Fluoroelastomer
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A Fluoroelastomer is a special purpose synthetic rubber. It has wide chemical resistance and superior performance, especially in high temperature application in different media.
Fluoroelastomers are categorized under the ASTM D1418 & ISO 1629 designation of FKM. This class of elastomers is a family comprising copolymers of hexafluoropropylene (HFP) and vinylidene fluoride (VDF or VF2), terpolymers of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP) as well as perfluoromethylvinylether (PMVE) containing specialties. The fluorine content of the most common grades varies between 66 and 70%.
[edit] Three main families of polymers
- Dipolymers of VF2/HFP, like Viton A: General purpose sealing. Automotive, Aerospace fuels & lubricants
- Terpolymers of VF2/HFP/TFE, like Viton B: Chemical Process plant, Power Utility Seals & Gaskets
- Terpolymers of VF2/HFP/TFE, like Viton F: Oxygenated Automotive fuels. Concentrated aqueous inorganic acids, water, steam.
[edit] Performance
The performance of fluoroelastomers in aggressive chemicals depends on the nature of the base polymer and the compounding ingredients used for moulding the final products (e.g. O-rings, shaft seals). This performance can vary significantly when end-users purchase polymer containing rubber goods from different sources. Fluoroelastomers are generally compatible with hydrocarbons, but incompatible with ketones such as acetone and organic acids such as acetic acid.
