PFOA-free membranes offer safe, innovative material solutions

To address ongoing concerns around potentially harmful perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and PFOA-related compounds, Porex, a global leader in porous polymer solutions, offers POREX Virtek PTFE, a pure PTFE membrane, and Oxyphen’s family of track-etched membranes (Unique-Mem and RoTrac) and RoTrac fibre-based membranes, all free of PFOA. 

Due to their superior durability, breathability and hydrophobicity, both Porex and Oxyphen technologies serve as a high-performance venting material used in a variety of applications where they protect enclosures from moisture or dust.

Developed using a proprietary PTFE sintering process, POREX Virtek PTFE features an intricate network of open-celled, omni-directional pores that enable critical passage of small molecules such as air and water vapor while being naturally hydrophobic. Oxyphen’s hydrophobic track-etched membranes are microporous membranes made of PET or PC that provide a precise control over both pore size and pore density, while their fibre-based membranes are ultra-hydrophobic for ‘macro-venting’ applications requiring high air flow and dust protection.  

Since July 2020, the use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been restricted in the EU. In addition, the Stockholm Convention proposed these substances face international elimination. Therefore, POREX Virtek PTFE and Oxphen’s track-etched membranes serve as optimal solutions for manufacturers seeking a water-resistant material, meeting strict PFOA-free standards that set a 25 ppb PFOA leachable limit. 

Avi Robbins, VP Global Product Development and R&D at Porex, said: “The new PFOA-free regulations emerging from the EU are the latest in a decades-long manufacturing balance between efficacy and safety. With the POREX Virtek PTFE membrane and Oxyphen’s track-etched membranes, our customers have two innovative venting options that deliver on both fronts without compromising on integrity. Depending on what their application needs are, Porex can help manufacturers determine which material technology provides the best venting solution to enhance their device performance.”

POREX Virtek PTFE makes an ideal material solution for applications such as medical or surgical devices requiring optimised air flow and fluid control. 

Oxyphen’s track-etched membranes are designed to enhance precision in device performance. In laboratory applications, these membranes are resistant to gamma-ray sterilisation and effective for proper ventilation of cell cultures.