ACM: Polyacrylate Polyacrylate is a copolymer (ethyl acrylate) with exceptional resistance to petroleum fuels and oils. The automotive industry uses polyacrylate O-rings as seals in automatic transmissions and power steering designs. Resistant to flex cracking, polyacrylate also resists damage from oxygen, sunlight, and ozone. Though it is marginally more resistant to hot air than nitrile, polyacrylate falls short in strength and compression set resistance, as well as in resistance to water and low temperatures. Commonly used in transmissions and power steering units and applications where flex cracking is important. Advantages: Good heat resistance, transmission fluid resistance Disadvantages: Susceptible to oxygenated fluids, low temperature limitations, compression set and water resistance Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7078 80 +/-5 -40 230 Friction reducers added. Return to top AU: Polyester Urethane (Urethane) Polyurethane is the toughest, most extrusion-resistant and most abrasion-resistant of all elastomeric sealing materials. Polyurethane is also very resistant to explosive decompression and has excellent properties over a wide temperature range. Polyurethane O-rings are used in a wide variety of products, including quick-disconnect hydraulic fittings, hydraulic cylinders and valves, pneumatic tools, CO2 firearms, or for any application requiring extreme abrasion or extrusion resistance. Used on skate board wheels, molded gears, o-rings, etc. Advantages: Excellent strength, abrasion and ozone resistance Disadvantages: Poor aromatic fluid resistance, no brake fluids Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7149 50 +/-5 -30 160 General purpose 7150 70 +/-5 -30 160 General purpose 7148 80 +/-5 -30 160 General purpose Return to top CR: Polychloroprene (Neoprene) Chloroprene exhibits medium heat and oil resistance, excellent weather resistance, with a degree of flame resistance. It has a moderately broad range of service temperatures, good dynamic load bearing and strength properties. It was originally developed as an oil resistant substitute for natural rubber. Commonly used on CV joint type boots and bridge mounting pads. Advantages: Toughness, moderate oil resistance, flame resistance, adhesion, outstanding resistance to damage caused by flexing and twisting Disadvantages: Moderate ozone resistance, limited flexibility at low temperatures Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7143 35 +/-5 -30 180 General purpose 7142 50 +/-5 -30 180 General purpose 7145 55 +/-5 -40 180 General purpose, commonly used for tie rod boots 7139 60 +/-5 -30 180 General purpose, commonly used for inflatable seals 7147 65 +/-5 -35 180 General purpose 7146 70 +/-5 -35 180 UL recognized for swimming pool pumps, filters & chlorinators(includes hot tubs & spas) up to 60ºC UL1081 7138 70 +/-5 -35 180 UL recognized for swimming pool pumps, filters & chlorinators (includes hot tubs & spas) up to 60ºC UL1081 7151 80 +/-5 -30 180 General purpose, recommended for freon applications Return to top EPDM: Ethylene Proplyene Diene Terpolymer EPDM is ideal for outdoor applications because of its excellent resistance to ozone, oxidants and severe weather conditions. Other outstanding characteristics of EPDM include heat resistance and dielectric qualities. EPDM offers many of the advantages of Chloroprene, at a lower cost. EPDM has excellent weather resistance but very poor resistance to petroleum oils. They have high tear, high tensile strength and excellent dynamic and low temp properties. Commonly used as roofing, radiator gaskets and hoses, brake components and pond liners. Advantages: Low temperature properties, ozone resistance, water resistance, electrical properties Disadvantages: Fuel and oil resistance, abrasion resistance Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7161 50 +/-5 -45 250 General purpose 7172 55 +/-5 -40 250 NSF-61 7175 60 +/-5 -40 250 General purpose 7173 65 +/-5 -40 250 NSF-61 7176 70 +/-5 -50 250 General purpose 7180 70 +/-5 -40 250 FDA 21CFR177.2600 & 21CFR182.5991, USP Class 6 7158 75 +/-5 -40 250 FDA 21CFR177.2600 & 21CFR182.5991 7181 80 +/-5 -50 250 Approved for atomic energy applications NAS 1613 (o-rings), MIL-G-22050, GRADE 2 (sealing strips) 7182 80 +/-5 -50 250 General purpose 7157 85 +/-5 -40 250 Friction reducers added Return to top FFKM: Perfluoro-elastomer (Kalrez®) FFKM offers superior chemical compatibility coupled with outstanding steam resistance. It’s resistant to almost every chemical compound, including fuels, ketones, esters, alkalines, alcohols, aldehydes and both organic and inorganic acids. They feature both the chemical resistance of Teflon® and the high temperature stability of a fluoroelastomer like Viton®. Resistant to over 1,600 solvents, chemicals, and plasmas, they exhibit minimal swell and can function in almost any chemical or petrochemical situation. Most commonly seen in oilfield exploration and refining industries as well as chemical processing and pharmaceutical mixing. Kalrez® is a registered trademark of DuPont. Advantages: These are extreme elastomers that will perform in extreme conditions Disadvantages: High cost Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7193 85 +/-10 -4 550 High temperature applications Return to top FKM: Fluorocarbon (Viton®) Fluorocarbon elastomers make excellent general-purpose seals due to their exceptional resistance to chemicals, oil, and temperature extremes. They usually have good compression set resistance, low gas permeability and resistance to ozone and sunlight. FKM compounds are commonly used in the automotive, appliance, fluid power and chemical processing industries; high temp oil seals, fuel filters and diaphragms. Viton® is a registered trademark of DuPont. Advantages: Great heat resistance, excellent permeation to fuels, inertness to many chemicals Disadvantages: High cost, not very good low temp. flexibility Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7005 65 +/-5 -15 400 General purpose 7002 70 +/-5 -20 400 FDA 21CFR177.2600 & 21CFR182.5991 7001 75 +/-5 -40 400 Friction reducers added 7003 75 +/-5 -20 400 Approved for atomic energy applications MIL-R-83248 Type 1, Class 1 7024 75 +/-5 -10 400 Recommended for high speed aircraft applications Government S188 7028 75 +/-5 -65 400 Good low temperature capabilities MIL-S-45005 7023 75 +/-5 -15 400 UL-778 max 56ºC rise, NSF-61max use temperature 23ºC max 7018 80 +/-5 -15 400 UL157 (LPG, etc.), UL430 (disposers to 105ºC), UL778 (water pumps to 105ºC), UL1081 (swimming pool pumps, etc.), FDA code 21CFR177.2600, 21CFR182.5991, 21CFR184.1205, 3A-Sanitary Class I 7019 80 +/-5 -20 400 MIL-R-83248 Type 1, Class 1 7030 80 +/-5 -20 400 General purpose 7033 85 +/-5 -15 400 Friction reducers added 7035 85 +/-5 -15 400 General purpose 7031 85 +/-5 -20 400 UL157 Gasoline, gasoline/alcohol blends (ethanol & methanol) up to 20%, diesel fuel, kerosene, naptha, lubrication oils, fuel oils at ambient temperatures, fuel oil #6 up to 250ºF 7015 90 +/-5 -20 400 Recommended for aerospace applications MIL-R-83248 Type 1, Class 2 Return to top FXM: Tetrafluoroethylene Propylene (Aflas®) This family of elastomers is a cousin to the fluorocarbons (FKM’s). They provide a unique combination of chemical, heat and electrical resistance. Chemically, they resist acids and bases, as well as steam, amine-based corrosion inhibitors, hydraulic fluids, alcohol and petroleum fluids. They are also resistant to ozone and weather. It retains its remarkable chemical resistance even in high temperatures, and tests have shown that electrical resistance actually improves with heat exposure. Commonly used in sour gas oilfield applications as well as base resistant applications. Aflas® is a registered trademark of the Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. Advantages: Physical properties do well at high temperatures, chemical resistance Disadvantages: Not a good low temperature material Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7008 75 +/-5 -20 400 General purpose 7021 85 +/-5 -20 400 General purpose Return to top HNBR: Hydrogenated Acrylonitrile Compounded HNBR yields high tensile properties, low compression set, good low temperature properties, heat resistance, excellent ozone resistance, good resistance to aggressive oils, resistance to crude oil in the presence of hydrogen sulfide and amines and resistance to alkaline and oxidizing media. HNBR is used in fuel parts due to its increased resistance to sour gasoline and ozone and oil line parts thanks to its resistance to elevated temperatures, oil additives and copper-containing metal sludge. HNBR is also used in automotive air conditioning systems. It’s commonly used in a variety of automotive (oil, fuel, and ac) and oilfield applications. Advantages: Good fuel and petroleum resistance, heat, and inertness to many chemicals Disadvantages: Higher cost that NBR Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7107 65 +/-5 -20 300 General purpose 7106 70 +/-5 -20 300 General purpose 7108 75 +/-5 -15 300 General purpose 7068 80 +/-5 -40 300 General purpose 7114 90 +/-5 -10 300 General purpose, high wear and extrusion resistance Return to top IIR: Butyl Butyl has extremely low permeability characteristics. They are resistant to heat, ozone, oxygen attack, and oxygenated fluids. Commonly used as vibration mounts, inner tubes, bladders and vacuum seals. Advantages: Heat resistance, vibration dampening, low permeability to gases Disadvantages: Low temperature limitations, fuel and oil resistance Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7147 85 +/-5 -75 250 General purpose Return to top NBR: Acrylonitrile Butadiene (Nitrile, Buna-N) Nitrile compounds are superior to most other elastomers with regard to high tensile strength, as well as excellent abrasion, tear and compression set resistance. Nitriles also have very good aging properties under severe operating conditions. They do not have good resistance to ozone, sunlight, or weathering. They have a good resistance to petroleum based fluid. Commonly used in oil seals, gaskets, fuel systems and hoses. Advantages: Good oil resistance, good fluid resistance, moderate temp. resistance, good in water up to 212ºF Disadvantages: Doesn’t perform well in strong acids, brake fluids, and some hydraulic fluids Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7067 50 +/-5 -40 225 General purpose 7053 60 +/-5 -40 225 Recommended for laundry and dishwasher applications as well as hot tubs and spas UL 157- fuel oils at ambient temperatures. UL 430 - electric waste disposers up to 60ºC max. 7121 60 +/-5 -35 225 FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 & 21CFR182.5991 7118 60 +/-5 -25 225 Recommended for some piston cups UL157 LP Gas, Gasoline, Naptha, Kerosene, Fuel Oils at ambient temperature 7056 65 +/-5 -30 225 Recommended for ethylene glycol applications UL recognized. UL 157- fuel oils at ambient temperatures. UL 430 - electric waste disposers up to 60ºC max. 7093 65 +/-5 -40 225 NSF-51, FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 With exception to milk and edible oils & 21CFR182.5991. 7124 65 +/-5 -40 225 UL 1081- swimming pool pumps, filters & chlorinators (includes hot tubs & spas) up to 60ºC max. 7113 65 +/-5 -35 225 UL 157- fuel oils at ambient temperatures. UL 430 - electric waste disposers up to 60ºC max. UL 157- laundry & dishwasher applications. UL 778 - motor operated water pumps up to 60ºC max. UL 1081- swimming pool pumps, filters & chlorinators. Includes hot tubs & spas up to 60ºC max. Hydrogen sulfide, 1% max. at ambient temperatures. 7074 70 +/-5 -50 225 MIL-R-6855-C 7094 70 +/-5 -30 225 Friction reducers added 7127 70 +/-5 -65 225 MIL-R-7362D T1 7076 70 +/-5 -40 225 Friction reducers added FDA compliant 7116 70 +/-5 -40 225 NFS-61 7029 75 +/-5 -20 225 UL-157 - gasoline, kerosene & naphta at ambient temperatures 7130 75 +/-5 -30 225 General purpose 7131 75 +/-5 -30 225 Friction reducers added 7090 75 +/-5 -40 225 FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 With exception to milk and edible oils. 7091 75 +/-5 -40 225 General purpose 7059 80 +/-5 -65 275 MIL-P-83461B 7080 80 +/-5 -25 225 FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 7135 80 +/-5 -20 225 UL 157 classification - fuel oils at ambient temperatures 7136 80 +/-5 -40 225 General purpose FDA compliant 7137 80 +/-5 -20 225 Friction reducers added 7138 80 +/-5 -20 225 Friction reducers added 7079 80 +/-5 -30 225 MIL-R-6855 Class 1 Grade 80 7145 95 +/-5 -40 225 Homogenizers only, FDA recognized for food service Return to top PTFE: Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®) PTFE is know for its low friction characteristics which reduces heat in dynamic applications. It is also chemically inert in most chemicals and solvents. PTFE can handle a wide range of temperature without heat aging. Teflon® is a registered trademark of DuPont. Advantages: Low coefficient of friction for high speed applications Disadvantages: Poor extrusion resistance Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7192 65 Shore D -200 550 Friction reducers added Return to top SBR: Butadiene Styrene Generally a low cost, general purpose copolymer. It has good abrasion resistance and limited high temperature performance. SBR offers little resistance to oils and chemicals. SBR must be specially compounded to provide resistance to ozone, sunlight and heat. Commonly used as mounts, food & appliance seals, grommets and tires. Advantages: Cost, abrasion resistance, adhesion Disadvantages: Oil resistance, ozone resistance, moderate service temperatures Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7146 50 +/-5 -70 225 General purpose Return to top VMQ: Silicone In addition to being generally inert, silicones are odorless, tasteless, non-toxic and fungus resistant. They also have great flexibility retention and low compression set. Silicones are not well-suited for dynamic use due to their high friction characteristics, low abrasion resistance and poor tear and tensile strength. Though they can be utilized in high aniline point oils, silicones are considered non-resistant to petroleum oils. Silicones swell considerably in both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon fuels unless a special compound is formulated. Silicones are also very gas permeable. Silicone is ideally suited for many automotive, appliance, electrical/electronic and aerospace custom rubber requirements where resistance to both high and low temperature extremes are involved. They are used in medical devices, gaskets and many sealing applications. Advantages: Ozone resistance, service temperature range, low compression set, electrical properties Disadvantages: Attacked by fuels and oils (extreme swell), low strength, low abrasion resistance Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7187 50 +/-5 -65 350 Friction reducers added 7183 55 +/-5 -65 400 MIL-R 5847 Class 1B-50 7190 70 +/-5 -65 350 FDA (GRAS), CFR 21 Chapter 1 parts 170-199, requirements for food 7184 80 +/-5 -65 350 FDA compliant 7188 80 +/-5 -65 350 Friction reducers added 7189 80 +/-5 -65 350 FDA 21CFR177.2600 7191 80 +/-5 -65 350 General purpose Return to top XNBR: Carboxylic Acrylonitrile Butadiene Carboxylated nitriles are harder, tougher compounds with higher abrasion resistance, modulus and tensile strength than standard nitriles. On the down side, carboxylated nitriles are less flexible at low temperatures and less resilient than non-carboxylated compounds. Commonly used in hydraulic packings and cups where the added abrasion resistance is needed. Advantages: Added abrasion resistance Disadvantages: Reduced water resistance Material Code Hardness Lower Temperature Limit (ºF) Upper Temperature Limit (ºF) Comments Specifications Met Shore A 7132 75 +/-5 -40 200 General purpose 7058 80 +/-5 -40 200 Friction reducers added 7101 80 +/-5 -30 225 FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 7069 80 +/-5 -20 200 Friction reducers added 7063 83 +/-5 -30 225 Abrasion resistant with friction reducers added 7066 90 +/-5 -40 200 General purpose 7075 90 +/-5 -40 200 Friction reducers added 7139 90 +/-5 -40 200 High extrusion resistance 7140 90 +/-5 -40 200 High extrusion and wear resistance 7142 90 +/-5 -40 200 Friction reducers added 7144 90 +/-5 -40 200 Friction reducers added 7143 90 +/-5 -40 200 Friction reducers added Return to top