Seal and gasket integrity is critical in industrial areas with a high risk of chemical exposure. Seals and gaskets are components that prevent leakages and ensure the smooth performance of machines and devices. However, traditional sealing materials may not be enough when subjected to certain chemicals.
But Fluoroelastomer (FKM) rubber is versatile, making industrial seals and gaskets chemically resistant and suitable for use in various industries. This article discusses the characteristics of FKM rubber, its applications, and why this kind of rubber is a first choice for risky industrial sectors.
FKM Offers High Chemical Resistance
One of the main qualities of FKM rubber is its resistance to various chemicals. FKM is highly resistant to acids, alkalis, fuels, oils, solvents, and other reactive liquids. Because of this resistance, FKM is the best choice for seals and gaskets in the industry where the probability of chemical exposure is high.
The chemical resistance of the FKM is based on the molecule’s inherent structure. Fluoroelastomer adds fluorine atoms to the structure to give it superior chemical inertness. These fluorine atoms are chemically bonded to the polymer to produce a material that chemical agents cannot attack.
The Material Is Temperature Resistance
Apart from its chemical resistivity, FKM rubber also has a high-temperature resistance. It can withstand various temperatures, making it suitable for high- and low-temperature applications. FKM rubber can withstand temperatures between -26°C and 204°C without losing its sealing ability. This makes it suitable for applications where exposure to extreme chemicals is inevitable, such as automotive engines, industrial systems, and aerospace systems.
Possesses Exceptional Mechanical Properties
Besides its chemical and heat resistance, FKM rubber is known for its excellent mechanical properties. It has high tensile strength, tear, and compression set resistance and is thus used for seals and gaskets in demanding industrial use.
FKM rubber, with its high tensile strength and functional properties, can withstand high pressures without compromise. It allows for high-pressure sealing, which makes it suitable for hydraulic systems, pumps, and compressors.
FKM rubber demonstrates exceptional tear resilience, keeping its original shape despite high-stress levels. This guarantees that O-rings and gaskets from FKM rubbers remain leak-proof in challenging circumstances.
Moreover, FKM rubber exhibits exceptional compression resistance and the ability to retain its sealing qualities. This ensures that the seals and gaskets made of FKM rubber have a long service life since they do not require frequent replacement.
Fluoroelastomer Is a Durable Material
One of the most significant advantages of FKM rubber is its durability and lifespan. Due to its resistance to damage by chemicals, heat, and tension, FKM seals and gaskets have a lower breakdown rate. This decreases maintenance and replacement costs.
Unlike seals and gaskets made from other materials that tend to wear when they interact with chemicals or undergo exposure to temperature extremes, FKM seals and gaskets remain intact and maintain their sealing capabilities, ultimately ensuring the efficiency of machines.
FKM Has a Wide Range of Applications
Fluoroelastomer rubber is a flexible polymer that is applicable in many fields. Chemical resistance plays a vital role in industrial seals and gaskets. FKM rubber shows incredible chemical resistance to acids, alkalis, fuels, oils, solvents, and other aggressive liquids.
Besides its chemical resistance, FKM rubber also features high-temperature resistance. It can bear temperatures of -26°C to 204°C without compromising its sealing capability. Thus, it can be used for parts with wide temperature ranges, such as automotive engines, industrial machinery, and aerospace systems.
FKM rubber also provides excellent mechanical features. It has high tensile strength, tear, and compression set resistance, which is ideal for high-pressure sealing. The high tensile strength of FKM rubber allows it to withstand high pressures while retaining its integrity, making it applicable in hydraulic systems, pumps, compressors, and other high-pressure environments.
In addition, FKM rubber possesses superior tear resistance. Therefore, it can withstand high stress levels that may tear other materials apart, making FKM gaskets and seals resistant to tough conditions.
Additionally, the compression set resistance of FKM rubber is excellent in preventing the rubber from losing its sealing properties in the long run. This makes seals and gaskets made from FKM rubber that can be used for a long time.
Another critical characteristic of FKM rubber is its ability to endure and last for an extended period. FKM seals and gaskets can last longer due to their inherent chemical, thermal, and degradation resistance. As a result, industrial equipment maintenance and replacement costs are relatively cheaper.
Unlike seals and gaskets made of other materials, which deteriorate easily when exposed to chemical substances or extreme temperatures, FKM seals and gaskets maintain their sealing properties, thus promoting efficiency.
FKM rubber can be found in automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, oil and gas, semiconductors manufacturing, and power generation. FKM rubber has applications in seals, gaskets, and critical parts in engines and fuel systems in the automotive industry. Additionally, FKM rubbers are used in the aerospace industry in aircraft engines, hydraulic systems, and fuel systems.
The chemical processing industry utilizes FKM rubber in pumps, valves, reactor tanks, and flange gaskets. The oil and gas industry needs FKM rubber for drilling equipment, pipelines, valves, and wellhead components. FKM rubber is also used as a component for wafer processing equipment, CVD systems, and etching tools in semiconductor production.
FKM rubber is also used in seals and gaskets in machines in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Lastly, FKM rubber is used in power generation steam turbines, gas turbines, and other mechanical equipment.
Fluoroelastomer Is Compatible
FKM rubber is compatible with almost every fluid. The compatibility of FKM rubber with hydraulic oils, engine oils, transmission fluids, jet fuels, and many other industrial fluids is a very vital property of this rubber. It guarantees reliable performance of the seals or gaskets in various applications.
Summary
The chemical resistance of seals and gaskets in various industries is made possible by Fluoroelastomer rubber. It excels in chemical resistance, temperature resistance, mechanical properties, durability, and compatibility, making it a superior option for use in the most demanding industrial applications.
Whether in the automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, oil and gas, or semiconductor manufacturing industries, the FKM rubber offers reliable sealing solutions, offering extended lifespan of equipment and machinery in critical environments. The excellent performance and multiple applications of FKM rubber makes it a prime material for critical sealing activities across various industries.
