5 Reasons Why FFKM is Used Within Harsh Environments

FFKM, or perfluoroelastomers, are a group of elastomers that are used across a wide range of industries —from pharmaceutical to aerospace applications. This is because of their dependable performance and ability to withstand a range of tough conditions. In this blog, we delve into the reasons why FFKM is used within harsh environments and why it’s ideal for your application. So, read on to find out about its many benefits and the range of FFKM products we can manufacture to your custom specifications at TRP Polymer Solutions. 

Why FFKM is used within harsh environments

FFKM is a highly resistant elastomer, making it a very suitable choice for a wide variety of applications. Its temperature and chemical resistance are its strongest benefits, which makes it a good option in comparison to other elastomers when these qualities are of utmost importance. At TRP Polymer Solutions, we commonly use FFKM to manufacture  FFKM ‘O’-rings and seals, custom moulded rubber seals and custom rubber diaphragms that provide unparalleled temperature and chemical resistance.

As a highly useful material, these are the main examples of FFKM’s most advantageous attributes that make it perfect for use within harsh environments:

• Temperature resistance
• Chemical resistance
• Weatherability and ozone resistance
• Low permeation

Temperature resistance

What makes FFKM superior in many applications is its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and still maintain its sealing integrity. Some FFKM materials can resist temperatures of up to 330°C, making them ideal for applications that constantly work under elevated temperatures for extended periods, where some elastomers would degrade or deform. They are also excellent at working in lower temperatures, capable of performing to  -45°C for static applications. FFKM is used by many industries due to its ability to consistently withstand these temperatures.

Chemical resistance

In addition to its temperature resistance, FFKM is also highly effective in being able to withstand many varieties of chemicals. In fact, FFKM is known to resist over 1,800 chemical compounds, including fuels, hydrocarbons and lubricants, acids and bases. FFKM has similar chemical resistance to PTFE but with the added benefits provided by an elastomer, making it a predominant choice for chemical processing applications.

If you are looking to know which FFKM materials are compatible with the chemicals used within your application, take a look at our chemical resistance guide. This conveniently helps you to see at a glance which ‘O’-ring materials can resist the chemicals you are working with and choose your ‘O’-ring accordingly. 

Weatherability and ozone resistance

If your application is external, then dependable protection from weathering is a must. As such, FFKM makes for the best choice of polymer as it is resistant to degradation caused by UV light and ozone. Unlike some other elastomers, FFKM will remain unaffected by weathering, continuing to perform as usual even in the face of harsh rain and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Low permeation

Among its resistance abilities, another beneficial property of FFKM is its low permeation rates. For industries involving the use of hazardous substances, FFKM prevents the permeation of both liquids and gases that could cause harm to you or your workforce. Additionally, FFKM’s permeation resistance protects purity in manufacturing processes by preventing contamination with other substances.

FFKM at TRP Polymer Solutions

As you can see, the many benefits of the material are why FFKM is used within harsh environments. At TRP Polymer Solutions, we have years of experience in producing FFKM materials designed to withstand a variety of industries’ unique working conditions. We can produce custom-designed materials that meet the exact standards required for your application, with varying resistances to temperature, chemicals, and other variables. Our TRPlast™range of FFKM products offers consistent and dependable performance, even when used in the most extreme conditions.

Our custom rubber solutions, including our high-temperature ‘O’-rings and high-performance elastomer ‘O’-rings, can be produced from a wide range of different materials to have the qualities best suited for their usage. If you’re looking to get better insight into the individual characteristics of our FFKM variants, our material datasheets provide detailed information on each.

Just some of the customisable aspects of our FFKM products include custom colours and metal detectability. In addition, many are FDA, USP Class VI & Norsok M710 certified. So, be sure to get in touch with an inquiry.

For more information on our FFKM products and how TRP Polymer Solutions can assist your business, please contact us. Our technical team can provide expert advice and solutions tailored to your needs.