11/5/13 FKM - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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FKM
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
FKM (FPM by ISO) is the designation for about 80% of fluoroelastomers as defined in ASTM D1418. Other
fluorinated elastomers are perfluoro-elastomers (FFKM) and tetrafluoro ethylene/propylene rubbers
(FEPM). All FKMs contain vinylidene fluoride as a monomer. Originally developed by DuPont (Viton), FKMs
are today also produced by Daikin Chemical (Dai-El), 3M's Dyneon (Dyneon Fluoroelastomers), Solvay
Specialty Polymers (Tecnoflon) and HaloPolymer (Elaftor). Fluoroelastomers are more expensive than
neoprene or nitrile rubber elastomers. They provide additional heat and chemical resistance. FKMs can be
divided into different classes on the basis of either their chemical composition, their fluorine content or their
crosslinking mechanism.
Contents
1 Types
1.1 FFKM
2 Crosslinking mechanisms
3 References
4 External links
Types
On the basis of their chemical composition FKMs can be divided into the following types:
Type 1 FKMs are composed of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and hexafluoropropylene (HFP). Copolymers
are the standard type of FKMs showing a good overall performance. Their fluorine content typically
ranges around 66 weight percent.
Type 2 FKMs are composed of VDF, HFP, and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). Terpolymers have a higher
fluorine content compared to copolymers (typically between 68 and 69 weight percent fluorine), which
results in better chemical and heat resistance. Compression set and low temperature flexibility may be
affected negatively.
Type 3 FKMs are composed of VDF, HFP, TFE, perfluoromethylvinylether (PMVE). The addition of
PMVE provides better low temperature flexibility compared to copolymers and terpolymers. Typically
the fluorine content of type 3 FKMs ranges from 62 to 68 weight percent.
Type 4 FKMs are composed of propylene, TFE, and VDF. While base resistance is increased in type 4
FKMs, their swelling properties especially in hydrocarbons are worsened. Typically they have a fluorine
content of about 67 weight percent.
Type 5 FKMs are composed of VDF, HFP, TFE, PMVE, and Ethylene. Type 5 FKM is known for
base resistance and high temperature hydrogen sulfide resistance.
[1]
FFKM
FFKMs are perfluoroelastomeric materials. They have excellent resistance to high temperatures
[2]
and
chemicals. Certain grades have a maximum continuous service temperature of 327 C (621 F). They are
commonly used to make O-rings and gaskets that are used in applications that involve contact with
hydrocarbons or highly corrosive fluids, or when a wide range of temperatures are encountered.
11/5/13 FKM - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FKM 2/2
Crosslinking mechanisms
There are three established crosslinking mechanisms used in the curing process of FKMs.
Diamine crosslinking using a blocked diamine. In the presence of basic media VDF is vulnerable to
dehydrofluorination which enables the addition of the diamine to the polymer chain. Typically magnesium
oxide is used to catch the resulting hydrofluoric acid and rearrange into magnesium fluoride and water.
Although rarely used today, diamine curing provides superior rubber-to-metal bonding properties as
compared with other crosslinking mechanisms. The diamine's capability to be hydrated makes the diamine
crosslink vulnerable in aqueous media.
Ionic crosslinking (dihydroxy crosslinking) was the next step in curing FKMs. This is the most common
crosslinking chemistry used for FKMs. It provides superior heat resistance, improved hydrolytic stability
and better compression set than diamine curing. In contrast to diamine curing the ionic mechanism is not
an addition mechanism but an aromatic nucleophilic substitution. Dihydroxy aromatic compounds are
used as the crosslinking agent and quaternary phosphonium salts are typically used to accelerate the
curing process.
Peroxide crosslinking was originally developed for type 3 FKMs containing PMVE as diamine and
bisphenolic crosslinking systems can lead to cleavage in a polymer backbone containing PMVE. While
diamine and bisphenolic crosslinking are ionic reactions, peroxide crosslinking is a free radical
mechanism. Though peroxide crosslinks are not as thermally stable as bisphenolic crosslinks, they
normally are the system of choice in aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes.
References
1. ^ http://www.swjagels.com/uploads/Base_Resistant_FKM_Technology_in_Oilfield_Seals.pdf
2. ^ E. I. DuPont, Kalrez Product Brochure.
External links
Designing with Fluoroelastomers (http://www.zrunek.at/viton-fkm-fpm-
fluorelastomere/download/zruelast-fpm-designing-with-fluoroelastomers.pdf)
Fluorine-Containing Elastomers (http://www.sealseastern.com/PDF/FluoroAcsChapter.pdf)
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Categories: Organofluorides Elastomers Materials science
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