Ultra-low temperature FKM is used in molded rubber products that need to withstand cold temperatures and aggressive chemicals such as those found in automotive, oil and gas, and aerospace applications. This fluoroelastomer provides reliable sealing at service temperatures ranging from -40° to 150° C and offers strong fluid resistance. Ultra-low temperature FKM can replace fluorosilicone in some applications and combines low compression set with high tensile strength.
What Is FKM Rubber?
FKM is a category of rubbers that are defined in ASTM D1418, a standard from ASTM International. FKM is equivalent to FPM under ISO/DIN 1629, but FKMs and FPMs aren’t the only fluoroelastomers. Other categories of elastomers with fluorine or fluoride additions include FFKMs and FFPMs. Different types and grades of FKM rubber are available, too. Common FKM trade names include Viton® (DuPont Performance Elastomers), Tecnoflon® (Solvay Specialty Polymers), Dyneon™ (3M Dyneon), and DAI-EL™ (Daikin).
Advantages of FKM Rubber Compounds
FKM rubber compounds combine excellent temperature resistance with high chemical stability and good weather, aging, and oxygen stability. They provide broad fluid resistance and can resist strong bases and ketones as well as oils, acids, aromatic hydrocarbons, and steam. FKM rubber compounds also have low gas permeability and very good resistance in non-polar media. In terms of processing, they support a variety of molding methods.
Applications for Ultra-Low Temperature FKM
Ultra-low temperature FKM is designed for demanding sealing applications that need to withstand not just cold temperatures (as low as -40° F), but higher temperatures (up to 300° F) along with exposure to aggressive fluids. At oil refineries and gas processing plants, resistance to substances such as sour gas is especially important. In the automotive industry, engines that burn liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) also need rubber parts that are made of ultra-low temperature FKM.
Additional Material Properties
In addition to temperature and fluid resistance, ultra-low temperature FKM is characterized by low compression set and high tensile strength. Elastomers with lower compression sets provide greater resistance to permanent deformation. Tensile strength is a measure of a material’s resistance to a force, such as pulling, that tends to pull the elastomer apart. With molded rubber products, low compression set and high tensile strength help support demanding applications.
Find Ultra-Low Temperature FKM
Do you need ultra-low temperature FKM for your application? The Rubber Group has the molded rubber products that you need. Visit our website to request a quote, or contact us for more information.
Image Credit: Seilerei Pflug
