THE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES OF RUBBER
Tetrafluoroethylene Propylene, FEPM
The Rubber: |
Initially introduced to the market in 1975 by the Asahi Glass Company under the name Aflas. |
Resistance and properties: |
This is sold by the Asahi Glass Company under the brand name Aflas, designated FEPM in accordance with ASTM D1418. This elastomer has an extremely broad range of resistances, such as strong resistance to mineral oils, gas, acids and strong alkalis, bases, ozone and the weather, hot water and steam, alcohols, amine corrosion inhibitors, water-based drill oils and completion fluids, high pH completion fluids and high-energy ionising radiation. It is also highly gas-impermeable. In addition, electrical insulation is better than that of FKM. However, FEPM is not resistant to aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, organic acetates and organic refrigerant liquids. FEPM can withstand dry heat of 230 deg C for lengthy periods, and steam with peaks of 260 deg C. The price per kg is extremely high. The specific gravity is 1.51 to 1.6. This elastomer is used primarily in the chemical and oil industries. Resistance to cold: brittle point is –40 deg C, TR10 is 0 deg C. |
Downsides: | Resistance to low temperatures. Best applicable from 20 deg C. Susceptible to polar solvents and hydrocarbons. The compression set may also be too high for some seals. |
Applications: |
Frequently used in the chemical and oil industries. |