AlChemiSStsAlternative chemicals and materials for the manufacturing of the future

Against a backdrop of increasing regulatory requirements, the development of high-performance lubricant components that are also safe and sustainable is becoming increasingly important. The European research project AlChemiSSts is developing alternatives for groups of substances that are set to be phased out in future following regulatory assessments, particularly those classified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). The aim of the project is to develop high-performance and future-proof materials in line with the ‘Safe and Sustainable by Design’ (SSbD) concept.

The project focuses on the development of new chemical substances for various industrial applications. In the lubricants sector, research is centred in particular on alternative surfactants for use in metalworking fluids and gear oils. These perform key functions relating to emulsion stability, wetting, corrosion protection and tribological performance. The new substances are intended to retain these properties whilst also meeting higher standards of safety and sustainability.

Another key focus is on evaluating the developed materials throughout the entire value chain. In addition to technical performance, environmental compatibility, resource efficiency and practical feasibility in industrial applications are also being investigated. At the same time, existing challenges associated with the introduction of new materials are being analysed to facilitate their integration into future production processes.

BECHEM is contributing its many years of experience in the development of metalworking fluids and gear oils to the European collaborative research project. The focus is on evaluating new surfactant concepts under real-world operating conditions, as well as developing high-performance lubricant formulations that meet the requirements of safe and sustainable chemistry.

(Funding agreement no. 101178074)