Chemical Resistance Guide
For more details about chemical resistance, please check our Rubber Chemical Resistance Guide.
FFKM
FFKM, also known as perfluorelastomer (FFPM), is a family of elastomer materials with a fully fluorinated polymer backbone, resulting in fluorine content of over 71%. As a result, they are recognized as elastomers that offer the highest level of chemical resistance. Since FFKM's chemical resistance is second to none, it displays good performance in a broad variety of harsh environments: hot amines, steam, solvents, hydrocarbons, etc.
Depending on its specific type, FFKM offers the highest temperature resistance available for rubber materials. Particularly, its combination of excellent high temperature and chemical resistance positions FFKM solely on the top of the elastomer world.
Traditionally, FFKM polymers were known for their limited resistance to low temperatures. However, advancements in polymer chemistry have led to the development of FFKM grades that are capable of effective sealing at temperatures as low as -40°C.
FFKMs come in different kinds, and the main difference between them is the type of curing agents they use.
Common FFKM Types
Common FFKM Types
Curing Agent
High temperature resistance
Specific information
Common FFKM Types
Peroxide
240oC
Broad chemical resistance
Common FFKM Types
Triazinic
327oC
High temperature, excellent mechanical properties. Reduced chemical and steam resistance
Common FFKM Types
Modified Triazinic
275oC
Broad chemical resistance, excellent mechanical properties.
Common FFKM Types
Modified Peroxide
325oC
High temperature resistance, excellent mechanical properties, reduced amine and base resistance
Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) and Kalrez®
A famous FFKM brand name is Kalrez® from DuPont, with whom ERIKS partners in many countries. Additionally, ERIKS offers its own line of FFKM materials under the brand XTR-Fluor, which is marketed in the UK.
FFKMs are the most expensive rubber materials, and therefore a purely item-to-item price comparison with other rubber materials is not useful. In some cases FFKMs are the only realistic option, but in other cases the use of FFKM may provide greater benefits in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) via less machine or factory down-time, less repairs and inspections for greater productivity and yield, and better equipment/machine performance.
FFKMs are used in different industries such as petrochemical, food, pharma, oil&gas and semicon. For clean high tech applications in semicon, electronics or optics, ERIKS has a special SCVBR® program.
Strengths & Limitations
Temperature Resistance
- Low temperatures to -5ºC/-15ºC for most grades, and -40ºC for special variants
- High temperatures up to 327ºC, depending on the grade
Chemical & Aging Resistance
Strengths
- Virtually all aspects, with specific strengths varying by type
Limitations
- Almost none
Material Comparison
- FFKM offers superior resistance to high temperatures
- FFKM provides enhanced overall chemical resistance
- FFKM comes at a higher price
- FFKM has greater resistance to high temperatures
- FFKM exhibits improved chemical resistance overall
- FFKM is priced higher
- FFKM offers superior resistance to high temperatures
- FFKM provides better chemical resistance
- FFKM has a significantly higher price
- FFKM is less effective at low temperatures
FFKM Compound overview
Custom Engineered Solutions
To guarantee the best quality for custom products, we work with Six Sigma engineering methods, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations and special development processes.
Standard Products
General contact ERIKS Group Head Office
Post address
ERIKS NV
P.O. Box 19108
3501 DC Utrecht
The Netherlands
E info@eriks.com
Chamber of Commerce
37 01 32 89
VAT Number
NL003.076.490.B02
