FKM rubber (Fluoroelastomer) is a high-performance synthetic rubber known for its exceptional resistance to heat, oil, fuel, and chemicals. This FKM material is widely used across industries such as automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, and semiconductors due to its durability and ability to maintain performance in harsh environments.
These FKM polymer types are categorized based on their molecular structure (combination of copolymer monomers) and curing method (cross-linking system). The main differences among them lie in their composition, cross-linking method, chemical resistance, temperature resistance, and other physical properties.
FKM is typically classified into copolymer, terpolymer, and tetrapolymer types, with two primary curing methods: bisphenol curing and peroxide curing. Each classification determines the specific properties and performance of the Fluoroelastomer material, such as enhanced chemical stability, improved thermal tolerance, and better mechanical strength.
The following is a detailed description of each FKM type, including their characteristics, applications, and additional classifications:
| Category | Composition | Curing Method | Key Characteristics | Typical Applications |
| FKM Copolymer (Bipolymer) | VDF (Vinylidene Fluoride) + HFP (Hexafluoropropylene) | Bisphenol Curing | Oil resistance, fuel resistance, high-temperature resistance (-20°C to +200°C) ; Excellent mechanical properties | Automotive engine seals, O-rings, aerospace, hydraulic seals |
| FKM Peroxide Curable Copolymer | VDF + HFP | Peroxide Curing | Steam resistance, amine chemical resistance, strong acid and alkali resistance;Suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure environments | Chemical pipeline seals, steam equipment, special chemical seals |
| FKM Terpolymer (Tripolymer) | VDF + HFP + TFE (Tetrafluoroethylene) | Bisphenol Curing | Higher fluorine content (around 70%), excellent resistance to polar solvents, acids, and bases | Seals for petrochemical equipment, aerospace, fuel systems |
| FKM Peroxide Curable Terpolymer | VDF + HFP + TFE | Peroxide Curing | Superior chemical resistance, steam and strong acid/alkali resistance, excellent thermal stability | High-temperature chemical equipment, steam systems, aggressive chemical environments |
| FKM Tetrapolymer (Quadpolymer) | VDF + HFP + TFE + PMVE (Perfluoromethyl Vinyl Ether) | Bisphenol/Peroxide Curing | Exceptional resistance to extreme chemicals (e.g., alcohols, acidic gases), low-temperature performance (-40°C and below) | Extreme environments, aerospace, semiconductor equipment, chemical-resistant seals |
| FKM GLT (Low-Temperature Fluoroelastomer) | Modified FKM (Terpolymer or Tetrapolymer) | Bisphenol Curing | Low-temperature flexibility (-40°C to +200°C), excellent oil and chemical resistance | Low-temperature seals, aerospace, cryogenic equipment, oil exploration |
| FEPM (Fluoroethylene Propylene Elastomer) | TFE (Tetrafluoroethylene) + Olefin | Peroxide Curing | Outstanding resistance to strong acids (e.g., nitric acid, sulfuric acid), polar solvents, and high temperatures (+230°C) | Aerospace, strong chemical resistance, fuel cell seals |
| Classification | Bipolymer | Tripolymer | Quadpolymer |
| Fluorine Content | 66%–69% | 68%–71% | 70%–75% |
| Oil Resistance | Excellent | Excellent, better resistance to alcohol fuels | Outstanding, suitable for highly polar solvents |
| Chemical Resistance | Good (for most acids and bases) | Excellent (resistant to strong acids, steam, and polar solvents) | Exceptional (suitable for the harshest chemical environments) |
| Temperature Range | -20°C to +200°C | -20°C to +230°C | -40°C to +230°C |
| Low-Temperature Performance | Moderate (down to -20°C) | Better (down to -30°C) | Excellent (down to -40°C or below) |
| Curing Method | Mainly bisphenol curing | Both bisphenol and peroxide curing | Primarily peroxide curing |
| Typical Applications | Automotive seals, fuel system gaskets | Aerospace, steam systems, chemical-resistant seals | Extreme environments, low-temperature applications, aggressive chemical systems |
| Category | Characteristics | Typical Applications |
| FKM FDA Grade | Compliant with food-contact material regulations, resistant to oils and cleaning agents | Food processing equipment, pharmaceutical seals |
| FKM High Fluorine | Fluorine content >75%, extreme chemical resistance | Ultra-high-temperature, acid-resistant, semiconductor manufacturing |
| FKM LT (Low Temperature) | Maintains flexibility in extremely low temperatures (down to -45°C) | Refrigeration systems, cryogenic equipment, cold environment seals |
| FKM ETP (Extreme Temperature Polymer) | Resistant to temperatures up to +250°C, oxidation-resistant, excellent thermal aging performance | Aerospace, nuclear energy, high-temperature industrial equipment |
Choose the appropriate FKM type based on your specific requirements:
| Requirement | Recommended FKM Type |
| General oil, fuel, and heat resistance | FKM Copolymer (Bipolymer) |
| Chemical, steam, and aggressive environment resistance | FKM Peroxide Curable Terpolymer (Tripolymer) |
| Low-temperature flexibility | FKM GLT (Low-Temperature Fluoroelastomer) |
| Extreme corrosion and high-temperature stability | FKM Tetrapolymer (Quadpolymer) |
| Food-grade or medical applications | FKM FDA Grade |
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