Find the Perfect Material for Seals & Rubber-Plastic Composites

  • Rubber Material
  • FKM
  • EPDM
  • HNBR
  • FFKM
  • Silicone
  • NBR
  • TFEP
  • Plastic Material
  • PTFE
  • PEEK
  • PPS
  • PA66
  • Coating on rubber surface
  • PTFE coating
  • PFPE based lubricating

How to choose rubber material

Selecting the optimal rubber material for your application requires careful consideration of the following key factors:

  1. Temperature Range

    • High-Temperature Resistance: Determine the maximum continuous or intermittent temperature exposure (e.g., FKM and FFKM excel in extreme heat up to 325°C).

    • Low-Temperature Flexibility: Assess the minimum operating temperature using metrics like TR10 (temperature retaining 10% elasticity) and Tg (glass transition temperature).

  2. Chemical Exposure

    • Evaluate resistance to acids, bases, solvents, or specific chemicals. Use the 1-10 Chemical Resistance Score (e.g., FFKM scores 10/10 for aggressive chemicals).

  3. Mechanical Demands

    • Tensile Strength: Required load-bearing capacity (e.g., HNBR offers 25 MPa).

    • Elongation at Break: Flexibility and deformation tolerance (e.g., Silicone VMQ reaches 500%).

    • Abrasion/Wear Resistance: Critical for dynamic applications like seals or belts.

  4. Environmental Factors

    • Oil/Fuel Resistance: Prioritize materials like NBR, HNBR, or FKM (scoring 9/10).

    • Weather/Ozone Resistance: EPDM and FKM perform well in outdoor or ozone-rich environments.

  5. Regulatory Compliance

    • Ensure materials meet industry-specific standards (e.g., FDA compliance for food contact, USP Class VI for medical devices).

  6. Cost-Effectiveness

    • Balance performance with budget constraints (e.g., NBR is cost-effective for oil-resistant applications, while FFKM is premium-priced for extreme conditions).

Comparison Table of Rubber Material Properties

Property / MaterialNitrile (NBR)EPDMFluorocarbon (FKM)Silicone (VMQ)HNBRFFKMTFEP
Density (g/cm³)1.150.881.831.251.182.021.85
Tensile Strength (MPa)1815168251820
Elongation at Break (%)400450200500350150250
TR10 (°C)-30-45-15-65-25-10-20
Tg (°C)-35-60-10-120-205-15
Max. Temp. (°C)120150200230150325260
Chemical Resistance (1-10)78968109
Oil Resistance (1-10)9393999

Notes:

  1. Data Sources: Values are simplified to single-point references from technical datasheets of DuPont (FKM, FFKM), Zeon (NBR, HNBR), Momentive (VMQ), 3M (TFEP), and Aflas (TFEP).

  2. 1-10 Rating Scale:

    • Chemical Resistance:

      • 10: Outstanding (resistant to aggressive chemicals, e.g., strong acids, bases, oxidizers).

      • 9: Excellent (resistant to most chemicals, e.g., oils, solvents).

      • 7-8: Good (resistant to specific chemicals, limited scope).

      • 5-6: Moderate (resistant only to mild chemicals).

      • 3-4: Poor (easily degraded by common chemicals).

    • Oil Resistance:

      • 9-10: Excellent (long-term resistance to oils, fuels, lubricants).

      • 7-8: Good (short-term resistance, may swell over time).

      • 5-6: Moderate (limited resistance, not recommended for prolonged exposure).

      • 3-4: Poor (rapid degradation or dissolution).

  3. TR10: Temperature at which the material retains 10% elasticity (indicates low-temperature flexibility).

  4. Tg: Glass transition temperature (critical point where material becomes brittle).

How to choose plastic material?

The following is a comparison table of the common properties of common engineering plastic materials, PEEK, PPS, PTFE and PA66, in the automotive and industrial fields:

MaterialWorking Temperature Range (°C)Water ResistanceOil ResistanceChemical ResistanceAdvantagesDisadvantages
PEEK (Polyether ether ketone)-50 to +250ExcellentExcellentExcellent (resistant to acids, bases, and solvents)High strength and stiffness, excellent dimensional stability, great at high temperaturesExpensive, difficult to process
PPS (Polyphenylene sulfide)-40 to +200Very GoodVery GoodExcellent (except strong oxidizers)Good thermal stability, good chemical resistance, low moisture absorptionBrittle, limited toughness, requires high processing temp
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)-200 to +260ExcellentExcellentOutstanding (resistant to almost all chemicals)Lowest friction coefficient, excellent temperature and chemical resistancePoor mechanical strength, not easily bondable, cold flow issues
PA66 (Nylon 66)-40 to +120 (up to 150 short term)Moderate (absorbs water)GoodGood (weaker against acids and bases)High strength, easy to process, cost-effectiveHigh water absorption affects dimensional stability, lower chemical resistance than others

Notes:

  • PEEK is often used in high-end automotive and aerospace applications where temperature and chemical resistance are critical.

  • PPS offers a good balance of performance and cost, and is common in electrical and under-the-hood automotive parts.

  • PTFE is preferred in sealing applications requiring extreme chemical inertness and low friction.

  • PA66 is widely used in automotive connectors, housings, and structural parts where cost and processability matter.

  • These plastic materials are usually mixed with glass fiber or carbon fiber for modification; the strength and toughness of the material are improved after mixing.

Please contact for your technical requirement and we could support for the right material selection.If needed, we could optimize the rubber compound for better  performance. 

FAQ

AFLAS® (AGC Chemicals) is not an FKM but a TFE/P rubber (tetrafluoroethylene-propylene copolymer), classified under FEPM.

Key differences:

      • Superior alkali and steam resistance compared to FKM.

      • Lower fuel resistance but better electrical insulation properties.

    • Common applications: Geothermal seals, alkaline chemical processing.

Our rubber compounds meet:

Specialized certifications: FDA-compliance for food-grade applications, USP Class VI for medical devices, and REACH/RoHS for environmental safety.
Custom certifications (e.g., UL, NSF) are available upon request.

Yes, we quote according to your requested quantity. Less qty, higher cost.

Yes! We specialize in tailored solutions for unique requirements:

  • Adjust hardness (Shore A 30–90), conductive, or flame resistance.

  • Optimize for extreme conditions (e.g., aerospace cryogenic seals, semiconductor acid baths).

  • Provide prototypes within 2–4 weeks.

Yes! We specialize in tailored solutions for unique requirements:

  • Adjust hardness (Shore A 30–90), conductive, or flame resistance.

  • Optimize for extreme conditions (e.g., aerospace cryogenic seals, semiconductor acid baths).

  • Provide prototypes within 2–4 weeks.

Yes, we offer technical support from material selection to mechinical design and validation if needed.