EU Regulatory Compliant (RC) PTFE for Inks and Coatings

Shamrock Technologies is excited to introduce our EU Regulatory Compliant PTFE product line, indicated by the suffix “-RC”.  The RC products listed below complies with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/784 amending Annex I to POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 (per Shamrock QSOP-202E).

Shamrock has pro-actively adopted a method similar to 3M’s Standard Test Method (Edition 1.0, Nov 2016), based on extraction of PTFE powders with methanol and the use of Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to determine the concentration of PFOA. Shamrock’s internal Test Method, QSOP-202E[ii] has correlated well with test data (of the same powder samples) from external test centers to validate accuracy and precision. Scientists generally agree that an accepted test method is calibration with known standards whereby the results of the same samples in different labs are within experimental error.

Addendum: The EU has added C₉-C₁₄ PFCAs and C₉-C₁₄ PFCA-related substances under ANNEX XVII of REACH. The new law will become effective on February 25, 2023.

On August 5, 2021, the European Union (EU) published Regulation (EU) 2021/1297 to replace entry 68 to Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH, consolidated version to July 2021) in relation to ‘Restrictions on the manufacturing, placing on the market and use of certain dangerous substances, mixtures and articles.’

PTFE micropowders are used to reduce friction between contacting surfaces. These materials are produced in low micron or sub-micron particle size and in a range of low molecular weight. The raw materials and processes used to make the micropowders determine the properties such as surface energy, surface area, hardness and more.Our PTFE for inks are made by degrading and micronizing Natural Prime (granular and paste) or recycled PTFE. Particle size is tightly controlled, and measured by industry standard Grind Gages. The particle size distribution is measured by laser light diffraction. Our PTFE products are color specified using a reflectance densitometer. Other properties of PTFE are its high density and low refractive index. We control and measure many basic powder properties.

EU Regulatory Compliant PTFE with Wax

Since our discovery that PTFE increases the level of rub and abrasion resistance that wax cannot provide alone, we have developed various combinations of these materials. Our FluoroSLIP® products are powder-in-powder dispersions controlled for dispersibility in liquids by typical draw down methods.

Compounds, Dispersions & Emulsions for Inks and Coatings

PTFE in Ink Vehicles

FluoroSPERSE® dispersions incorporate high quality PTFE found in our SST series in a variety of heat-set and sheet-fed vehicles, including viscoelastic hydrocarbon varnishes, linseed oil, lithographic oil and soya varnishes. The line is comprised of white or toned PTFE providing exceptional slip, rub resistance, and increased efficiency in high volume, automated printing ink manufacturing processes. FluoroSPERSE® dispersions are available in paste or pumpable form.

PTFE in Water

Shamrock’s AquaFLON series is engineered to overcome the inherent incompatibilities between micronized PTFE and water. Ranging from micron-sized dispersions to sub-micron emulsions, these high solids, ready to use lube packagaes provide optimum slip and mar resistance in aqueous systems. They are designed with features optimized for easy incorporation into water based systems.

Wax Compounds

Wax compounds are prepared by crystallization of wax from solution to obtain fine particles. Shamrock’s CeraSPERSE line includes dispersions in hydrocarbon varnish, linseed oil, lithographic oil and soya varnish. They may be added directly into the mixing container. These products provide excellent slip and rub resistance at addition levels of 5-8% based on formulation.