To address ongoing concerns around potentially harmful perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and PFOA-related compounds, Porex offers Porex Virtek PTFE, a 100% pure PTFE membrane, and Oxyphen’s family of track-etched membranes (Unique-Mem and RoTrac) and RoTrac fiber-based membranes, all free of PFOA.

Offering durability, breathability, and hydrophobicity, both Porex and Oxyphen technologies can serve as high-performance venting materials used in a variety of applications in the healthcare and other markets to relieve pressure while protecting enclosures from moisture or dust in the external environment, the company reported in a news release. Porex Virtek PTFE can be used for applications requiring optimized air flow and fluid control, such as medical or surgical devices. Oleophobic versions of POREX Virtek PTFE that are also PFOA-free are available for applications involving direct contact with oils.

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, the company reported. And Oxyphen’s hydrophobic track-etched membranes are microporous membranes made of polyester (PET) or polycarbonate (PC) that offer precise control over both pore size and pore density, while their fiber-based membranes are ultra-hydrophobic for “macro-venting” applications requiring high air flow and dust protection. 

As of July 2020, the use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs)—specifically perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), PFOA-related compounds and its salts—is restricted by the EU, Porex pointed out. In addition, the Stockholm Convention has proposed these substances face international elimination. As alternatives, 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, the company stated.

“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,” stated Avi Robbins, vice president, global product development and R&D at Porex, in the release. “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.”

Click HERE for Porex’s PFOA Free Statement, and click HERE for Oxyphen’s PFOA Free Statement.