FLUOROCARBON (FKM)
An excellent elastomer for use in high temperature applications. Also exhibits excellent chemical resistance, commonly referred as FKM. Fluorocarbon exhibits resistance to a broader range of chemicals combined with very good high temperature properties more so than any of the other elastomers. It is the closest available approach to a universal elastomer for sealing in the use of O Ring and other custom seals over other types of elastomers.
Fluorocarbons are highly resistant to swelling when exposed to gasoline as well as resistant to degradation due to expose to UV light and ozone.
In addition to standard FKM materials, a number of special materials are available with differing monomer compositions and fluorine content (65% to 71%) for improved low temperature, high temperature, or chemical resistance performance.
Fluorocarbons exhibit low gas permeability making them well suited for hard vacuum service and many formulations are self-extinguishing. FKM materials are not generally recommended for exposure to hot water, steam, polar solvents, low molecular weight esters and ethers, glycol based brake fluids, or hot hydrofluoric or chlorosulfonic acids.
Temperature Range (dry heat)
Standard Compound: -20°C to +200°C
Primary Uses
O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components for:
» Automotive fuel handling
» Aircraft engine seals
» High temperature applications requiring good compression set performance
» Tough sealing applications requiring extreme chemical resistance
» General industrial seals and gaskets
Application Advantages
» Excellent chemical resistance
» Excellent heat resistance
» Good mechanical properties
» Good compression set resistance
» Resistance to wide range of oils and solvents; specially all aliphatic, aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons, acids, animal and vegetable oils
Application Disadvantages
» Poor low temperature flexibility
» Poor resistance to hot water and steam
» Not recommended for exposure to hot water, steam, polar solvents, low molecular weight esters and ethers, glycol based brake fluids, or hot hydrofluoric or chlorosulfonic acids.
