) has been widely used as a friction modifier and anti-wear additive in lubricant formulations. However, PTFE is a fluoropolymer and is increasingly being reviewed under broader PFAS-related regulatory, supply chain, and customer compliance requirements.
For lubricant manufacturers, this creates a practical reformulation challenge: maintain friction reduction, wear protection, and extreme pressure performance while removing fluorinated chemistry from the product.
PFAS-related regulations and disclosure requirements are increasing across major markets, pushing formulators to evaluate fluoropolymer-containing additives such as PTFE.
OEMs, food producers, industrial buyers, and global manufacturers are increasingly requesting PFAS-free supply chains and lubricant declarations.
Products containing fluorinated materials may face additional documentation, disclosure, or customer approval requirements depending on jurisdiction and end use.
Replacing PTFE requires more than removing one ingredient. Particle size, treat rate, carrier compatibility, and tribological performance must be re-optimized.
| Property | WS₂ | MoS₂ | hBN | PTFE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFAS / fluorine content | None | None | None | Fluoropolymer |
| COF dry sliding | 0.03 | 0.05–0.10 | Application-dependent | 0.04–0.10 |
| Max temp. in air | 650°C | 350°C | 900°C | 260°C |
| Load-bearing capacity | 300,000+ PSI | 250,000 PSI | Good | Lower EP capacity |
| EP performance | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Limited |
| Best use case | Premium EP / low friction | Cost-effective EP | White / insulating / high-temp | Legacy friction modifier |
In many EP and AW applications, WS₂ and MoS₂ can outperform PTFE on load capacity, temperature range, and boundary lubrication. hBN is the preferred option when the application requires a white, electrically insulating, chemically inert, or high-temperature solid lubricant.
The right PTFE alternative depends on the performance requirement, operating temperature, color requirement, conductivity limits, cost target, and base lubricant system.
You need maximum EP performance, the lowest possible coefficient of friction, operation above PTFE temperature limits, or performance in humidity-sensitive environments.
The application is industrial, cost-sensitive, and requires proven extreme pressure and anti-wear performance in greases, gear oils, or metalworking lubricants.
The formulation requires electrical insulation, white color, food-grade compatibility, high-temperature stability, or chemical inertness.
High-performance PTFE alternative for applications requiring low friction, high load capacity, and broad temperature stability without fluorinated chemistry.
View full specifications →Cost-effective PTFE alternative for industrial greases, EP lubricants, gear oils, thread compounds, and metalworking applications.
View full specifications →White, electrically insulating PTFE alternative for food-grade lubricants, electrical equipment greases, high-temperature applications, and chemically sensitive systems.
View full specifications →Our technical team works directly with lubricant formulators to select the right PTFE alternative, optimize particle size, adjust treat rate, and validate performance in your base system.