Read the full article by the University of Bristol (SciTechDaily)
“An international team of scientists has developed a safer alternative to PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances), a group of synthetic chemicals commonly used in everyday products for their water- and stain-resistant properties, but known to be harmful to both human health and the environment.
Until recently, fluorine, an essential component in PFAS, was thought to be irreplaceable due to its unique ability to create strong, water-repellent barriers. Its exceptional performance stems from its small size and high electronegativity, which allow it to form tight, durable molecular structures.
However, researchers from the University of Bristol (UK), Hirosaki University (Japan), and Université Côte d’Azur (France) have discovered that fluorine’s distinct ‘bulky’ spatial characteristics, which help it occupy molecular space so effectively, can be mimicked using a non-toxic alternative. This breakthrough could pave the way for safer, environmentally friendly materials that perform similarly to traditional PFAS without the associated risks.” …