Perfluoroelastomer Center
Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) are an exceptional family of chemical and heat resistant elastomers. With the development of fluoroelastomers (FKM) in the 1950s, there was a growing demand for polymers with greater chemical resistance and the ability to withstand higher temperatures. Born out of this need in the late 1960s, perfluoroelastomers combine the chemical resistance of PTFE with the flexibility and elasticity of conventional FKM.
Opportunities to purchase FFKM were initially few and limited to chemical processes and the space program. But the versatility and durability of FFKM soon led to its adoption in a wider range of applications. Perfluoroelastomers are currently used extensively in the development of high-performance FFKM O-rings used in the chemical processing and transportation, oil and gas, and aerospace industries, reducing downtime and extending service life in many industrial processes.
SJK has developed a range of perfluoroelastomer materials for various industries and applications. FFKM O-rings, seals and gaskets are some of the most common products we manufacture with FFKM. In pursuit of excellence, we have developed our own unique FFKM which offers the highest level of performance and can often be used in applications where other polymers simply cannot.
Properties of FFKM O-rings
FFKM O-rings offer excellent chemical and heat resistance. They combine the sealing force, resistance and recovery characteristics of conventional elastomeric O-rings with the chemical resistance of PTFE. FFKM's carbon-fluorine bond is considered the strongest single bond in organic chemistry, guaranteeing high chemical, heat and oxidation resistance in our finished FFKM O-rings.
The increased fluorine content improves the chemical resistance of hydrocarbons. Consequently, FFKM contains 72.5% fluorine, with a fully fluorinated backbone, the maximum amount of fluorination possible, while still retaining the elastomeric properties required for sealing systems. FFKM's ether groups (ROR) give it elastomeric properties and elasticity, without which perfluoroelastomers would behave much like PTFE.
The FFKM polymer chain also contains a third monomer called a cure site monomer (CSM). When processed under the right conditions, this allows for the formation of three-dimensional networks. This three-dimensional network not only greatly increases the material's elasticity, but also raises the maximum operating temperature of FFKM above the melting point of PTFE, giving FFKM the highest thermal stability and chemical resistance of any elastomer.
In general, 3 types of curing systems are used within perfluoroelastomers, giving FFKM O-rings a wide range of performance characteristics. all these are:
Peroxide Cured - This gives FFKM the highest level of chemical resistance while offering high temperature resistance. This curing system is successfully implemented in approximately 90% of applications.
Modified Peroxide Curing - This curing method increases the operating temperature of FFKM to 100°C without sacrificing chemical resistance. This grade is suitable for places where high temperature steam resistance is required.
Nitrile Cure (Triazine) - This cure method provides the highest working temperature for FFKM, however these grades cannot be used with hot water, steam or amines at elevated temperatures.
A change in the ether group of FFKM can provide FFKM with better low temperature performance. TRP has two successful cryogenic FFKMs with static sealing capabilities down to -45oC.
A complete list of SJK FFKMs can be found in the data sheets section of this website.
Properties of FFKM O-rings
FFKM O-rings combine the sealing force, resistance and recovery capabilities of conventional elastomeric O-rings with the chemical resistance of PTFE.
FFKM O-Ring Specifications
Our high quality FFKM material is designed to provide the highest level of performance and extend the life of your FFKM o-rings.
FFKM O-Ring Applications
FFKM O-rings are used in any application where chemical resistance is critical, including the oil and gas, aerospace and chemical processing industries.
Shop FFKM O-Rings and Seals
Our innovative FFKM O-rings and seals are manufactured under the strictest process controls to provide consistent, reliable performance.
