Common Seal Materials and Their Properties

Posted 2023-12-20 17:09:24

Seal materials play a critical role in determining the effectiveness and durability of seals in various industrial applications. The choice of material depends on factors such as the operating environment, temperature, pressure, and the type of fluid or gas being sealed. Here are some common seal materials and their properties:

Nitrile (NBR):
- Properties:
  - Good resistance to oil and fuel.
  - Excellent low-temperature flexibility.
  - Fair abrasion resistance.
  - Limited resistance to ozone and sunlight.
- Applications:
  - Automotive seals.
  - Hydraulic and pneumatic seals.
  - O-rings.
Viton (FKM):
- Properties:
  - Excellent chemical resistance, including resistance to oils, fuels, and many solvents.
  - High-temperature stability.
  - Good mechanical properties.
  - Suitable for harsh environments.
- Applications:
  - Aerospace seals.
  - Oil and gas industry.
  - Chemical processing.
Silicone (VMQ):
- Properties:
  - Wide temperature range (-60°C to 230°C).
  - Excellent flexibility.
  - Good electrical insulating properties.
  - Poor resistance to hydrocarbon-based fluids.
- Applications:
  - Medical seals.
  - Food and beverage industry.
  - High-temperature applications.
Polyurethane (PU):
- Properties:
  - Excellent abrasion resistance.
  - High tensile strength.
  - Good resistance to oils and solvents.
  - Limited high-temperature capability.
- Applications:
  - Hydraulic seals.
  - Pneumatic seals.
  - Wear-resistant components.
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer):
- Properties:
  - Excellent weather resistance.
  - Good resistance to water, steam, and ozone.
  - Limited resistance to oils and fuels.
  - Good electrical insulating properties.
- Applications:
  - Automotive weatherstripping.
  - HVAC seals.
  - Outdoor applications.
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene):
- Properties:
  - Exceptional chemical resistance.
  - Low friction coefficient.
  - Wide temperature range.
  - Non-stick properties.
- Applications:
  - High-performance mechanical seals.
  - Food and pharmaceutical applications.
  - Chemical processing.
Neoprene (CR):
- Properties:
  - Good resistance to oil and weathering.
  - Excellent resistance to ozone.
  - Moderate temperature resistance.
  - Limited resistance to fuels and solvents.
- Applications:
  - Automotive gaskets.
  - Industrial belts.
  - Marine applications.
Natural Rubber (NR):
- Properties:
  - High elasticity.
  - Good tear resistance.
  - Moderate temperature resistance.
  - Limited resistance to oils and solvents.
- Applications:
  - General-purpose seals.
  - Vibration mounts.
  - Conveyor belts.
Butyl (IIR):
- Properties:
  - Good chemical resistance.
  - Low gas permeability.
  - Excellent weather resistance.
  - Limited resistance to oils and fuels.
- Applications:
  - Seals in pharmaceuticals.
  - HVAC systems.
  - Gas masks.
Hypalon (CSM):
- Properties:
  - Excellent chemical resistance.
  - Good weathering resistance.
  - High-temperature stability.
  - Resistance to ozone.
- Applications:
  - Seals for harsh chemical environments.
  - Industrial roofing.
  - Cable insulation.

It's important to note that the performance of seal materials can vary based on specific formulations and manufacturing processes. When selecting a seal material, consider the compatibility with the application's requirements and consult with seal manufacturers or suppliers for detailed guidance on material selection.