Fluororubber (FKM)

The highly resistant plastic

Fluororubber (FKM) is a whole class of highly modern, high-performance and versatile polymers. The basic building block of all FKM derivatives is vinylidene fluoride (VDF), also known as 1,1-difluoroethene. However, pure poly-VDF is used quite rarely. Instead, the properties of fluororubber can be influenced in many ways by the targeted addition of suitable copolymers. In this way, the robust properties of fluororubber can be further improved.

Just like conventional rubbers, fluororubber can be crosslinked and further processed. Researchers have developed various processes for this purpose, which we would also like to present to you briefly below. Learn more about the extraordinary properties of fluororubber and let our expertise at Sattler SCM convince you.

The great advantage of FKM lies in its robust properties

Due to its chemical structure, fluororubber differs significantly from conventional rubbers in some properties. In addition, these properties can be specifically influenced by the addition of suitable copolymers. For example, the addition of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and hexafluoropropylene (HFE) during synthesis results in higher resistance of the finished product to aggressive chemicals or high temperatures. The addition of HFE alone has a positive effect on compression set and low-temperature flexibility.

Regardless of the particular additives, fluororubber is characterized by the following properties:

  • heat resistance up to 200 °C
  • very high tensile strength
  • very high resistance to chemicals such as acids and alkalis
    Resistance to acids such as hydrogen sulfide can be significantly increased by copolymerization with ethene.

FKM can be processed and crosslinked in many ways

The chemical properties of a saturated fluorinated hydrocarbon do not permit conventional vulcanization of fluororubber. Thanks to specially developed processes, however, FKM can be elastically crosslinked and further processed like other rubbers. Three methods have become established for this purpose:

  • diamine crosslinking
  • bisphenolic mechanism
  • Triazine process
    In diaminic crosslinking, a specially prepared diamine is used to split off fluorine particles from the polymer strand and thus produce elastic crosslinking between the individual macromolecules. Diaminically crosslinked FKMs have very good adhesion to various metals, which is why this established process is still popular today.

The bisphenolic mechanism produces rubbers that are highly resistant to hydrolysis and the influence of higher temperatures. In addition, a significant improvement in compression set is achieved. Bisphenol AF and a quaternary phosphonium salt are used in this process.

Peroxide crosslinking takes place with the aid of free radicals. FKMs crosslinked in this way are particularly suitable for use with organic and inorganic electrolytes.

Fluororubber withstands even the most extreme conditions

Due to its high resistance to physical and chemical influences, FKM is used wherever elasticity and robustness are required at the same time. These include:

  • Aerospace - Here, fluororubber represents an ideal sealant.
  • Automotive industry - Fluororubber can be used to make weather-resistant and chemical-resistant hoses.
  • Chemical and laboratory equipment - Due to its high resistance to chemicals, FKM is an excellent material for protective gloves.

Rely on our decades of experience with the processing of FKM for your workpiece.

With fluororubber from Sattler SCM, you can be sure of receiving a high-quality polymer manufactured exactly to your specifications. As a traditional company in the plastics industry, we know how to combine many years of expertise with the latest research and process technology at all times. As a medium-sized company, we accompany our customers throughout the entire production process - starting from your initial ideas to the finished product. Convince yourself of our capabilities and contact our experts for fluororubber now.

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