Material performance is engineered beyond the base resin. Functionality built into a formulation often determines whether a product processes consistently and performs reliably in service. As manufacturers evaluate functional additives amid evolving regulatory and sustainability priorities, understanding the complete material system becomes more important. PFAS-related concerns make this especially relevant to fluid repellency, friction reduction, and wear resistance, which depend on different mechanisms. Replacing an established fluorinated technology is rarely a direct substitution. An effective solution requires matching the additive chemistry to the resin, processing conditions, end-use requirements, and application context.

This webinar will examine four areas of functional material design: PFAS-free performance, durability and stabilization, microbial and odor management, and surface and interface engineering. Rather than treating these functions as isolated product categories, the discussion will explain the mechanisms behind them and how they influence material behavior during processing and use.

Americhem’s nDryve™ in-melt barrier-repellency technology, EcoLube™ internally lubricated compounds, nDuramax® UV stabilizers, nShield® antimicrobial technologies, and nPure odor-management solutions will provide concrete examples of how functions can be engineered into a material. The speakers will connect these technologies to decisions involving delivery as an additive masterbatch or a fully compounded material, formulation compatibility, and application-specific testing. The discussion will also show how carrier selection, dispersion, and interactions within the formulation can influence processing and final performance. Selected performance data and application examples will illustrate how formulation choices are evaluated against intended performance requirements and why testing should be considered part of formulation development rather than a final check.

This webinar is designed for material engineers, product developers, processors, OEMs, and other technical decision-makers. The session will apply these principles across thermoplastic applications. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how functional technologies can be evaluated, integrated, and validated within the complete material system before scale-up.

Want to explore the topic before the webinar? Learn more about Americhem’s functional additive technologies and the performance challenges they are designed to address.