SPE Blow Molding Division

Austin Bedrosian

Research Scientist

Guest Speaker

Non-PFAS Polymer Processing Aids for Blow Moulding

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

(see full conference schedule)

Presentation Description:

Per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances, including fluoropolymer processing aids, face increasing regulatory pressure, particularly in food contact applications.
Non-PFAS, Non-siloxane polymer processing aids have been benchmarked against traditional fluoropolymer processing aids in extrusion blow molding of 0.5 L HDPE bottles.
Results indicate that commercially available non-PFAS, non-siloxane PPAs improve surface gloss, reduce die pressure, and reduce die lip buildup in blow molding applications.

Fluorpolymer polymer processing aids (PPAs) have been used extensively in polyolefin extrusion blow molding to improve surface finish and gloss and reduce die lip buildup. However, fluoropolymers fall into the broad OECD definition of Per- and Poly-Fluoro Alkyl Substances (PFAS). Increasing regulatory restrictions and market concerns on PFAS have driven the need for alternative PPAs. This study evaluates the performance of Non-PFAS, Non-siloxane PPAs in polyethylene extrusion blow molding, focusing on the effect on surface gloss and die lip buildup. The results indicate that certain Non-PFAS PPAs exhibit comparable or superior performance to conventional fluoropolymer-based PPAs in improving surface gloss, reducing die pressure and reducing die lip buildup. The findings demonstrate that non-PFAS, non-siloxane PPAs offer a viable solution for polyolefin processors seeking sustainable alternatives without compromising processability and part quality.

Speaker Biography:

Austin completed his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario, where he continued his education by completing a Doctor of Philosophy under Dr. Michael Thompson and Dr. Andrew Hrymak. He recently joined Ingenia Polymers in April as a Research Scientist focusing on their non-PFAS PPA’s technology.

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