Which polymer makes the best temperature resistant ‘O’ ring?

We have dozens of polymers at our disposal at TRP Polymer Solutions. Matching the correct polymer to the application conditions is both a science and an artform, which we’ve perfected over nearly 20 years in business. But which polymers make the best temperature resistant ‘O’ rings? Here, we’ll explore some of the most effective high temperature ‘O’ ring materials.

Before we go any further, it must be said that judging the merits of a polymer based on one single criterion like thermal resistance alone is ill advised. It’s always advisable to adopt a holistic point of view, taking a range of factors into consideration. Is it a static or dynamic application? Will chemicals be involved? Will the ‘O’ ring be exposed to the elements? The whole piece combined will determine the most appropriate polymer for the job.

Now, let’s take a look some of the most noteworthy polymers for developing high temperature ‘O’ rings.

Temperature resistant ‘O’ ring materials

The following polymers are routinely used to develop high temperature ‘O’ rings. As we alluded to above, and will delve into more deeply here, some will be more suited to certain application environments than others.

Silicone

Silicone ‘O’ rings can operate in temperatures as high as +250°C. Silicone compounds are very clean and do not impart odour or taste, making them the ideal choice for food, beverage and medical applications. Silicone is not recommended for dynamic sealing applications due its poor tear strength and abrasion resistance.

FKM

Fluoroelastomers (FKM) contain strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making them highly resistant to heat, oxidation and many chemicals. FKM can operate in temperatures up to +200°C and its favourable characteristics see it used in a wide range of applications, including automotive, chemical processing, oil and gas, and heavy-duty machinery.

Aflas

The molecular structure of Aflas (a unique type of fluoroelastomer) gives it outstanding heat-resistance that allows it to be used continuously at +200°C and occasional highs of up to +250°C. Aflas is widely used in critical applications that demand high reliability, such as nuclear power generators, food processing and chemical plants.

PTFE

PTFE has a dense molecular structure comprising strong carbon-fluorine bonds that makes it almost universally chemically inert and capable of operational temperatures up to +200°C. PTFE is a hard, inflexible thermoplastic, which means it is suited to a narrower niche of applications, such as chemical transport and pump diaphragms.

Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM)

Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) is a high-performance ‘O’ ring material that offers exceptional chemical and thermal resistance. The carbon-fluorine bonds of FFKM – known to be the strongest single bond in organic chemistry – are what give FFKM its superlative chemical, thermal and oxidation resistance.

TRPlast™ FFKM

When it comes to high temperature ‘O’ ring materials, our very own TRPlast™ Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) provides the widest possible range for dynamic sealing in extreme temperatures. With certain grades capable of a maximum operating temperature of +330°C, TRPlast™ ensures your seals perform better for longer in the most challenging application conditions.

Not only that, but our FFKM ‘O’ rings also resist gas and liquid permeation, chemicals and oxygen-plasma, as well as more than 1,800 different chemicals, including, organic and inorganic acids, hydrocarbons and ketones. So for the ultimate temperature resistant ‘O’ rings, which deliver all-round performance and versatility, TRPlast™ ‘O’ rings from TRP Polymer Solutions are seriously hard to beat.

Contact TRP Polymer Solutions today

Make TRP Polymer Solutions your custom moulded rubber manufacturer of choice. To find out more about our high-quality polymer products and manufacturing processes, or to discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact TRP Polymer Solutions on +44(0)1432 268899 or sales@trp.co.uk.

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