Fluorocarbon exhibits resistance to a broader range of chemicals combined with very good high temperature properties more so than any of the other elastomers. It is the closest available approach to a universal elastomer for sealing in the use of o-rings and other custom seals over other types of elastomers. Fluorocarbons are highly resistant to swelling when exposed to gasoline as well as resistant to degradation due to expose to UV light and ozone. When exposed to low temperatures, fluorocarbon elastomers can become quite hard (-4 °F) but can be serviceable at low temperatures, although FKM compounds are not recommended for applications requiring good low temperature flexibility. In addition to standard FKM materials, a number of special materials are available with differing monomer compositions and fluorine content (65% to 71%) for improved low temperature, high temperature, or chemical resistance performance. Fluorocarbons exhibit low gas permeability making them well suited for hard vacuum service and many formulations are self-extinguishing. FKM materials are not generally recommended for exposure to hot water, steam, polar solvents, low molecular weight esters and ethers, glycol based brake fluids, or hot hydrofluoric or chlorosulfonic acids.
Temperature Range (dry heat)
low
high
5 °F（- 15 °C）
390 °F（199 °C）
Application Advantages
» excellent chemical resistance » excellent heat resistance » good mechanical properties » good compression set resistance
Application Disadvantages
» poor low temperature flexibility » poor resistance to hot water and steam
Modifications
» differing monomer compositions and fluorine content (65% to 71%) for improved low temperature, high temperature, or chemical resistance performance
Primary Uses
Specialized Applications
O-rings, rubber seals and custom molded rubber components for » Automotive fuel handling » Aircraft engine seals » High temperature applications requiring good compression set » General industrial seals and gaskets
» degree of fluorination (A, B, F, GB, GF, GFLT, GBLT, GLT, ETP) » copolymer or terpolymer of fluorinated hydrocarbon monomers
