Sustainability: Boron-Free Metalworking Fluids
FUCHS views sustainability as a core element of sound corporate management. Operating sustainably means developing products with minimal environmental impact and impact on human health. To accomplish this, our research and development teams pay close attention to the ever-changing regulatory landscape to ensure the products we manufacture are compliant and safe.
New guidelines surrounding the use of boron compounds have recently been issued in Europe. In this article we sat down with Dr. Jason Galary, Senior Director of Research, Development, and Innovation to cover everything you would need to know about boron, its use, and FUCHS’ efforts to comply with new regulations.
What is Boron?
Boron is an element present in compounds that can be mined or found in the water of volcanic springs. When boron-containing compounds are weathered, it can be absorbed into the soil and water sources that can be used to farm the food we eat and the water we drink. When we ingest this food, we absorb trace amounts of boron that while unharmful, can accumulate over time and have negative reproductive effects. Not only can boron have negative reproductive effects, but like any mined element, ore reserves are limited and will be depleted over time.
Where is Boron Used in Metalworking Fluids?
Boric amine (formed through a reaction of boric acid and an amine) has been used in many metal processing fluids since the late 1980’s to provide ferrous corrosion inhibition, pH buffering and a resistance to bacterial activity. The boric amine chemistry has led to prolonged sump life of water-miscible metal cutting, forming, and cleaning products. It is estimated that over 90% of these types of fluids on the market today contain boric amine chemistry.
How is Boron Regulated?
In Europe, Specific Concentration Limits (SCLs) were historically issued for certain compounds, like boric acids which had an SCL of 5.5%. Any product falling below this SCL was not required to carry warning labels. In early 2022, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) declared that any mixture containing boric acid at or above 0.5% is now classified as a reproduction toxicity hazard by GHS and must be labeled as such. Boron is not currently regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency but boric acid has an SCL of 0.1%.
How Has FUCHS Responded to These Regulations?
FUCHS Lubricants Co. has worked diligently for years on developing technology to formulate boron-free products that offer the same performance. Boron-free equivalent products will be available for all our core metal cutting, forming, and cleaning products. These products will be compatible with boric amine-containing products to provide our customers with a seamless transition as they comply with these regulations. In addition, FUCHS will continue to supply products containing boric amine with these warnings and pictograms to allow our customers to decide if and/or when they will transition to non-boron containing fluids if deemed necessary.
