Materials
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O-rings can be molded in a wide range of compounds in
hardnesses from 40 to 95 Shore A. These materials include:Acrylonitrile-Butadiene (NBR)Nitrile rubber (NBR) is the general term for acrylonitrile-butadiene terpolymer. The acrylonitrile content of nitrile sealing compounds varies considerably (18 to 50%.) Polymers with higher ACN content exhibit less swell in gasoline and aromatic solvents, while lower ACN polymers exhibit better compression set and low temperature flexibility. Polymer is also called Buna-N. |
Butyl (IIR)
Butyl rubber (isobutylene-isoprene rubber or IIR) has a very low permeability rate and good electrical properties, but poor short-term rebound.
Chloroprene (CR)
Also known by the tradename Neoprene®, polychloroprene was the first synthetic rubber and exhibits generally good ozone, aging, and chemical resistance. It has good mechanical properties over a wide temperature range.
Ethylene Acrylic (AEM)
Ethylene acrylate is a mixed polymer of ethylene, methyl acrylate and a small amount of carboxylated cure-site monomer. Developed as a lower-temperature version of Polyacrylate, but swells slightly more. Polymer is sold under the tradename VAMAC®.
Ethylene Propylene (EPDM)
EPM (EPR) is a copolymer of ethylene and propylene. EPDM is a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene, and a diene third monomer used for cross-linking.
Fluorocarbon (FKM)
Fluorocarbon (FKM) has excellent resistance to high temperature and a broad range of chemicals. Permeability and compression set are excellent.
Fluorosilicone (FVMQ)
Fluorosilicone is a silicone polymer chains with fluorinated side-chains for improved oil and fuel resistance. The mechanical and physical properties are very similar to those of silicone.
Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR)
Hydrogenated nitrile was developed as an air-resistant variant of nitrile rubber. In HNBR, the carbon-carbon double bonds in the main polymer chain are saturated with hydrogen atoms in a process called “hydrogenation” that improves the material’s thermal stability and oxidation resistance.
Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM)
Perfluoroelastomer is a rubber version of PTFE. Available from Parker under the tradenames Parofluor™ and Parofluor ULTRA™.
Polyacrylate (ACM)
ACM (acrylic rubber) has good resistance to mineral oil, oxygen and ozone. The water compatibility and cold flexibility of ACM are considerably worse than with NBR.
POLYURETHANE (AU, EU)
Polyurethane elastomers have excellent wear resistance, high tensile strength and high elasticity in comparison with any other elastomers. Permeability is good and comparable with butyl. Millable urethanes should not be confused with thermoplastic urethanes, which are generally harder, less flexible, and have slightly better wear resistance.
Silicone (VMQ)
Silicones possess good insulating properties and tends to be physiologically neutral. However, silicone elastomers have relatively low tensile strength, poor tear and wear resistance.
Our O-ring compounds are formulated to meet the most
stringent industry standards, including NSF, Underwriters
Laboratories (UL), Military (MIL-SPEC), Aerospace (AMS), NASA,
FDA, USDA, USP, and many customer-specific requirements.
Material Performance
This is a general overview of material performance. For more thorough information, including chemical compatibility please refer to the Parker O-ring Handbook
