How microcrystalline wax technology replaces PTFE in high-performance greases without fluorinated chemistries.
PFAS restrictions are increasing the pressure to replace PTFE in high-performance grease formulations. The key challenge is to reduce fluorinated chemistry exposure while maintaining lubricity, wear protection, load-carrying performance and process efficiency.
PTFE has been widely used as a solid lubricant in greases for gears, bearings, automotive components and heavy-duty industrial equipment. Reformulation must therefore preserve boundary lubrication and EP/AW performance without introducing significant manufacturing changes.
Introducing Lubrizol® GR93HM
Lubrizol ® GR93HM is a white microcrystalline wax powder designed as a PFAS-free alternative to conventional PTFE additives. It's fine particle size distribution, with Dv50 ≤ 6 µm, supports dispersion behaviour comparable to PTFE powders. It can often be evaluated at similar treat rates to conventional PTFE additives, depending on formulation requirements.
The wax forms a low-friction boundary layer between metal surfaces, helping maintain solid-lubricant performance under demanding operating conditions. In internal testing using a lithium grease at 3% treat rate, GR93HM demonstrated four-ball wear and SRV pass-load performance comparable to a PTFE-containing reference formulation.
Key Facts:
- PFAS-free route to replace PTFE-based solid lubricants
- Can often be evaluated at similar treat rates to conventional PTFE additives, depending on formulation requirements
- White powder suitable for standard grease manufacturing processes
- Free from fluorinated chemistries, heavy metals, barium, chlorine and boron-based chemistries
- Finished-grease labelling must be confirmed based on final formulation and regional regulatory review
Portfolio Context
GR93HM can be positioned together with complementary Lubrizol grease technologies to support broader reformulation needs:
- GR9C3PU: lithium-free diurea thickener route for high-temperature grease development
- Lubrizol® 5470: low-odour thermal stabiliser and complexing agent for 12-hydroxystearate-thickened greases
- Additional EP/AW, bleed-control and water-resistance components can be added based on the application brief
Relevant applications include automotive and transport greases, stationary industrial equipment, heavy-duty open gears, and specialty lubricants where formulation labelling profile is an important consideration.
Key takeaway
Lubrizol ® GR93HM offers a practical PFAS-free route to move away from PTFE while maintaining key solid-lubricant performance criteria. IMCD can support customers with product selection, formulation trials and regulatory review to validate PTFE-free grease solutions for their specific application.
Access additional technical resources, formulation support and specialist guidance related to PTFE-free grease development and PFAS compliance through the IMCD customer portal.
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