Fluoroelastomer (FKM)
Fluoroelastomer (FKM) is a highly resilient type of synthetic rubber and its hardwearing qualities make it a popular choice in the oil and gas industries. The material is widely used when dealing with aggressive fuels and chemicals that would rapidly degrade other rubbers. FKM is the American standard ASTM short form name for Fluoroelastomer. It is the designation for around 80% of Fluoroelastomers defined by ASTM D1418.
Typical Applications
- ‘O’ Ring’s
- Seals for automotive fuel lines
- Hydraulic pumps
Advantages
Disadvantages
Properties
Resistance
Advantages
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Outstanding thermal stability
- Excellent ozone/weathering resistance
Disadvantages
- Restricted low temperature capability
Properties
| Available hardness range (Shore A) | 50 – 95° |
| Maximum continuous service temp | 205°C |
| Maximum intermittent temp | 300°C |
| Minimum operating temp | -20°C |
Resistance
| Resistances | |
| Oxidation | Excellent |
| Ozone and Weathering | Excellent |
| Oil Resistance | |
| ASTM Oil No.1 @ 20°C | Excellent |
| ASTM Oil No.1 @ 100°C | Excellent |
| ASTM Oil No. 3 @20°C | Excellent |
| ASTM Oil No. 3 @ 100°C | Good |
| Fuel Resistance | |
| ASTM Fuel @ 40°C | Excellent |
| Solvent Resistance | |
| Alcohol @20°C | Outstanding |
| Acetone @20°C | Outstanding |
| Benzene @20°C | Outstanding |
| Chemical Resistance | |
| Acids | Outstanding |
| Bases | Outstanding |
| Physical Strength | Poor (at high temp) |
| Compression set | Fair |
| Tear & Abrasion Resistance | Poor |
| Resilience | Poor |
| Permeability to Gases | Fairly Low |
| Electrical strength | Good |
| Flame Resistance | Self-extinguishing |
| Water Resistance | Good |
