This guide discusses everything you need to know about FFKM, including its most suitable applications, advantages, disadvantages and FAQs about the elastomer.
Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) are a unique combination of chemically and heat-resistant rubbers born from the demand for a more chemically resistant polymer, following the development of Fluoroelastomers (FKM) in the 1950s. FFKM was initially developed for astronautic use, and TRP have grades that have been successfully used in space industry applications such as bladders and seals for satellite propulsion in contact with propellants and oxidisers.
Despite now being widely used in the supply of high-performance FFKM O-rings, the opportunity to purchase Perfluoroelastomers was initially scarce and only limited to space programmes and chemical processes. This expansion into wider industries and applications was due to the versatility and durability of FFKM. It’s now used across many industries, including oil and gas, aerospace, Semicon, chemical processing and transport to reduce downtime and extend service life.
FFKM O-rings boast exceptional chemical and thermal resistance, offering the sealing capabilities, durability, and physical properties of a typical elastomer O-ring with the added benefit of PTFE’s chemical resistance. The carbon-fluorine bonds present in FFKM is the strongest single bond in organic chemistry and ensures the outstanding chemical, thermal, and oxidation resistance of TRP Polymer’s range of FFKM O-rings.
By increasing the fluorine content, the O-rings’ resistance against hydrocarbons is enhanced. FFKM has a 72.5% fluorine content with a fully fluorinated backbone chain, but retains the elastomeric qualities essential for sealing. FFKM’s ether group (R-O-R) gives its elastomeric properties and elasticity, without which Perfluoroelastomers would act the same as PTFE.
A third monomer, referred to as a cure site monomer (CSM) provides the creation of a three-dimensional network when cured. This network not only improves the material’s elasticity but also 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 of all elastomers.
TRPlast® is TRP’s range of high-performance Perfluoroelastomers. Our materials offer temperature resistance between -45°C to 330°C. Our FFKM seals are often in black but can be manufactured in a wide range of colours. Developed with versatility in mind, they’re suitable for a diverse array of applications, including:
The performance of our materials offers exceptional longevity and resistance to aggressive chemicals, extreme temperatures and high pressures.
The unique temperature and chemical resistance of FFKM mean it is used within many different applications, including:
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