Welcome back! For the third post in our 25 Materials of Christmas series, we’re highlighting more of our most popular materials. Take a look at compounds 11-15 and, once again, visit the Material Selection Guide on applerubber.com to learn more!
Medical Grade Fluorocarbon features high resistance to most chemicals used in cleaning medical products. Combining high temperature resistance with outstanding chemical resistance, Fluorocarbon-based compounds approach the ideal for a universal O-ring material.
The temperature range of this material is -13° to +446°F, with a Hardness (Shore A) of 70.
Medical Grade Silicone* is an inert material which does not promote microbial growth. It is used mainly in high volume syringe application, face mask or inhalers without concerns of skin reactions.
Medical Grade Silicone is resistant to most cleaning agents, and has a Hardness (Shore A) of 10 to 80. The temperature range of the standard compound is -85° to +400°F, and of the special compound is -148° to +400°F.
Natural Rubber is mainly used for seals in brake systems, food and beverage applications. Natural Rubber is the most popular material for non-hydraulic sealing applications and is used for dampeners due to its ability to absorb vibration.
Natural Rubber features low compression set, high tensile strength, high abrasion, and high tear resistance properties, with a good friction surface and excellent adhesion to metals.
Natural Rubber has a temperate range of -58° to +158°F, with a Hardness (Shore A) of 40 to 90.
Neoprene® (Chloroprene)* was one of the earliest of the synthetic materials to be developed as an oil-resistant substitute for Natural Rubber. Neoprene is used in the transportation field and is recommended for exposure to weathering. It is also the preferred sealing material for the refrigeration industry, and is FDA approved for food and beverage industry use.
Neoprene can be used in many sealing applications due to its good resistance to petroleum oils; good resistance to ozone, sunlight, and oxygen aging; relatively low compression set; and reasonable production cost.
The temperature range for the standard compound of Neoprene is -40° to +250°F (Dry Heat Only), and of the special compound is -67° to +250°F. Neoprene has a Hardness (Shore A) of 40 to 90.
Perfluoroelastomer (Kalrez®) is used for seals in the chemical and petroleum industries as well as for the manufacturing of semiconductors and analytical and process instruments. It is also used for high temperature applications and for paint and coating operations.
Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) combines the toughness of an elastomeric material with the chemical inertness of Teflon™. The temperature range of FFKM is -13° to +600°F, with a Hardness (Shore A) of 65 to 90.
Tune in next week for more material overviews!
*Special Compound