Fluoroelastomer Rubber

Fluoroelastomer (FKM) is a special purpose fluorocarbon-based synthetic rubber.

Resistant to high temperatures, gasoline, UV light and ozone

Fluoroelastomers exhibit broad chemical resistance and very good performance in high temperature applications.

Fluoroelastomers show very good gasoline resistance swelling and good resistance to the sun’s UV light and the ozone this generates. Because fluoroelastomers have very good gas impermeability they are ideal for automotive fuel applications and aircraft engine seals.

Compatible with hydrocarbons, incompatible with ketones and organic acids

Fluoroelastomers are generally compatible with hydrocarbons, but incompatible with ketones (acetone) and organic acids (acetic acid).

As a class of materials, fluoroelastomers are very expensive and their use is reserved for highly specialized applications. Common trade names used for these materials include Viton (DuPont) and Technoflon (Solvay Solexis S.p.A.).

At low temperatures, fluoroelastomers can become quite hard

When exposed to low temperatures, fluoroelastomers can become quite hard but are still serviceable; fluoroelastomer compounds are not suited to applications needing flexibility at low temperatures.

Used for O-rings, shaft seals and engine seals

The performance of fluoroelastomers in aggressive chemicals depends on the nature of the base polymer used and the compounding ingredients used for molding the final products: these compounds are finely tuned to fit the end use application. Common uses include: O-rings, shaft seals, and engine seals.