FFKM, or perfluoroelastomer, was invented to integrate the mechanical features of FKM and the chemical resistance that PTFE has. Initially, it was utilized in chemical processes and space programs only, but with time, it has become a well-known choice across several industries, especially in the aerospace and automotive industries. FFKM tends to be compatible with polar solvents like esters, ethers and ketones, steam and water, organic and inorganic acids, and aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The best thing is you can use FFKM in optimal environments like steam and water applications below 212oF, fuels, petroleum oils, greases, silicone oils, ethylene glycol, propane, butane, dilute acids, and mineral oils.
Reasons to choose FFKM
Though many people still wonder, “What is FFKM?” several typical applications benefit from the usage of FFKM elements and seals. A few of them are mentioned below:
- Gas and oil– The resistance of FFKM to more than 1800 chemicals, including fuels, oils, and hydrocarbons, contributes to its popularity. FFKM happens to be the obvious choice for gas and oil applications like motor and pump stators, various sealing applications, and packer components.
- Chemical processing– The near-universal chemical resistance of FFKM makes it an ideal choice for chemical industries. Common chemical processing applications include wet chemical fluid handling, reaction column seals, heavy-duty cleaning processes, and chemical etching.
- Heavy-duty machinery– FFKM is used in heavy-duty machinery, especially when valves, pumps, and mechanical seals require maximum performance. The durability and proven performance of the parts and seals of FFKM indicate enhanced equipment uptime that results in improved productivity.
- Aerospace– FFKM is utilized in highly demanding surroundings; hence, the leading companies that manufacture aerospace seals, seal rings, and aircraft piston rings opt for it.
- Automotive – As FFKM can resist ozone, high temperatures, chemicals, and weathering, it has turned into a chief material used for various automotive applications.
What makes FFKM different from FKM?
Many people are unaware of the differences between FFKM and FKM. When you use FFKM, you will find it to offer a higher degree of versatility than FKM due to its chemical-resistant properties. The unique thing about FFKM is it can tolerate a huge range of operating temperatures. Hence, if you need peak service temperature that can reach up to 330oC, you should rely on FFKM. Whenever an application needs optimal levels of performance, people opt to use FFKM.
Now, if your needs for temperature and chemical resistance aren’t onerous, then your one-stop solution should be FKM, as it offers benefits similar to FFKM. Like FFKM, FKM is also ideal for CIP, FDA, SIP applications, and explosive decompression applications. Both FFKM and FKM display similar cons, too, related to swelling in fluorinated solvents and incompatibility with gaseous alkali metals.
The verdict
With time, FFKM has emerged as a fixed fixture in the automotive and aerospace industries. Though the polymer structure has continued to remain unchanged since FFKM was introduced, the polymerization procedure has gone through several refinement processes over several decades. Hence, it can be said that FFKM components can be developed as a vital portion of a greener and safer production process.