Custom Fluorocarbon Rubber Products
Fluoroelastomers (FKM) are fluorinated synthetic rubbers based on vinylidene fluoride (VDF) copolymerized with hexafluoropropylene (HFP), tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), or other fluorinated monomers. This unique chemical structure provides exceptional resistance to heat, oils, fuels, and aggressive chemicals, along with outstanding long-term compression-set retention.
At Eutsler Technical Products, our FKM compounds are engineered for high-temperature sealing, chemical processing, and oil- and fuel-exposed environments where long-term durability and dimensional stability are critical. FKMs combine superior fluid resistance, low gas permeability, and excellent aging characteristics, making them the preferred choice for mission-critical sealing and isolation components.
Performance Advantages
- Exceptional chemical and oil resistance to hydrocarbons, synthetic lubricants, and aggressive chemicals, including acids and oxidizers.
- Outstanding heat and oxidation stability with continuous service up to 450 °F (230 °C) and intermittent exposure up to 500 °F (260 °C).
- Low compression set and superior sealing retention maintains preload and elasticity under long-term compression and heat exposure.
- Excellent resistance to fuels and solvents performing in both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.
- Outstanding weather and ozone resistance completely stable to UV, ozone, and atmospheric oxidation.
- Low gas permeability ideal for vacuum, high-pressure, and fuel containment applications.
- Excellent aging behavior retains physical and chemical stability over years of continuous operation.
Applications
Eutsler’s custom FKM compounds serve demanding applications in aerospace, oil & gas, automotive, power generation, and chemical processing where exposure to heat and chemicals exceeds the limits of conventional rubbers.
Typical applications include:
- O-rings, gaskets, and seals for hot oil, fuel, or chemical service
- Chemical-process and refinery valve seats
- Aerospace and automotive fuel-system seals
- Oilfield packer elements and high-pressure static seals
- Vacuum and high-temperature reactor components
- Pump diaphragms and shaft seals
- Semiconductor and analytical instrument seals
Superior Material Performance
Eutsler’s FKM formulations exhibit:
- Tensile strength: 1,500 – 2,500 psi with 150 – 300 % elongation
- Compression set: Excellent retention after 70 h at 200 °C (< 20 %)
- Superior fluid compatibility: Performs in mineral oils, fuels, synthetic lubricants, and hydraulic fluids
- Thermal endurance: Maintains elasticity and seal integrity up to 450 °F continuous
- Exceptional chemical resistance: Stable against acids, bases, and oxidizing media
- Excellent vacuum integrity: Minimal permeation and outgassing
Note: FKM is not recommended for continuous exposure to ketones, low-molecular esters, or amines. For strong polar solvent or amine resistance, AFLAS® (TFEP) or FFKM compounds are preferred.
General Characteristics of FKM Elastomers
| Property | Typical Range / Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Durometer Range (Shore A) | 50 – 95 | Broad hardness range for static/dynamic seals |
| Tensile Strength (psi) | 1,500 – 2,500 | Excellent for high-temperature elastomers |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 150 – 300 | Retains flexibility after aging |
| Compression Set | Excellent | Minimal loss of sealing load |
| Resilience / Rebound | Fair – Good | Moderate elasticity; excellent recovery |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good | Stable under lubricated service |
| Tear Resistance | Good | Durable in static or semi-dynamic seals |
| Oil Resistance | Outstanding | Best among non-perfluorinated rubbers |
| Fuel Resistance | Outstanding | Withstands aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Strong acids, oxidizers, and lubricants |
| Low-Temperature Usage | –15 °F (–25 °C) | Peroxide-cured grades improve flexibility |
| High-Temperature Usage | +450 °F (230 °C) continuous, +500 °F (260 °C) intermittent | Exceptional thermal stability |
| Weather / Ozone / Sunlight Resistance | Excellent | Fully stable against environmental aging |
| Gas Permeability | Very Low | Excellent for vacuum or high-pressure service |
| Adhesion to Metals | Good – Excellent | Enhanced with specialty bonding systems |
Get in Touch with Our Experts Today!
Work with Eutsler for Precision-Molded FKM Components
With over 60 years of elastomer compounding experience, Eutsler Technical Products designs and manufactures precision FKM seals and components for high-temperature, chemically aggressive, and high-pressure environments.
Our engineering team customizes polymer selection (VDF/HFP, TFE, or peroxide-cured grades) to meet specific chemical and mechanical performance targets.
As an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer, Eutsler ensures traceable quality, compound consistency, and tight tolerance control across all production stages.
Request a quote today to specify a custom FKM formulation tailored to your application’s chemical and thermal requirements.
Summary
Fluoroelastomer (FKM) is the industry standard for high-performance sealing in extreme chemical and thermal environments, providing long-term reliability, low maintenance, and unmatched chemical resistance for oil & gas, aerospace, and industrial process applications.
- Chemical Family: Fluorocarbon Copolymer (VDF + HFP ± TFE)
- Service Temperature Range: –15 °F to +450 °F (–25 °C to +230 °C)
- Distinguishing Features: Exceptional resistance to oils, fuels, and aggressive chemicals under high heat
- Key Advantages:
- Superior high-temperature sealing performance
- Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and oxidizers
- Low compression set and minimal volume change in fluids
- Outstanding environmental and aging stability
- Low gas permeability for high-pressure/vacuum systems
- Limitations:
- Limited low-temperature flexibility
- Poor resistance to ketones, esters, and amines
- Higher material cost relative to NBR or HNBR
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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