ATOTECH UK LTD
Fumalock ® – Leaving a legacy for future generations
Atotech ’ s revolutionary , next-generation fume suppressants for hexavalent hard chrome plating processes – non-PFAS , non-PFOS , and fluorine free .
Growing recognition of PFAS as “ substances of very high concern ” by environmental agencies ( such as REACH and EPA ) throughout Europe and the United States has led to a rapid increase in demand for PFAS-free products worldwide . These “ forever chemicals ,” nicknamed for their long half-life and inability to break down in the environment , pose a serious threat to Earth ’ s most precious resource : freshwater . These substances of concern have been found in the major lakes and subterranean water systems of most industrialized nations around the world .
PFAS have also been the subject of serious concern in the surface finishing industry , where PFAS were widely used in fume-suppressing agents for electroplating before the full extent of their harmfulness was understood . Atotech has devoted the last few years to researching alternatives for fume-suppressing agents that do not contain PFAS or PFOS , while still complying with health and safety regulations for hard chrome plating work . In 2021 , Atotech introduced Fumalock ® to the global market . The first fluorine-free , non-PFOS , non-PFAS fume suppressant supports hard chrome platers in fully eliminating PFAS substances from their operations .
Fumalock ® is a highly-effective fume suppressant that uses surfaceactive compounds to form a dense foam barrier layer , which helps prevent the exhaust of hazardous aerosols . Fumalock ® produces a controlled foam blanket while simultaneously reducing surface tension to values below 40 ( 30-37 ) mN / m . This innovative new fume suppressant results in emission rates two to four times lower than existing processes . Fumalock ® is fully compliant with EPA , CEPA , REACH , and other local regulations .
Fumalock ® ’ s effective reduction of chromic acid mist during the plating process facilitates a safer working environment and minimizes the risk of contaminating peripherals around the plating tank with chromic acid fumes . As a result , it helps make plating equipment and related ventilation systems more durable .
The fume suppressing process
With Fumalock ® , Atotech has developed an environmentally friendly fume-suppressing process , which is easy to control and operate . Fumalock ® outperforms other fume suppressants on the market by a wide margin .
Fumalock ® consists of two surface-active agents , both of which are free of fluorine-based compounds , to provide maximum operational flexibility . Fumalock ® A acts as a foam generator , and Fumalock ® B acts a foam controller , which ensures that a dense layer of foam is formed on the bath surface to achieve full coverage and eliminate mist .
Fumalock ® features a wide operating window , is highly resistant to hard water , and tolerates metal impurities .
Features and benefits
• Non-fluorine-based process – non-PFOS and non-PFAS
• Complies with EPA , CEPA , and REACH regulations
• Superior ability to reduce chromic acid misting during operation
• Passes the NESHAP stack test
• Minimizes risk of contaminating adjacent plating solutions with chromic acid fumes
• Increases product lifetime of ventilation systems and other plating line equipment
• Controllable dense foam blanket thickness and surface tension
• Highly resistant to hard water
• Automated dosing possible
• Reliable long-term performance
Fumalock ® is just one of Atotech ’ s innovative contributions to a sustainable future for the hard-chrome plating industry .
Figure 1 : Reduced surface tension controlled by Fumalock ® (< 40 mN / m )
Telephone : + 44 ( 0 ) 121 606 77 77 Email : sales . uk @ atotech . com Visit : www . atotech . com
16 FEBRUARY 2022 read online : www . surfaceworld . com