FFKM O-Rings and Seals

Typical applications for FFKM O-rings

If you require a durable sealing solution that performs optimally in demanding environments, FFKM O-rings offer an impressive array of advantages. TRPlast™ Perfluoroelastomer O-rings offer the dual benefits of excellent chemical resistance and a wide operating temperature of -45°C to +330°C, making them ideally suited to even the harshest of applications. Where you cannot compromise on quality or performance, make FFKM O-rings your sealing solution of choice.

TRP Polymer solutions offer a range of perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) rubber materials for a huge variety of industries and applications. We manufacture an array of products in FFKM, including ‘O’ rings, seals and gaskets. Our unique TRPlast range of perfluoroelastomers offers the highest levels of performance where other polymers simply cannot cope.

What is FFKM? And O-ring applications?

Following the development of fluoroelastomers (FKM) in the 1950s, demand grew for a more chemically resistant polymer with the ability to withstand higher temperatures. Perfluroelastomers (FFKM) were born out of this necessity in the late 1960s, combining the chemical resistance of PTFE with the flexibility and elasticity of FKM.

Initially manufactured for chemical processes and space programmes, the versatility and durability of perfluoroelastomers quickly saw them rolled out across a much broader range of applications. FFKM is now widely used, particularly in the chemical processing, semiconductor  and aerospace industries, due to its unparalleled chemical and thermal resistance.

FFKM O-rings

FFKM ‘O’ rings offer exceptional chemical and thermal resistance. They combine the sealing force, resistance and recovery characteristics of a regular elastomer ‘O’ ring with the added chemical resistance of PTFE. The Carbon-Fluorine bonds within perfluoroelastomers, regarded as the strongest single bond in organic chemistry, guarantee the high chemical, thermal and oxidation resistance of our finished FFKM seals. 

An increase in fluorine content increases the chemical resistance of hydrocarbons. Perfluoroelastomers contain 72.5% fluorine with a fully fluorinated backbone chain, which is the maximum fluorination possible whilst still retaining the elastomeric properties required for sealing systems. FFKM’s ether group (R-O-R) gives it its elastomeric properties and elasticity, without which it would act much the same as PTFE.

Typical applications for FFKM O-rings include:

Perfluoroelastomer ‘O’ rings are commonly used in the following applications:

• Chemical processing
• Oil and gas
• Aerospace & satellites
• Heavy duty machinery
• Semiconductor wafer fabrication
• Pharmaceutical applications
• Motorsport including F1 engines, gearbox and hydraulic systems

Key FFKM O-ring specifications

TRP Polymer Solutions has developed a range of perfluoroelastomer materials to ensure our FFKM ‘O’ rings deliver the highest levels of performance and longevity. 

FFKM can be used in almost all chemical applications including:

• Organic and inorganic acids
• Caustics
• Ketones
• Aldehydes
• Alcohols
• Fuels
• Solvents
• Hydrocarbons
• Ethylene and propylene oxide

Our TRPlast grades offer:

• High density
• Wide temperature range (-45°C to +330°C)
• Self-extinguishing and non-flammable in air
• Excellent weather ability and ozone resistance
• Outstanding gas and liquid permeation resistance
• Good mechanical properties, improving sealing performance
• Manufactured to ISO9001 standards to ensure quality and repeatability
• Can be formulated for explosive decompression resistance, CIP, SIP and hygienic applications
• Can be formulated with FDA, 3A Sanitary and USP Class VI approvals
• Can be formulated to meet Norsok M-710 specification

FFKM applications

Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) is designed for use in the most demanding environments, including severe chemical environments, high and low temperatures, and high pressures.

The benefits of FFKM include:

• FFKM has the widest temperature range of any polymer (-45°C to +330°C)
• Exceptional chemical resistance in the most extreme chemical environments
• Material approvals include FDA, 3A sanitary, USP Class VI, Norsok M-710 
• Our materials are formulated for use in industries worldwide including:
  • Chemical processing and transportation
  • Oil and gas
  • Aerospace & Satellites
  • Heavy duty machinery
  • Automotive
  • Motorsport including Formula One
  • Food and drink
  • Pharmaceuticals manufacture and transportation

Quality is built into every aspect of the TRPlast philosophy. Our FFKM seals are produced under the strictest process control conditions to ensure the reliability of performance. With full traceability from raw materials to finished goods. 

TRPlast perfluoroelastomer is available as International Standard sized ‘O’ rings and custom moulded components. With over 25 years of manufacturing experience, TRP Polymer Solutions provide high-quality FFKM seals, no matter what your industry requirements. For more information or advice regarding our FFKM ‘O’ rings and seals, please contact us today on 01432 268899 or sales@trp.co.uk.

Further Reading on FFKM Rubber and FFKM Seals

For more information about FFKM rubber, here are some articles we’ve written on the subject:

• The Benefits of FFKM
• The Chemistry Behind FFKM Temperature Range
• FFKM vs FKM
• How FFKM O-Rings Are Made
• Which Applications Benefit From FFKM Seals

Further Reading on FFKM Rubber and FFKM Seals

For more information about FFKM rubber, here are some articles we’ve written on the subject:

The Benefits of FFKM

The Chemistry Behind FFKM Temperature Range

FFKM vs FKM

How FFKM O-Rings Are Made

Which Applications Benefit From FFKM Seals

Who we've worked with