Index

    FFKM

    FFKM molecule

    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.

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    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  
     

     

    Chemical Resistance Guide

    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

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