Breaking Free from PFAS: Exploring Promising Alternatives on the Horizon

3M introduced the first stain-resistant coating under the trade name “Scotchgard” in the 1950s. Scotchgard revolutionized the textile industry with its ability to make water, oil, and other substances bead up and roll off fabric. Sadly, this superpower also came with severely negative effects for humans and the environment. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — the chemicals that gave Scotchguard its water- and stain-resistant properties — can build up in the bodies of humans and animals, causing harmful health effects. Fortunately, companies like 3M have been working hard to eliminate PFAS and develop safer alternatives to PFAS-containing chemicals.

These alternatives offer many of the same stain and water resistant properties as PFAS but without the downsides. PFAS also take over 1,000 years to break down in soil and water, which is an especially large concern given its widespread use. Below, we’ll explore five of the most exciting PFAS alternatives on the horizon:

1. Bio-based materials

In recent years, biobased materials — materials derived from natural sources, such as plants or microorganisms — have been replacing everything from fossil fuels to chemical fertilizers. Their renewable nature and biodegradability has made them a popular alternative to synthetics.

It should come as no surprise, then, that bio-based materials have been gaining attention as potential replacements for PFAS-containing chemicals in various applications.

For instance, in environmentally friendly cleaning agents, “biosurfactants” derived from fungi and bacteria can act as effective detergents, aiding in removing greasy and oily stains. These biodegradable and non-toxic surfactants offer a sustainable alternative to traditional PFAS-based surfactants in cleaning products, reducing environmental impact and potential harm to human health.

2. Fluorine-free compounds

In addition to bio-based materials, some companies have also been working on developing fluorine-free synthetic compounds that can provide water- and oil- resistance without using PFAS. Unlike PFAS, these alternatives do not contain fluorine atoms — meaning they are not persistent in the environment and do not cause toxic effects to humans or the environment.

The potential applications of fluorine-free alternatives extend across various industries that traditionally rely on PFAS. In firefighting, researchers and engineers are developing fluorine-free foams (FFF) to address the challenges of PFAS contamination in soil and water. These alternatives blanket the fire to rapidly extinguish the flames and prevent reignition. When applied properly, researchers have demonstrated that fluorine-free foams work as effectively as PFAS-based foams while offering greater safety and sustainability.

3. Electrospun nanofibers

Electrospun nanofibers are another exciting alternative to PFAS. This innovative technology involves using a strong electric field to spin various materials into ultrafine fibers. Manufacturers can then utilize these foams in textiles and other products.

While the electrospinning process has been used in the past to create fibers from PFAS-containing materials like PVDF, it can also be used to create fibers from other polymers, proteins, or even plant-based materials. These fibers exhibit unique characteristics such as water- and oil-repellency, reduced toxicity, and biodegradability that make them attractive substitutes for PFAS in various applications.

For instance, electrospun nanofibers can be used to create environmentally-friendly, waterproof, and breathable outdoor clothing, raincoats, and upholstery fabrics. Companies can also utilize them for developing fire-resistant textiles and coatings for equipment. This offers a more sustainable option compared to PFAS-based finishes.

4. Silica-based coatings

You can find another solution to the PFAS problem right outside your door. Silica — which is found in soil, rocks, and sand — can be used to create water- and oil-repellent coatings without relying on PFAS chemistry.

So what makes silica-based coatings such a promising alternative to PFAS? For starters, silica is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth, making it a readily available and sustainable resource. And, unlike PFAS, silica is non-toxic and biocompatible — meaning it is less likely to cause harm to human health or the environment.

In addition, silica is chemically stable and can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for harsh conditions. Together, these properties make silica-based coatings a prospective substitute for PFAS in industries like textile or electronics manufacturing.

5. Short-chain PFAS

While there are over 12,000 different PFAS chemicals in use today, not all of them pose the same environmental and health concerns.

To understand why, let’s back up a step. We can categorize PFAS into two groups based on the number of carbon atoms they contain: long-chain PFAS and short-chain PFAS. Although both types of PFAS have water- and stain-resistant properties, short-chain PFAS tend to be less toxic and break down more readily in the environment than long-chain PFAS.

As a result, some industries have focused on short-chain PFAS as a safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional long-chain PFAS for various applications. Researchers are currently exploring the use of shorter-chain PFAS substances in treatments for textiles, carpeting, paper, and tile surfaces. However, more research is needed to understand any potential long-term environmental impacts and ensure they are a sustainable replacement for long-chain PFAS compounds.

Your takeaway

Bio-based and fluorine-free alternatives, electrospun nanofibers, silica-based coatings, and short-chain PFAS are among the emerging solutions to address the PFAS challenge. These substances and technologies offer environmentally friendly and effective alternatives to traditional PFAS-containing products across various industries. As research and development in this area continues, we’ll likely see even safer and more sustainable alternatives to PFAS in the future.