AFLAS (TFEP)
Tetrafluoroethylene-Propylene (TFEP), commercially known as AFLAS®, is a fluorinated elastomer combining the chemical resistance of PTFE with the elasticity and processability of conventional rubbers. Developed for use in severe chemical, oil, and steam environments, TFEP provides outstanding resistance to bases, acids, amines, and oxidizing agents, where traditional fluoroelastomers (FKM) may degrade.
At Eutsler Technical Products, our TFEP compounds are engineered for long-term durability under aggressive chemical exposure, high temperature, and pressure, making them ideal for oilfield, power generation, and chemical-processing applications. Unlike FKM, TFEP offers superior resistance to hot water, steam, and caustics, while maintaining excellent oil and amine compatibility — a combination unmatched by most elastomers.
Performance Advantages
- Outstanding chemical resistance: Stable in acids, bases, amines, and caustics — superior to FKM and HNBR.
- Excellent resistance to hot water and steam: Performs in continuous exposure to 400 °F (200 °C) steam environments.
- Superior oil and lubricant compatibility: Excellent performance in mineral, synthetic, and amine-based lubricants.
- Outstanding heat resistance: Continuous operation up to 450 °F (230 °C) with excellent compression set retention.
- Excellent oxidation and ozone resistance: Performs reliably in outdoor and oxidative environments.
- Low compression set: Maintains sealing force under long-term heat and pressure.
- Electrical insulating properties: Low dielectric loss; suitable for power generation and high-voltage insulation.
- Non-reactive, flame resistant, and stable in reactive gas systemsPerforms in oxygen-rich or corrosive media where other rubbers deteriorate.
Applications
Eutsler’s custom TFEP compounds are used where chemical resistance, thermal endurance, and oil compatibility are essential.
Typical applications include:
- Oilfield packers, downhole seals, and blowout preventer (BOP) elements
- Power plant seals, gaskets, and insulation components
- Steam and chemical service valve seals
- Pump and compressor diaphragms exposed to caustics or amines
- Chemical-processing O-rings, gaskets, and linings
- Food- and pharmaceutical-grade seals for CIP/SIP cleaning environments
- Electrical insulation and dielectric barrier components
- Aerospace or defense seals requiring simultaneous oil, amine, and steam resistance
TFEP elastomers deliver unique performance in mixed-media environments involving oil, amine, steam, or caustic solutions, where conventional FKM or HNBR would degrade rapidly.
Superior Material Performance
Eutsler’s TFEP formulations provide:
- Tensile strength: 1,500 – 2,500 psi
- Elongation: 150 – 350 % depending on durometer and cure system
- Compression set: Excellent retention after prolonged thermal cycling
- Thermal resistance: Continuous 450 °F (230 °C); intermittent up to 500 °F (260 °C)
- Exceptional fluid resistance: Stable in oils, amines, acids, and caustics
- Low permeability: Excellent gas and vapor barrier performance
- Good electrical insulation and flame resistance
- Long-term stability in aggressive media
Note: TFEP is not recommended for continuous exposure to ketones, esters, or strong oxidizing acids at high concentration. For extreme oxidizer resistance, FFKM may be a superior option.
General Characteristics of TFEP Elastomers
| Property | Typical Range / Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Durometer Range (Shore A) | 50 – 90 | Custom hardness for dynamic and static seals |
| Tensile Strength (psi) | 1,500 – 2,500 | High mechanical strength at elevated temperature |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 150 – 350 | Retains elasticity under heat and fluid exposure |
| Compression Set | Excellent | Low deformation under long-term stress |
| Resilience / Rebound | Good | Maintains sealing recovery at high temperature |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good | Suitable for static and moderate dynamic service |
| Tear Resistance | Good | Stable under cyclic mechanical stress |
| Oil Resistance | Excellent | Performs in mineral, synthetic, and amine-based oils |
| Solvent Resistance | Excellent (nonpolar and polar) | Stable in acids, bases, and hydrocarbons |
| Fuel Resistance | Excellent | Compatible with jet fuel, diesel, and aromatics |
| Steam / Hot Water Resistance | Outstanding | Superior to FKM and HNBR in high-moisture environments |
| Low-Temperature Usage | –10 °F (–25 °C) | Maintains flexibility at moderate cold |
| High-Temperature Usage | +450 °F (230 °C) | Continuous operation with excellent aging stability |
| Weather / Ozone / Sunlight Resistance | Excellent | Long-term outdoor and oxidative durability |
| Chemical Resistance | Outstanding | Withstands acids, amines, and caustics |
| Electrical Properties | Excellent | Low dielectric constant and high resistivity |
| Adhesion to Metals | Good | Enhanced with bonding agents |
| Gas Permeability | Low | Excellent barrier for gases and vapors |
Get in Touch with Our Experts Today!
Work with Eutsler for Precision-Molded TFEP Components
With over 60 years of elastomer engineering expertise, Eutsler Technical Products formulates and molds custom TFEP components optimized for chemical, oilfield, and high-temperature service.
Our compounds are developed to balance compression set resistance, tensile strength, and fluid compatibility, ensuring long-term sealing performance in the most chemically aggressive environments.
As an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer, Eutsler ensures tight process control, compound traceability, and exceptional quality from development through production.
Request a quote today for custom TFEP elastomer parts designed for high reliability under chemical, thermal, and mechanical stress.
Summary
TFEP provides a unique balance of chemical, oil, and steam resistance that bridges the performance gap between FKM and FFKM.
Eutsler Technical Products delivers precision-engineered TFEP components designed for extreme durability and reliability in oilfield, chemical, and power generation environments.
- Chemical Family: Tetrafluoroethylene–Propylene Copolymer (TFEP)
- Service Temperature Range: –10 °F to +450 °F (–25 °C to +230 °C)
- Distinguishing Features: Exceptional resistance to steam, amines, oils, and bases
- Key Advantages:
- Excellent chemical resistance to acids, amines, and caustics
- Outstanding high-temperature and steam stability
- Excellent oil and lubricant resistance
- Low compression set and superior heat-aging performance
- Electrical insulation and flame retardance
- Limitations:
- Moderate flexibility at low temperatures
- Limited resistance to ketones, esters, and concentrated oxidizing acids
Why Choose Eutsler Technical Products?
R&D
Experienced staff develop high performance and long life parts
Material Selection
Over 300 compounds or custom elastomeric compounds available
Mold Design
Custom molds are designed ensuring tolerances are met
Manufacturing
Molding, extrusion and die cutting services to build your part
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