Outstanding High-Temperature Resistance:
Can operate continuously at high temperatures ranging from 200°C to 250°C for extended periods and can withstand even higher temperatures for short durations. Its retention of physical properties at high temperatures is far superior to ordinary rubber.
Excellent Chemical Resistance:
Offers strong resistance to most oils (lubricating oil, fuel), hydraulic oil, mineral oil, hydrocarbons, solvents, as well as many acids and alkalis. This is one of the most notable characteristics of FKM.
Superior Aging and Weather Resistance:
Effectively resists ozone, UV radiation, and climatic aging, ensuring long-term use outdoors or in harsh environments without easy degradation or cracking.
Good Mechanical Properties:
Possesses good tear resistance, abrasion resistance, and compression set resistance, maintaining effective sealing force even at high temperatures.
Low Gas Permeability:
The dense molecular structure effectively prevents the permeation of gases and vapors, making it suitable for vacuum sealing and gas handling systems.
I. Main Application Areas
Thanks to the above properties, FKM gaskets are indispensable in the following industries and applications:
Automotive Industry: Engine head gaskets, fuel system seals, O-rings, transmission seals, etc.
Aerospace: Seals for aircraft engines, fuel systems, and hydraulic systems.
Chemical and Petrochemical Industry: Seals for pumps, valves, pipeline flanges, used in handling corrosive chemicals and solvents.
Semiconductor Manufacturing: Used in process equipment requiring high cleanliness and plasma resistance.
Food and Pharmaceutical: Specific food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade FKM can be used in applications involving contact with fats and oils or undergoing high-temperature sterilization.
II. Limitations
Although performance is excellent, FKM gaskets are not suitable in some cases:
Poor Resistance to Strong Polar Solvents: For example, substances such as ketones, esters, some ethers, and amines can cause swelling and degradation.
Poor Resistance to Very High-Temperature Steam: Its performance in continuous high-pressure saturated steam environments may be inferior to materials like EPDM.
Limited Low-Temperature Flexibility: Standard FKM becomes hard and loses elasticity below approximately -20°C. Specially formulated low-temperature FKM can improve this issue.
