What is perfluoroelastomer?

After the development of fluoroelastomers (FKM) in the 1950s, there was a high demand for a more chemically resistant polymer that had the ability to withstand much higher temperatures. By the late 1960s, this demand was met with the birth of perfluoroelastomers. But, what is perfluoroelastomer? Find out all the information in this guide from TRP Polymer.

Perfluoroelastomer explained

Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) are a unique combination of chemical and heat-resistant elastomers born from the demand to have a more chemically resistant polymer, following the development of FKM. FFKM was initially developed for astronautic use. TRP have grades that have been successfully used in astronautic applications such as in bladders and seals for propulsion and satellites. 

They’re part of a broader family of elastomers, but what sets perfluoroelastomers apart is their exceptional resistance to a wide variety of aggressive chemicals and extreme temperatures.

Despite now being widely used in the development of high-performance FFKM O-rings, the opportunity to purchase perfluoroelastomers was initially scarce and only limited to space programmes and chemical processes. This branch out into wider industries and applications was due to the versatility and durability of FFKM. It’s now used in oil and gas, aerospace, chemical processing and transport industries. FFKM is used to reduce downtime and extend the lifespan across many processes.

Key characteristics of perfluoroelastomer

Perfluoroelastomers are commonly used in industries and applications where extreme conditions and chemical resistance are required. Here’s a list of the key characteristics of FFKM:

• Chemical resistance
• High-temperature resistance
• Low outgassing
• Compression set resistance
• Excellent sealability

Chemical resistance

FFKM can withstand exposure to a wide variety of harsh chemicals, acids, bases, and solvents. This makes them suitable for use in industries where chemical resistance is crucial. The chemical resistance can be likened to PTFE. 

High-temperature resistance

FFKM can operate at temperatures well above 200°C (392°F) without significant degradation. Some perfluoroelastomers can even withstand temperatures up to 330°C (626°F). TRPlast 330B gives a competitive advantage for long life / high temperature sealing.

Low outgassing

FFKM have low outgassing properties. This means that they release minimal volatile compounds during exposure to high temperatures, which makes them suitable for use in vacuum and aerospace applications.

Compression set resistance

Perfluoroelastomers have a low compression set, which means they can maintain their sealing and elastic properties over long periods of use without excessive deformation.

Excellent sealability

FFKM is often used in sealing applications, such as O-rings, gaskets, and seals. This is because of their excellent sealing performance under high pressures and aggressive chemical conditions.

What are the properties of FFKM O-rings?

FFKM O-rings boast exceptional chemical and thermal resistance, seamlessly melding the sealing capabilities, durability, and rebound attributes of a typical elastomer O-ring with the added benefit of PTFE’s chemical resistance. Scientifically proven to be the strongest single bond in organic chemistry, Carbon-Fluorine bonds present in FFKM ensure the outstanding chemical, thermal, and oxidation resistance of TRP Polymer’s range of FFKM O-rings.

By elevating the fluorine content, the O-rings’ resilience against hydrocarbons is enhanced. As a result, FFKM has a remarkable 72.5% fluorine content with a fully fluorinated backbone chain, and strikes a balance that retains the elastomeric qualities essential for sealing systems. FFKM’s ether group (R-O-R) gains its elastomeric properties and elasticity, without which perfluoroelastomers would act the same as PTFE.

Furthermore, a third monomer – referred to as a cure site monomer (CSM) – finds its place within the FFKM polymer chain. This inclusion provides the creation of a three-dimensional network when subjected to the appropriate conditions. This network not only improves the material’s elasticity, but elevates FFKM’s maximum operating temperature beyond that of PTFE’s melting point. As a result, FFKM stands out with the highest thermal stability and chemical resistance among all elastomers.

Perfluoroelastomers at TRP Polymer

TRP Polymer has developed a range of FFKM materials suitable for a variety of industries. Gaskets, O-rings, and seals are the most common products that we manufacture from FFKM. In our continued pursuit of excellence, we developed our own unique TRPlast™ range of FFKM. This offers the highest levels of performance and can often be used in applications where other polymers wouldn’t cope.

Read more about our FFKMs, the other polymer materials we manufacture, and the difference between FFKM and FKM. For any more information or questions you may have, don’t hesitate to contact us.