Evaluation of PFAS-free self-lubricating bearings for hydropower applications

Self-lubricating materials are widely used in the hydropower industry, for example, as guide vane bearings and as bearings for the blades in Kaplan turbines. A critical component in many of the bearing materials used today is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE improves both the friction and wear properties of the self-lubricating materials. However, the use and availability of these types of bearing materials may be affected in the future.

The European Chemicals Agency has drafted a proposal that could significantly impact the production and use of self-lubricating polymer composite materials. The proposal suggests a ban on more than 12,000 substances of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) type, and PTFE is one of these substances. Although there are still uncertainties about what a potential PFAS ban will look like, there is a need to conduct research to prepare for the effects of such a ban.
The goal of this project is therefore to investigate whether PFAS-free bearings can be used in hydropower without compromising performance and lifespan