New optical coating solutions combine sustainable credentials with premium performance
As regulations on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) tighten across Europe, the US and Asia, manufacturers are looking for non-fluorinated surface coating technologies that do not compromise on performance. Thus, Henkel has launched an anti‑fingerprint (AF) coating portfolio, comprising Loctite AF 8810 and Loctite AF 8812, innovatively formulated without PFAS or fluorine ingredients. Designed for automotive applications such as in-vehicle displays and touchscreens, these solutions enable manufacturers to meet growing demands for display performance, durability, cleanability and sustainability all at once.
Built from Henkel’s advanced silicone‑based, low‑surface‑energy technology, the two new AF coatings provide full performance on various substrates, and are both formulated without PFAS or fluorine ingredients. Loctite AF 8810 is optimized for plastic display cover lenses, while Loctite AF 8812 protects glass to a 9H hardness standard.
Meeting the high demands of tomorrow’s automotive displays
In next-generation vehicles, displays are growing in quantity, size, usage frequency, and functional importance – making screen performance a crucial factor in the user experience. Therefore, the new range not only offers a strong regulatory and sustainability profile but also improved user interaction and long‑term reliability in harsh interior environments involving light exposure, temperature cycling, and mechanical wear.
The products enable smooth touch interactions thanks to a low coefficient of friction, while bringing images to life with high optical clarity and minimal haze. They are also exceptionally durable, showing consistent water contact angles after 5,000 abrasion cycles in tests (AF 8812, eraser abrasion) and retaining hydrophobicity after prolonged UV exposure. For applicators, the coatings offer a high level of flexibility, supporting mass-production processes including spray and PVD, and curing in as little as 30 minutes under heat.
Addressing regulatory challenges with innovation
“The transition away from PFAS is accelerating globally, and our customers need high‑performance alternatives that meet demanding specifications without adding process complexity,” says Deckard Sorensen, Vice President Optical & Conformal Coatings at Henkel. “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.”
For more information, please contact your local Henkel representative or visit the sustainable anti-fingerprint coatings webpage at next.henkel-adhesives.com.