Product Description:
Even in the harshest environments, subjected to temperature extremes and harsh chemicals, FKM fluoroelastomers perform extremely well. With that in mind, this rugged rubber is ideally suited for applications requiring hard-wearing O-rings, gaskets and seals. FKM might just be the most durable and high performance rubber material that you’ve never heard of. Here, 360 Industrial Products Co. gives the full lowdown on this impressively versatile fluoroelastomer.
Viton commonly used in O-rings and other moulded or extruded products. This family of elastomers comprises copolymers of terpolymers of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), hexafluoropropylene (HFP) and vinylidene fluoride (VDF or VF2), vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP) as well as perfluoromethylvinylether (PMVE) containing specialty polymers. There are four families of FKM polymers, and the fluorine content of these most popular FKM grades varies between 66 and 70%. The main grades are A (Dipolymers of VF2/HFP), which has a fluorine content of 66%; B (Terpolymers of VF2/HFP/TFE), which commonly used for seals or gaskets and contains 68% fluorine; F (Terpolymers of VF2/HFP/TFE), which is used in oxygenated automotive fuels and has 70% fluorine content; and finally specialty types (such as GLT, GBLT, GFLT & FKM Extreme), which are used in automotive and oil exploration applications.
Advantages of FKM
Compared to most other elastomers, FKM is better able to withstand high temperature, while simultaneously retaining its good mechanical properties. Oil and chemical resistance are also essentially unaffected by elevated temperatures. Compounds of FKM remain substantially elastic when exposed to laboratory air oven ageing up to 204°C or to intermittent exposures up to 316°C. FKM grades also resist degradation from a wider variety of chemicals and fluids – including oils, fuels, lubricants and most mineral acids – than any other non-fluorinated elastomer. In layman’s terms, that means it provides the best fluid resistance of any commercial rubber. With its low permeability to such a broad range of substances, FKM is known to deliver exceptionally good performance in oxygenated automotive fuels. The rugged characteristics FKM don’t stop there however. Because they also display good resistance to compression, even at temperatures that would make other non-fluorinated elastomers brittle. It is also especially resistant to atmospheric oxidation, sun, climatic conditions, fungus and mould. Furthermore, FKM has good electrical properties (in low voltage, low frequency applications) and low burning characteristics.
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