What are the fluoroelastomer examples with good aging resistance?
Fluoroelastomers are a class of high-performance elastomers known for their excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and aging. As a leading supplier of fluoroelastomers, we understand the importance of providing products with good aging resistance to meet the diverse needs of our customers. In this blog post, we will explore some examples of fluoroelastomers with outstanding aging resistance and discuss their applications.
1. Viton Fluoroelastomers
Viton is a well - known brand of fluoroelastomers produced by Chemours. These fluoroelastomers are based on copolymers of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP), with some grades also containing tetrafluoroethylene (TFE).
The chemical structure of Viton fluoroelastomers provides them with excellent aging resistance. The strong carbon - fluorine bonds in the polymer backbone are highly stable, which makes the material resistant to thermal degradation, oxidation, and chemical attack. For example, Viton can withstand continuous use at temperatures up to 200 - 250°C, and in some special grades, even higher temperatures for short periods.
In terms of applications, Viton fluoroelastomers are widely used in the automotive industry. They are used for making gaskets, seals, and O - rings in engines, transmissions, and fuel systems. These components need to maintain their integrity over long periods, even when exposed to high - temperature engine oils, fuels, and other chemicals. The good aging resistance of Viton ensures that these parts can perform reliably throughout the vehicle's lifespan.
2. Fluorosilicone Rubber
Fluorosilicone rubber combines the properties of silicone rubber and fluoroelastomers. It has the flexibility and low - temperature performance of silicone rubber, along with the chemical resistance and aging resistance of fluoroelastomers.
One of the key features of fluorosilicone rubber is its excellent resistance to oxidation and ozone. Ozone can cause cracking and degradation of many elastomers, but fluorosilicone rubber can withstand ozone exposure for long periods without significant deterioration. This makes it suitable for outdoor applications where the material is exposed to the atmosphere.
We offer different types of fluorosilicone rubber products, such as Fluorosilicone Rubber for Strap, Low Pressure Variable Fluorosilicone Rubber, and Adhesive Fluorosilicone Rubber. The Fluorosilicone Rubber for Strap is often used in consumer products like watch straps or other wearable devices. Its good aging resistance ensures that the strap remains in good condition over time, even with frequent contact with skin and environmental factors. The Low Pressure Variable Fluorosilicone Rubber is suitable for applications where precise control of pressure and sealing is required, such as in some medical devices. The Adhesive Fluorosilicone Rubber can be used for bonding different components together, and its aging resistance ensures the long - term stability of the bonded joints.
3. Kalrez Perfluoroelastomers
Kalrez is a perfluoroelastomer product line from DuPont. Perfluoroelastomers have the highest level of fluorine content among fluoroelastomers, which gives them exceptional aging resistance.
Kalrez perfluoroelastomers can resist a wide range of aggressive chemicals, including strong acids, bases, and solvents. They also have excellent thermal stability, with continuous service temperatures up to 327°C in some grades. This makes them ideal for use in the chemical processing industry, where they are used for making seals and gaskets in reactors, pumps, and valves.
In high - temperature and highly corrosive environments, the aging resistance of Kalrez is crucial. For example, in a chemical plant where there are continuous exposures to hot, corrosive chemicals, the seals made of Kalrez can maintain their sealing performance for a long time, reducing the risk of leaks and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the production process.
4. Technoflon Fluoroelastomers
Technoflon is a fluoroelastomer brand from Solvay. These fluoroelastomers are available in different formulations to meet various application requirements.
Technoflon offers good aging resistance through its unique polymer structure. It can resist both thermal and chemical aging, making it suitable for a variety of industrial applications. In the aerospace industry, Technoflon is used for making seals and gaskets in aircraft engines and fuel systems. The aging resistance of Technoflon ensures that these components can perform reliably under the harsh conditions of high - altitude flight, including exposure to high - temperature air, fuels, and hydraulic fluids.
Factors Affecting the Aging Resistance of Fluoroelastomers
While the above - mentioned fluoroelastomers have good aging resistance, several factors can still affect their performance over time.
Temperature: High temperatures can accelerate the aging process of fluoroelastomers. Even though they are generally heat - resistant, prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures can cause cross - linking changes in the polymer structure, leading to hardening and loss of elasticity.
Chemical Environment: The type and concentration of chemicals that the fluoroelastomer is exposed to can also impact its aging. For example, some strong oxidizing agents or highly reactive chemicals may break the carbon - fluorine bonds in the polymer backbone, reducing the material's aging resistance.
Mechanical Stress: Continuous mechanical stress, such as compression or stretching, can also affect the aging of fluoroelastomers. It can cause micro - cracks in the material, which can then act as initiation points for further degradation.
How We Ensure the Aging Resistance of Our Fluoroelastomers
As a supplier, we take several measures to ensure that our fluoroelastomers have good aging resistance.
Raw Material Selection: We carefully select high - quality raw materials with the appropriate chemical composition. For example, when producing fluorosilicone rubber, we use high - purity silicone and fluorinated monomers to ensure the stability of the polymer structure.
Advanced Manufacturing Processes: Our manufacturing processes are designed to optimize the cross - linking of the polymer chains. This helps to form a stable and uniform network structure, which enhances the material's resistance to aging. We also conduct strict quality control during the manufacturing process to ensure that each batch of products meets our high - quality standards.
Testing and Certification: We perform a series of aging tests on our products. These tests include thermal aging tests, ozone aging tests, and chemical immersion tests. By simulating real - world aging conditions, we can accurately evaluate the aging resistance of our fluoroelastomers. Our products also meet various international standards and certifications, which further confirm their quality and aging resistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several examples of fluoroelastomers with good aging resistance, such as Viton, fluorosilicone rubber, Kalrez, and Technoflon. Each of these fluoroelastomers has its unique properties and is suitable for different applications. At our company, we are committed to providing high - quality fluoroelastomers with excellent aging resistance to meet the needs of our customers in various industries.
If you are interested in our fluoroelastomer products and would like to discuss your specific requirements, please feel free to contact us. We are more than happy to provide you with detailed product information and assist you in finding the most suitable fluoroelastomer for your application.
References
- "Fluoroelastomers: Chemistry and Applications" by John Scheirs
- "Handbook of Elastomers" edited by Brian M. Culbertson
- Technical data sheets of Viton, Kalrez, Technoflon, and Fluorosilicone Rubber products from their respective manufacturers.