Sustainable Anti-Fingerprint Coatings with PVD Technology: A cleaner and safer alternative to PFAS

The demand for anti-fingerprint (AFP) coatings is rising with the increasing use of touch-based technologies such as smartphones, tablets, and automotive displays. Fingerprints, composed of oils and sweat, can obscure visibility and reduce functionality, especially on glass and metal surfaces. Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technology offers an innovative and sustainable solution, providing durable, uniform coatings that resist fingerprint adhesion. Unlike conventional chemical methods, PVD coatings ensure long-lasting protection against contamination and wear while eliminating the need for harmful substances like PFAS.

The problem with PFAS-based AFP coatings

Chemical AFP coatings, particularly those containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been widely used due to their oleophobic properties. However, PFAS—often referred to as “forever chemicals”—pose severe environmental and health risks. These persistent compounds accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms, with studies linking them to cancer, immune system damage, and developmental disorders. Due to these concerns, many regions have enacted stringent regulations or outright bans on PFAS, making them an unsustainable choice for AFP applications.

PVD Technology: A sustainable alternative

PVD anti-fingerprint coatings offer a compelling, eco-friendly alternative to PFAS-based solutions. This process involves vaporizing solid materials in a vacuum and depositing them onto a substrate, creating a dense, uniform coating. PVD technology achieves comparable or superior AFP performance without the environmental and health hazards associated with PFAS, making it a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable choice for industries aiming to reduce their ecological footprint.

Key advantages of PVD AFP coatings

1. Single-step efficiency

A major benefit of PVD AFP coatings is the ability to etch, coat, and apply the AFP layer in a single process. Plasma etching is first used to clean and roughen the substrate surface for better adhesion. This occurs in the same vacuum chamber, eliminating contamination risks and minimizing handling time. Once the base PVD coating is applied, the AFP layer is deposited in the same batch, enhancing efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

2. Strong and versatile coatings

PVD AFP coatings are compatible with decorative PVD coatings such as Titanium Nitride (TiN) and Zirconium Nitride (ZrN). Unlike traditional methods that require multiple deposition steps, PVD allows for seamless AFP integration, reducing production time and operational costs.

A few-nanometer-thick PVD AFP coating enhances oil repellence without compromising the durability or aesthetics of the underlying layer.

3. A cleaner, faster, and smarter process

Traditional chemical AFP coatings involve wet processes like spraying or dipping, followed by curing stages, leading to increased waste and reliance on toxic chemicals such as PFAS. In contrast, PVD’s dry, vacuum-based approach minimizes waste, eliminates hazardous substances, and consolidates multiple production stages into one streamlined cycle. This reduces costs, improves sustainability, and enhances manufacturing efficiency.

Sustainable. Scalable. Ready.

As industries shift toward eco-friendly, high-performance alternatives, PVD anti-fingerprint technology is emerging as a future-proof solution that combines durability, sustainability, and efficiency. With its ability to reduce environmental impact, enhance production efficiency, and meet growing regulatory standards, PVD AFP coatings stand as the ideal replacement for PFAS-based solutions.

By adopting PVD anti-fingerprint coatings, industries can ensure their products remain cleaner, safer, and more sustainable—without compromising performance.

AFP-PVD coated push plate