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Parker O-Ring Handbook

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

The extraction of plasticizer from a seal material is sometimes compensated for by partial absorption of the contact medium. This situation however, can still lead to unexpected shrinkage and resultant leakage when an elastomer dries out and the absorbed uids evaporate. A chemical reaction between sealed or excluded medium and the elastomer can bring about structural changes in the form of further crosslinking or degrading. The smallest chemical change in an elastomer can lead to signicant changes in physical properties, such as embrittlement. The suitability of an elastomer for a specic application can be established only when the properties of both the medium and the elastomer are known under typical working conditions. If a particular seal material suits a medium, it is referred to as being compatible with that medium. See Table 2-2 for a comparison of the properties of commonly used elastomers.

2.4 Physical and Chemical Characteristics In addition to the basic elastomer descriptions, it is helpful have more information on the important physical and chemical properties of various elastomer compounds. This information is needed to provide a clearer picture of how physical and chemical properties interact and affect the proper selection of an effective seal material. Among the more basic physical properties that have to be considered are: 2.4.1 Resistance to Fluid As used throughout this handbook, the term uid denotes the substance retained by the seal. It may be a solid, a liquid, a gas, a vapor or a mixture of all. (The term medium plural media is often used with this same meaning intended.) The chemical effect of the uid on the seal is of prime importance. The uid must not alter the operational characteristics or reduce the life expectancy of the seal signicantly. Excessive chemical deterioration of the seal must be avoided. It is easy, however, to be misled on this point. A signicant amount of volume shrinkage usually results in premature leakage of any

Temperature Range for Common Elastomeric Materials

Styrene-Butadiene (SBR Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Polyurethane Polyurethane Rubber (AU, EU) (AU, EU (IIR Butyl Rubber (IIR) Butyl (NBR (NBR) Low Temperature Nitrile Low Temperature Nitrile Rubber (NBR) Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR) (HNBR) Hydrogenated Nitrile High Te perature Nitrile High Temperature Nitrile Rubber (NBR) (NBR (NBR) Chloroprene Rubber (CR) Chloroprene (CR) Polyacrylate Rubber (ACM) Polyacrylate Polyacrylate (ACM (ACM) Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Rubber (EPDM) Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Rubber Ethy ene-Propylene-Diene-Rubber Fluorosilicone-Rubber (FMQ, FVMQ Fluorosilicone-Rubber Fluorosilicone-Rubber FVMQ) TFE/Propropylene Rubber (FEPM) TFE/Propropylene (FEPM Fluorocarbon Rubber (FKM) Fluorocarbon (FKM Perfluorinated Elastomer (FFKM) Perfluorinated Perfluor nated Silicone-Rubber (VMQ Silicone-Rubber (VMQ) ilicone-Rubber

C -100 F -148

-75 -103

-50 -58

-25 -13

0 32

25 77

50 122

75 167

100 212

125 257

150 302

175 347

200 392

225 437

250 482

300 572

Temperature C Normal recommended temperature range Extended temperature range for short term only.

Figure 2-3: Temperature Range for Common Elastomeric Materials

2-8

Parker Hannin Corporation O-Ring Division

2360 Palumbo Drive, Lexington, KY 40509 Phone: (859) 269-2351 Fax: (859) 335-5128 www.parkerorings.com