Henkel Launches PFAS-Free Loctite Anti-Fingerprint Coatings to Meet Regulatory Demands and Enhance Automotive Display Durability
The global automotive industry is currently navigating a significant transition in material science, driven by both the rapid "screenification" of vehicle interiors and an increasingly stringent global regulatory environment regarding the use of hazardous chemicals. In response to these dual pressures, Henkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings, has announced the launch of two innovative anti-fingerprint (AF) coatings: Loctite AF 8810 and Loctite AF 8812. These products are specifically engineered for automotive in-cabin displays and are formulated entirely without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or fluorine ingredients. By utilizing advanced silicone-based, low-surface-energy technology, Henkel aims to provide original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers with a high-performance alternative to traditional fluorinated coatings, which are increasingly coming under fire from environmental regulators in Europe, North America, and Asia.
A Strategic Response to the Global PFAS Regulatory Landscape
The timing of Henkel’s product launch is critical, as the chemical industry faces a "regulatory cliff" concerning PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals." These substances have been utilized for decades in various industrial applications—including anti-fingerprint and anti-smudge coatings—due to their unique ability to repel both water and oil. However, their persistence in the environment and potential health risks have led to a massive push for their elimination.
In the European Union, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is currently evaluating a universal PFAS restriction proposal that could represent one of the broadest pieces of chemical legislation in history. Similarly, in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented a PFAS Strategic Roadmap, and several states have already passed individual laws banning PFAS in consumer products. In Asia, particularly in China and Japan, environmental standards are also tightening to align with international sustainability goals.
Henkel’s Loctite AF 8810 and AF 8812 represent a proactive technological pivot. By removing fluorine—the key component in traditional oleophobic coatings—and replacing it with a proprietary silicone-based architecture, Henkel is offering a "future-proof" solution. This allows automotive manufacturers to maintain long-term production cycles without the risk of sudden supply chain disruptions caused by chemical bans.
Technical Specifications: Loctite AF 8810 and Loctite AF 8812
The new Loctite series is designed to address the specific material diversity found in modern vehicle cockpits. Today’s automotive displays are no longer confined to small rectangular screens in the center console; they now span the entire width of the dashboard, often utilizing a mix of glass and advanced plastics to achieve complex curved geometries.
Loctite AF 8810: Optimized for Plastic Substrates
As automotive designers seek to reduce weight and increase the safety of interior components, the use of plastic display cover lenses—such as those made from polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)—has increased. Loctite AF 8810 is specifically formulated for these plastic substrates. It provides a durable, low-friction surface that prevents the buildup of skin oils and smudges, ensuring that the display remains legible even in high-glare environments.
Loctite AF 8812: High-Hardness Glass Protection
For premium vehicle segments where glass remains the preferred material for its tactile feel and premium aesthetics, Loctite AF 8812 offers a specialized solution. This coating meets the 9H hardness standard, providing exceptional scratch resistance. When applied to glass, AF 8812 ensures that the display can withstand the daily rigors of touch interaction, cleaning, and mechanical wear without degrading the optical quality of the underlying screen.
Performance Metrics and Durability Testing
One of the primary challenges in developing PFAS-free coatings is matching the durability and performance of fluorinated predecessors. Fluorine atoms create an incredibly stable bond and very low surface energy, which is difficult to replicate. However, Henkel’s internal testing data suggests that the new silicone-based technology meets or exceeds current industry benchmarks.
Abrasion Resistance and Hydrophobicity
Durability is measured through rigorous abrasion testing. Henkel reports that both Loctite AF 8810 and AF 8812 maintain consistent water contact angles even after 5,000 abrasion cycles. The water contact angle is a primary indicator of a coating’s effectiveness; a high angle means the surface is highly hydrophobic, causing liquids to bead up and roll off rather than smearing. The ability to retain this property after thousands of cycles of mechanical stress ensures that the anti-fingerprint effect lasts for the lifetime of the vehicle.
UV Stability and Environmental Resistance
Automotive interiors are subject to extreme conditions, including prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. Henkel’s new coatings have demonstrated retained hydrophobicity and optical clarity after extended UV exposure testing. This prevents the yellowing or hazing that can occur with lower-quality coatings, ensuring that the high-resolution graphics of modern digital cockpits remain crisp and vibrant.
Friction and User Experience
In addition to visual clarity, the coatings offer a low coefficient of friction. This is a critical factor for "user comfort" and safety. A smooth, low-friction surface allows for seamless swiping and touch gestures, reducing the tactile resistance that can distract a driver. By providing a "silky" touch feel, Henkel enhances the overall perceived quality of the vehicle’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI).
Streamlining Manufacturing: Application and Curing Processes
From a manufacturing perspective, the ease of integration into existing production lines is a vital consideration. Loctite AF 8810 and AF 8812 have been designed to support both spray application and physical vapor deposition (PVD).
Spray application is often preferred for high-volume production of complex, 3D-shaped components, as it allows for uniform coverage on curved surfaces. PVD, on the other hand, is frequently used for high-end glass applications to achieve ultra-thin, highly uniform layers. By supporting both methods, Henkel provides Tier 1 suppliers with the flexibility to choose the process that best fits their specific manufacturing constraints.
Furthermore, the coatings feature a rapid curing profile. They can cure in as little as 30 minutes under heat, which is a significant advantage for high-throughput assembly lines. Faster curing times translate to reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs for manufacturers, further contributing to the sustainability profile of the end product.
The Context of "Screenification" in Modern Vehicles
The launch of these coatings arrives at a time when the "digital cockpit" has become a primary selling point for new vehicles. The shift toward Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the gradual advancement of autonomous driving technologies have transformed the car interior into a "third living space."
Modern vehicle programs now incorporate larger, more numerous, and more integrated displays. We are seeing the rise of "Pillar-to-Pillar" (P2P) displays that stretch across the entire dashboard, as well as dedicated screens for front-seat passengers and rear-seat entertainment. As the surface area of glass and plastic in the cabin increases, so does the visibility of fingerprints and smudges. In a vehicle with multiple large screens, a lack of effective anti-fingerprint coating can quickly lead to a degraded aesthetic and compromised safety due to glare and reduced contrast.
Official Responses and Industry Impact
The industry has reacted positively to the introduction of high-performance, PFAS-free alternatives. Deckard Sorensen, Vice President of Optical and Conformal Coatings at Henkel, emphasized the dual benefit of the new products in a recent statement.
"With Loctite AF 8810 and AF 8812, we deliver excellent durability, optical performance, and user comfort formulated without PFAS ingredients, enabling automotive customers to meet the evolving needs of the market and the regulatory landscape at the same time," Sorensen stated.
Industry analysts suggest that Henkel’s move could trigger a wider shift among chemical suppliers. As OEMs like Volkswagen, BMW, and General Motors set ambitious sustainability targets—often aiming for carbon neutrality and the elimination of hazardous substances across their entire supply chains—the demand for "green" chemical solutions is no longer a niche requirement but a core procurement mandate.
Analysis: Implications for the Automotive Supply Chain
The introduction of PFAS-free coatings like Loctite AF 8810 and 8812 carries several long-term implications for the automotive sector:
- Risk Mitigation: By adopting fluorine-free technology now, manufacturers avoid the "mad scramble" that will likely occur when PFAS bans are fully implemented. This ensures continuity in production and avoids the costs associated with emergency re-validation of materials.
- Brand Reputation: For premium automakers, sustainability is becoming a key brand pillar. Being able to market a vehicle interior as free from "forever chemicals" appeals to an increasingly environmentally conscious consumer base.
- Cost-Performance Balance: While the initial R&D costs for silicone-based alternatives are high, the operational efficiencies gained through faster curing times and the avoidance of specialized handling requirements for hazardous fluorinated chemicals can offset these costs over time.
- Technological Benchmarking: Henkel’s ability to achieve 9H hardness and 5,000-cycle durability without fluorine sets a new benchmark for the industry. It proves that environmental responsibility does not have to come at the expense of mechanical performance.
Chronology of Henkel’s Innovation in Automotive Coatings
The development of the Loctite AF series is part of a multi-year strategy by Henkel to decarbonize and detoxify its product portfolio.
- 2021-2022: Henkel identified the rising regulatory risk of PFAS and accelerated R&D into silicone-based low-surface-energy polymers.
- 2023: Initial prototyping of AF 8810 and 8812 began, with a focus on matching the water contact angle performance of traditional coatings.
- Late 2023 – Early 2024: Extensive durability testing was conducted, simulating years of vehicle use through mechanical abrasion and UV weathering.
- April 2024: Official global launch of Loctite AF 8810 and AF 8812, making the products available for current and future vehicle programs.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve toward a more digital and sustainable future, the role of functional coatings will only grow in importance. Henkel’s latest contribution demonstrates that material science is the "silent enabler" of the modern driving experience, ensuring that the sophisticated displays of tomorrow remain clean, clear, and compliant with the highest environmental standards.
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