SEALING ELEMENTS

4. Basic Elastomers

4.1. Select the elastomer Compound The physics of Rubber

A compound is a mixture of base poly- Rubber is composed of long chains of
Though "elastomer" is synonymous mer(s) and other chemicals which form randomly oriented molecules. These
with "rubber", it is more formally a a finished rubber material. More pre- long chains are subject to entangle-
polymer that can be modified to a cisely, the term ‘compound’ refers to a ment and cross-linking. The entangle-
state exhibiting little plastic flow and specific blend of ingredients tailored ment has a significant impact on the
quick or nearly complete recovery for particular characteristics required viscoelastic properties such as stress
from an extending force, and upon to optimize performance in some spe- relaxation. When a rubber is exposed
immediate release of the stress, will cific service. to stress or strain energy, internal
return to approximately its own shape. The basis of compound design is rearrangements such as rotation and
According to the definition of the selection of the polymer type. To the extension of the polymer chains occur.
American Society for Testing and elastomer, the compounder may add These changes occur as a function of
Materials (ASTM) for the term "elas- reinforcing agents, such as carbon the energy applied, the duration and
tomer" it is essential that: black, colored pigments, curing or vul- rate of application, as well as the tem-
*An elastomer part must not break canizing agents, activators, plasticiz- perature at which the energy is applied.
when stretched approximately 100%. ers, accelerators, anti-oxidants or anti- ISO 1629 identifies approximately 25
*After being stretched 100%, held for radiation addiditives. There may be elastomeric types. This chapter covers
5 minutes and then released, it must hundreds of such combinations. the various material types used in
retract to within 10% of its original o-ring manufacture.
length within 5 minutes after release.

Resistance to the media

As used throughout this manual, the
term "media" denotes the substance
retained by the o-ring. It may be a
liquid, a gas, or a mixture of both. It
can even include powders or solids as High
well. The chemical effect of the media
on the O-ring is of prime importance. It
must not alter the operational charac-
teristics or reduce the life expectancy
Physical Property

of the o-ring. Excessive deterioration

of the O-ring must be avoided. It is
easy, however, to be misled on this
point. A significant amount of volume
shrinkage usually results in premature
leakage of any O-ring seal, whether
static or dynamic. On the other hand,
a compound that swells excessively,
or develops a large increase or
decrease in hardness, tensile strength, Low
or elongation, will often continue to Low High
serve well for a long time as a static Cross-link Density
seal, in spite of undesirable test results
on elastomer compounds. The first Relationship of Cross-link Denisity and Physical Properties
step in selecting the correct material is
to select an elastomer that is compati-
ble with the chemical environment.

12
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION O-RINGS

4. Basic Elastomers

Acrylonitrile butadiene, Nitrile or Buna N (NBR)

Nitrile, chemically, is a copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile. Acrylonitrile con-
tent varies in commercial products from 18% to 50%. As the nitrile content
increases, resistance to petroleum base oils and hydrocarbon fuels increases, but
low temperature flexibility decreases.
Due to its excellent resistance to petroleum products, and its ability to be com-
pounded for service over a temperature range of -30°F to +250°F (-35°C to
+120°C), nitrile is the most widely used elastomer in the seal industry today. Also
many military rubber specifications for fuel and oil resistant O-rings require nitrile
based compounds. It should be mentioned that to obtain good resistance to low
temperature, it is often necessary to sacrifice some high temperature resistance.
Nitrile compounds are superior to most elastomers with regard to compression set,
tear, and abrasion resistance. Nitrile compounds do not possess good resistance
to ozone, sunlight, or weather. They should not be stored near electric motors or
other ozone generating equipment. They should be kept from direct sunlight.
However, this can be improved through compounding.
NBR is the standard material for hydraulics and pneumatics. NBR resists oil-based
hydraulic fluids, fats, animal and vegetable oils, flame retardant liquids (HFA, HFB,
HFC), grease, water, and air.
Special low-temperature compounds are available for mineral oil-based fluids.
By hydrogenation, carboxylic acid addition, or PVC blending, the nitrile polymer
can meet a more specified range of physical or chemical requirements.

The quality of Nitrile-compounds depends on the percentage of acrylonitrile in the

base polymer. The following table indicates the change of properties as a function
of acrylonitrile content.

50% -15°C Low Higher Low

Flexibility at low temperature

Volume change in oil

Compression set
Acrylonitrile %

Permeability

18% -55°C High Lower High

13
 SEALING ELEMENTS

4. Basic Elastomers

Hydrogenated nitrile, or highly saturated nitrile (HNBR)

HNBR has recently been developed to meet higher temperatures than standard
NBR while retaining resistance to petroleum based oils. Obtained by hydrogenating
the nitrile copolymer, HNBR fills the gap left between NBR, EPDM and FKM elas-
tomers where high temperature conditions require high tensile strength while main-
taining excellent resistance to motor oils, sour gas, amine/oil mixtures, oxidized
fuels, and lubricating oils.
HNBR is resistant to mineral oil-based hydraulic fluids, animal and vegetable fats,
diesel fuel, ozone, sour gas, dilute acids and bases. HNBR also resists new bio-oils
(biological oils). HNBR is suitable for high dynamic loads and has a good abrasion
resistance. HNBR is suitable for temperatures from -30°C to +150°C (-20°F to
+302°F).

Carboxylated nitrile (XNBR)

The carboxyl group is added to significantly improve the abrasion resistance of NBR
while retaining excellent oil and solvent resistance. XNBR compounds provide high
tensile strength and good physical properties at high temperatures.
XNBR is suitable for temperatures from -30°C to +150°C (-20°F to +302°F).

Nitrile/PVC resin blends (NBR/PVC)

PVC resins are blended with nitrile polymers to provide increased resistance to
ozone and abrasion. The PVC also provides a significant improvement in solvent
resistance, yet maintains similar chemical and physical properties, commonly noted
among nitrile elastomers. The addition of the PVC resins also provide a greater
pigment-carrying capacity which allow better retention of pastel and bright colors.

Ethylene Propylene, and Ethylene Propylene Diene rubber (EPM, EPDM)

Ethylene propylene rubber is an elastomer prepared from ethylene and propylene
monomers (ethylene propylene copolymer) and at times with an amount of a third
monomer (ethylene propylene terpolymers). Ethylene propylene rubber has a
temperature range of -50°C to +120°/150°C (-60°F to +250°/300°F), depending on
the curing system.
It has a great acceptance in the sealing world because of its excellent resistance to
heat, water and steam, alkali, mild acidic and oxygenated solvents, ozone, and sun-
light. These compounds also withstand the affect of brake fluids and Skydrol™ and
other phosphate ester-based hydraulic fluids. EPDM compounds are not recom-
mended for gasoline, petroleum oil and grease, and hydrocarbon environments.
Special EPDM compounds have good resistance to steam.
• EPDM Sulphur cured: inexpensive material for normal use, maximum temperature
of +120°C (+250°F).
• EPDM Peroxide cured: for hot water, vapor, alcohols, ketones, engine coolants,
organic and inorganic acids and bases. Not resistant to mineral oils. For maxi-
mum temperatures of +150°C (+300°F).

14
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION O-RINGS

4. Basic Elastomers

Neoprene rubber Polychloroprene (CR)

Neoprene rubbers are homopolymers of chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) and were
among the earliest synthetic rubbers used to produce seals. CR has good aging
characteristics in ozone and weather environments, along with abrasion and flex
cracking resistance. CR is not effective in aromatic and oxygenated solvent environ-
ments. Neoprene can be compounded for service temperatures of -40°C to + 110°C
(-40°F to +230°F).
Most elastomers are either resistant to deterioration from exposure to petroleum
based lubricants or oxygen. Neoprene is unusual in having limited resistance to both.
This, combined with a broad temperature range and moderate cost, accounts for its
desirability in many seal applications for refrigerants like Freon® and ammonia. CR is
resistant to refrigerants, ammonia, Freon® ( R12, R13, R21, R22, R113, R114, R115,
R134A), silicone oils, water, ozone, vegetable oils, alcohols, and low-pressure oxygen.
CR has a very low resistance to mineral oils.

Silicone rubber (VMQ).

Silicones are a group of elastomeric materials made from silicone, oxygen, hydrogen,
and carbon. Extreme temperature range and low temperature flexibility are character-
istics of silicone compounds. As a group, silicones have poor tensile strength, tear
resistance, and abrasion resistance. Special compounds have been developed with
exceptional heat and compression set resistance. High strength compounds have
also been made, but their strength does not compare to conventional rubber.
Silicones possess excellent resistance to extreme temperatures -50°C to + 232°C
(-58°F to +450°F). Some special compounds resist even higher temperatures.
Retention of properties of silicone at high temperature is superior to most other elas-
tic materials.
Silicone compounds are very clean and are used in many food and medical applica-
tions because they do not impart odor or taste. Silicone compounds are not recom-
mended for dynamic O-ring sealing applications due to relatively low tear strength
and high coefficient of friction.
Silicone is resistant to hot air, ozone, UV radiation, engine and transmission oils, ani-
mal and vegetable fats and oils, and brake fluids. VMQ also has low resistance to
mineral oils. Silicone can be compounded to be electrically resistant, conductive, or
flame retardant.
Many silicone compounds have a higher than normal mold shrinkage. Therefore pro-
duction molds for silicone products are often different than molds for nitrile.

15
 SEALING ELEMENTS

4. Basic Elastomers

Fluorosilicone (FVMQ)
Fluorosilicone combines the good high- and low-temperature properties of silicone
with limited fuel and oil resistance. Fluorosilicones provide a much wider operational
temperature range than Fluorocarbon rubbers. Primary uses of fluorosilicone O-rings
are in fuel systems at temperatures up to +177°C (+350°F) and in applications where
the dry-heat resistance of silicone O-rings are required.
Fluorosilicone O-rings may also be exposed to petroleum based oils and/or hydro-
carbon fuels. In some fuels and oils; however, the high temperature limit in the fluid
list is more conservative because fluid temperatures approaching 200°C (390°F) may
degrade the fluid, producing acids which attack fluorosilicone O-rings. For low
temperature applications, fluorosilicone O-rings seal at temperatures as low as -73°C
(-100°F).
Due to relatively low tear strength, high friction and limited abrasion resistance of
these materials, they are generally recommended for static applications only.
Fluorosilicones with high tear strength are also available. Some of these compounds
exhibit improved resistance to compression set. Many fluorosilicone compounds have
a higher than normal shrinkage rate so production molds for fluorosilicone products
are often different from molds for nitrile.

Polyurethane rubber (AU, EU)

Polyurethanes (Polyester-urethane AU), (Polyether-urethane EU) exhibit outstanding
mechanical and physical properties in comparison with other elastomers. Urethanes
provide outstanding resistance to abrasion and tear and have the highest available
tensile strength among all elastomers while providing good elongation characteris-
tics. Ether based urethanes (EU) are directed toward low temperature flexibility
applications. The ester based urethanes (AU) provide improved abrasion, heat, and
oil swell resistance.
Over a temperature range of -40°C to +82°C (-40°F to +180°F), resistance to petro-
leum based oils, hydrocarbon fuels, oxygen, ozone and weathering is good.
However, polyurethanes quickly deteriorate when exposed to acids, ketones and
chlorinated hydrocarbons. Certain types of polyester-urethanes (AU) are also sensi-
tive to water and humidity. Polyether-urethanes (EU) offer better resistance to water
and humidity.
The inherent toughness and abrasion resistance of polyurethane (EU) seals is parti-
cularly desirable in hydraulic systems where high pressures, shock loads, wide
metal tolerances, or abrasive contamination is anticipated.

Fluorocarbon rubber (FKM)

Fluorocarbon elastomers have grown to major importance in the seal industry. Due
to its wide range of chemical compatibility, temperature range, low compression
set, and excellent aging characteristics, fluorocarbon rubber is the most significant
single elastomer developed in recent history.
Fluorocarbon elastomers are highly fluorinated carbon-based polymers used in
applications to resist harsh chemical and ozone attack. The working temperature
range is considered to be -26°C to +205°/230°C (-15°F to +400°/440°F). But for
short working periods it will take even higher temperatures.
Special compounds having improved chemical resistance are also available with
new types always being developed. Generally speaking, with increasing fluorine
content, resistance to chemical attack is improved while low temperature characte-
ristics are diminished. There are, however, specialty grade fluorocarbons that can Ask for our original Viton®
provide high fluorine content with low temperature properties. handbook on O-rings.

16
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION O-RINGS

4. Basic Elastomers

Fluorocarbon O-rings should be considered for use in aircraft, automobile and other
mechanical devices requiring maximum resistance to elevated temperatures and to
many fluids. FKM (FPM, Viton®, Fluorel®) resist mineral oils and greases, aliphatic,
aromatic and also special chlorinated hydrocarbons, petrol, diesel fuels, silicone
oils and greases. It is suitable for high vacuum applications.
Many fluorocarbon compounds have a higher than normal mold shrinkage rate,
molds for fluorocarbon products are often different from molds for Nitrile.

Perfluorocarbons (FFKM)
The relative inertness of fluorocarbon rubbers is provided by fluorine-carbon bonds
on the elastomer backbone. Generally speaking, with increasing fluorine content,
resistance to chemical attack is improved. Where fluorocarbon rubbers have a fluo-
rine content of 63 - 68 %, the perfluorocarbons have a fluorine content of 73%.
Perfluorelastomers possess excellent resistance to extreme temperatures -26°C to
+260°C (-15°F to +500°F). FFKM perfuoroelastomers: (Kalrez®) offers the best
chemical resistance of all elastomers.
Some types are particularly suitable for hot water, steam and hot amines. Some
resist temperatures up to +326°C (+620°F).
Many perfluorocarbon compounds have unusual mold shrinkage, production molds
for perfluorocarbon products are different from molds for nitrile.

Teflon®-FEP
FEP is a copolymer of tetrafluorethylene and hexafluorpropylene. FEP has a lower
melting point than PTFE making it suitable for injection moulding. FEP is used for
encapsulation with TEFLEX® O-rings. FEP has a wide spectrum of chemical compa-
tibility and temperature range and excellent aging characteristics. Maximum opera-
ting temperature for FEP is +205°C (+400°F). A Teflon PFA encapsulation is availa-
ble for higher temperatures (260°C).

TFE/P (Aflas®) (FEPM)

TFE/P is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and propylene with a fluorine content of
app. 54%. This material is unique due to its resistance to petroleum products, steam,
and phosphate-esters. In some respects it exhibits media compatibility properties
similar to ethylene propylene and fluorocarbon. The compression set resistance at
high temperatures is inferior to standard fluorocarbons. Service temperatures are
-5°C (25°F) to +204°C (+400°F). TFE/P provides improved chemical resistance to a
wide spectrum of automotive fluids and additives. It is resistant to engine oils of all
types, engine coolants with high level of rust inhibitors, extreme pressure (EP) gear
lubricants, transmission and power steering fluids, and all types of brake fluids
including DOT 3, mineral oil, and silicone oil.
TFE/P is ideal for heat transfer media, amines, acids and bases, as well as hot water
and steam up to +170°C (+340°F).

17
 SEALING ELEMENTS

4. Basic Elastomers

Polyacrylate rubber (ACM)

Polyacrylate-Acrylic Acid Ester. These compounds are designed to withstand heat
while retaining oil resistance. Specially designed for sulfur bearing oil applications ,
ACMs are subjected to heat and bearing environments. They have good resistance to
dry heat, oxygen, sunlight, and ozone but their low temperature properties are rela-
tively poor and they have low swell in mineral oils. Service temperatures are -20°C
(-5°F) to 150°C (300°F). ACM is mainly used for O-rings and shaft seals to seal heavy
oils at high temperatures and in the automotive industry for transmission and power
steering applications.

Epichlorohydrin (CO, ECO)

Epichlorohydrin rubber compounds are noted for their superior gas impermeability
and physical properties over a wide temperature range while maintaining excellent
resistance to petroleum oils. It has a stable cycling capability from low to high
temperature. Resistance to ozone, oxidation, weathering, and sunlight are other typi-
cal ECO qualities. Service temperatures are -51°C to150°C (-60°F to +300°F).
Compounds from this polymer can exhibit a corrosive nature and can be difficult to
process in manufacturing.

Vamac®
Ethylene Acrylate. This material exhibits properties similar to polyacrylate but can be
formulated to exhibit lower temperature capabilities. It has excellent resistance to
oxidation, automatic transmission, and power steering fluids.
The temperature service range is -40°C to +150°C (-40°F to +300°F).

Styrene Butadiene (SBR, Buna S)

This material is similar to natural rubber. O-ring usage has been on decline since the
introduction of ethylene propylene. SBR still finds service in brake fluid applications,
although the high temperature range is inferior to that of ethylene propylene
compounds. Service range for this material is -50°C to +110°C (-65°F to +225°F).

Butyl (IIR)
Butyl has excellent resistance to phosphate ester fluids such as Skydrol™, but has an
inferior high temperature limit when compared to ethylene propylene. Butyl exhibits
the best resistance to gas permeability and some rocket propellents. For O-ring appli-
cations, butyl has been all but replaced by ethylene propylene.
The temperature service range for this material is -55°C to +105°C (-65°F to +225°F). Ask for information in our
‘High Purity Seals Handbook ’.
Special materials
ERIKS offers many possibilities in special O-rings compounds to improve certain [Link]
properties like: Silicone free and Labs free Coatings - Encapsulated FEP and PFA -
PTFE O-rings - Internal Lubrication - High Purity - Micro O-rings - Vulc-O-rings.

Homologations
ERIKS offers many compounds with homologations, like: KTW – FDA – WRC –
NSF – DVGW.

KTW NSF WRC DVGW ACS KIWA

18
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION O-RINGS

4. Basic Elastomers

Table 3A-1

Elastomer NBR EPM CR VMQ FVMQ EU FKM FFKM PTFE-FEP

ASTM Nitrile EPR Neoprene Silicone Fluoro Urethane Fluoro Perfluoro encapsu-
silicone carbon carbon lated
GENERAL
Hardness (Shore "A") 20/ 90 30/90 15/95 20/90 35/80 60/95 50/95 65/90 -
Temp. range °F/°C max. 230/110 266/130 248/120 446/230 446/230 176/80 410/210 620/326 400/205
Temp. range °F/°C min. -30/-35 -67/-55 -49/-45 -67/-55 -76/-60 -22/-30 5/-15 -58/504 -76/-605
NOTE : The temperature range is strongly dependent by the specific compound
Compression Set B C C A B E C B E
Wear Resistance C C C E E A C C E
Gas Permeability C C C E E B C C E
NOTE : The compression set value for Kalrez® is relative to temperature. In low temperature applications this value is reasonable, in high temperatures
this value is good to very good.
Air E B C A B C B A +
Alcohol B A B B B U E A +
Aldehydes U B U C U U U Bfi +
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons C U E E A C A A +
Alkalis B A C B B B C A +
Amines B1 B1 B1 E1 B1 U U Bfi +
Animal Fats B U C C A C B A +
Aromatic Hydrocarbons D U D U B D A A +
Esters, Alkyl Phosphate U B U C U U U A +
(Skydrol)
Esters, Aryl Phosphate U A U C B U A A +
Esters, Silicate C U E U B U A A +
Ethers U E U U E E U A +
Halogenated hydrocarbons U U U U B E A A +
Inorganic Acids E C B B B U A A +
Ketones U A A C A U U B +
Mineral Oil, high analine fats B U C C B A A A +
Mineral Oil, low analine fats B U U E B B A A +
Organic Acids C C C B B U C A +
Silicone Oils A A2 A E E A A A +
Vegetable Oils A U C B B E A A +
Water / Steam C A E E E U B⁄ C4 +

A Good 1 See the list "compound selection for chemicals and fluids"
B Satisfactory 2 EPDM/EPR may shrink
C Fair 3 Depending on FKM type
D Doubtful 4 Depending on compound
E Poor 5 Depending on elastomer core
U Unsatisfactory + in general "A" because the encapsulation is FEP

This information is intended only as a guideline. Chemical compatibility lists should be consulted. ERIKS will provide this on request.
Whenever possible the fluid compatibility of the O-ring compound should be rated "A". For a static seal application a rating "B" is usually accepta-
ble, but it should be tested.
Where a "B" rated compound must be used, do not expect to re-use it after disassembly. It may have swollen enough that it cannot be reassembled.
When a compound rated "C" is to be tried, be sure it is first tested under the full range of operating conditions.
It is also particularly important to test seal compounds under service conditions when a strong acid is to be sealed at elevated temperatures
because the rate of degradation of rubber at elevated temperatures is many times greater than the rate of degradation at room temperature.

19
 SEALING ELEMENTS

4. Basic Elastomers

Chemical and Physical Tables

Tensile Modulus

Hardness Duro-

Enlongation (%)
meter (Shore A)
Strength (MPa)

at 100% (MPa)

212°F (100°C)
Heat Aging at
Compression

High Temp

High Temp

Resistance

Resistance

Resistance

Resistance

Resistance
Low Temp

Low Temp
Set Rating

Range °C

Range °C
Range °F

Range °F

Weather

Sunlight
Polymer

Tensile

Steam

Ozone
Flame
NBR 6.9- 2.0-15 20-100 100-650 Good -70 to 0 -57 to 210 to 99 to Good Fair- Poor Fair- Poor Fair-
27.6 Exc. -18 250 121 Good Good Good Good
HNBR 31.0- 1.7- 30-95 90-450 Good- -50 to 0 -46 to 250 to 121 to Exc. Fair- Poor Good- Good- Good-
10.0 20.7 Exc. -18 3000 149 Good Exc. Exc. Exc.
FKM 3.4- 1.4- 50-95 100- Good- -50 to 0 -46 to 400 to 200 to Exc. Poor- Good- Exc. Good- Exc.
20.7 13.8 500 Exc. -18 500 260 Good Exc. Exc.
EP 2.1- 0.7- 30-90 100- Poor- -75 to -46 to 220 to 104 to Good- Exc. Poor Exc. Exc. Good-
24.1 20.7 700 Exc. -40 -18 300 149 Exc. Exc.
SBR 3.4- 2.1- 30-100 450- Good- -75 to -59 to 210 to 99 to Good Fair- Poor Fair- Poor Poor
24.1 10.3 600 Exc. -55 -48 250 121 Good Good
CR 3.4- 0.7- 15-95 100- Poor- -70 to -57 to 200 to 93 to Good- Fair Good- Fair- Good- Good-
27.6 20.7 800 Good -30 -34 250 121 Exc. Good Exc. Good Exc. Exc.
IIR 13.8- 0.3- 30-80 300- Poor- -70 to -57 to 250 to 121 to Good- Good- Poor Exc. Exc. Exc.
20.7 3.4 850 Good -400 -40 300 149 Exc. Exc.
VMQ, Si, 1.4- 6.2 20-90 100- Good- -178 to -117 to 400 to 204 to Exc. Fair- Fair- Exc. Exc. Exc.
PMQ, 10.3 900 Good -90 -68 500 260 Good Exc.
PVMQ
FVMQ 3.4- 3.1- 35-80 100- Fair- -112 to -80 to 400 to 204 to Exc. Fair Exc. Exc. Exc. Exc.
9.7 3.4 480 Good -90 -68 450 232
ACM 8.6- 0.7- 40-90 100- Poor- -30 to 0 -34 to 250 to 121 to Exc. Poor Poor Exc. Good- Good-
17.2 10.3 450 Good -18 350 177 Exc . Exc.
EA 6.9- 0.7- 35-95 200- Poor- -35 to -48 to 250 to 121 to Exc. Poor- Poor Exc. Exc. Exc.
20.7 10.3 650 Good -30 -34 350 177 Fair
CSM 3-15 0.2-10 40-100 100- Poor- -60 to -51 to 225 to 107 to Good- Poor- Good- Exc. Exc. Exc.
700 Fair -40 -40 270 132 Exc. Good Exc.
ECO 10-15 1-10 30-95 200- Good- -60 to -51 to 225 to 107 to Good- Fair- Poor- Good Good Good-
800 Fair -15 -26 275 135 Exc. Good Good Exc.
NR; IR 3.4- 0.5-0.8 20-10 300- Exc. -70 to -57 to 180 to 82 to Fair- Fair- Poor Poor- Poor Poor
34.5 900 -40 -40 220 104 Good Good Fair
AU, EU 6.9- 0.2- 10-100 250- Poor- -65 to -54 to 180 to 82 to Fair- Poor Poor- Exc. Good- Exc.
69.0 34.5 900 Good -40 -40 220 104 Good Good Exc.

20
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION O-RINGS

4. Basic Elastomers

Chemical and Physical Tables

Gas Permeability
Resistance (AIR)

Rebound Rating

Tear Resistance

Vacuum Weight
Flex Cracking
Resilience or
Adhesion to

Dampening
Colorability

RMA Color
Oxidization
Resistance

Resistance

Resistance

Resistance
Rentention
Radiation

Vibration

Abrasion
Polymer

Metals
Rating
Water

Taste

Code
Odor

Loss
NBR Fair- Good Good- Fair- Good Fair- Exc. Exc. Back Good Fair- Good Good Good- Good
Good Exc. Exc. Good Good Exc. Exc.
HNBR Fair- Exc. Exc. Fair- Good Fair- Exc. Exc. - Good Good- Good Good Good- Good
Good Exc. Good Exc. Exc. Exc.
FKM Fair- Exc. Exc. Good- Good Fair- Good- Good- Brown Fair- Fair- Good Fair- Good Exc.
Good Exc. Good Exc. Exc. Exc. Good Good
EP Good- Exc. Exc. Fair- Good Good- Good- Good- Purple Fair- Fair- Good Fair- Good Exc.
Exc. Good Exc. Exc. Exc. Good Good Good
SBR Poor- Fair- Good- Fair Good Fair- Exc. Good - Fair- Fair- Good- Fair- Good- Poor
Good Exc. Exc. Good Exc. Good Exc. Exc. Exc.
CR Fair- Good- Fair- Fair- Fair- Fair- Exc. Fair Red Fair- Good- Good Good- Good- Fair
Good Exc. Good Good Good Good Good Exc. Exc. Exc.
IIR Poor- Exc. Good- Good Good Fair- Good Good - Poor- Exc. Good- Good Fair- Exc.
Good Exc. Good Good Exc. Good
VMQ, Si, Poor- Exc. Exc. Poor- Good Good- Good- Exc. Rust Good- Fair Poor- Poor- Poor- Exc.
PMQ, Good Fair Exc. Exc. Exc. Good Good Good Good
PVMQ
FVMQ Fair- Exc. Exc. Poor- Good Good Good- Good- Blue Exc. Good Poor-
Poor- Poor Exc.
Exc. Good Exc. Exc. Good
Exc.
ACM Poor- Exc. Poor- Good- Fair- Fair- Good Good - Fair- Good- Fair-
Poor- Fair- Good
Good Fair Exc. Good Good Good Exc. Good
Good Good
EA Good Exc. Good- Exc. Good Fair- Good Good - Poor- Good Good
Good- Good- Fair-
Exc. Good Fair Exc. Exc. Good
CSM Poor- Exc. Good Good- Good Fair- Exc. Exc. - Fair- Fair- Fair- Fair- Good- Fair
Good Exc. Good Good Good Good Good Exc.
ECO Poor Good- Good Exc. Good Good Fair- Good - Good Good Good Fair- Fair- Good
Exc. Good Exc. Good
NR, IR Fair- Good Exc. Fair- Good- Fair- Exc. Poor - Exc. Good- Exc. Good- Good- Poor
Good Good Exc. Good Exc. Exc. Exc.
AU, EU Good- Good- Poor- Good- Exc. Fair- Exc. Good- - Poor- Fair- Good- Exc. Exc. Good
Exc. Exc. Good Exc. Good Exc. Good Good Exc.

21
 SEALING ELEMENTS

4. Basic Elastomers

Chemical and Physical Tables (Continued)

Alkalies (dilute)
(concentrated)

(concentrated)

(concentrated)

Vegetable oils
Acid, organic

Acid, organic
Acids (dilute)

(C1 thru C4)

(C1 thru C6)

Esters, Alkyl
Dot 3, 4 & 5
Brake Fluid;

Dlester Oils

Phosphate
Aldehydes

Animal &
Alcohols
Polymer

Alkalies

Amines
(dilute)
Acids

NBR Good Poor- Good Poor Fair- Poor- Good Poor- Poor Good- Poor Fair- Poor
Fair Good Fair Good Exc. Good
HNBR Good Fair- Good Fair- Good- Fair- Good Poor- Good Good- Fair Good Poor
Good Good Exc. Good Good Exc.
FKM Good- Good- Fair- Poor- Fair- Poor Fair- Poor Poor Exc. Poor- Good- Poor
Exc. Exc. Good Good Exc. Good Fair Exc.
EP Exc. Exc. Exc. Fair- Good- Good- Exc. Exc. Fair- Good Good- Poor Exc.
Good Exc. Exc. Good Exc.
SBR Fair- Poor- Good Poor- Good Poor- Fair- Fair- Poor- Poor- Poor- Poor Poor
Good Fair Good Fair Good Good Good Good Good
CR Exc. Poor Good- Poor- Exc. Poor- Good Poor Poor- Good Fair Poor Poor
Exc. Good Fair Good
IIR Good- Fair- Good Fair- Good- Good Good Good Good Good- Good Poor- Good-
Exc. Exc. Good Exc. Exc. Exc. Exc. Good
VMQ, Si, Fair- Poor- Good Fair Fair- Good Poor- Poor- Good Good Good Poor- Good
PMQ, Good Fair Good Fair Exc. Fair
PVMQ
FVMQ Exc. Good Good Fair Fair- Poor Exc. Good Poor Exc. Poor Good- Poor-
Exc. Exc. Fair
ACM Fair Poor- Poor Poor Poor Poor Fair Fair Poor Good Poor Good Poor
Fair
EA Good Poor- Good- Poor- Good Fair- Good- Poor Good Good Poor Poor Poor
Fair Exc. Exc. Exc. Good Exc.
CSM Exc. Good- Exc. Good Exc. Poor- Good- Good- Poor Good Fair Poor Poor
Exc. Fair Exc. Exc.
ECO Good Poor- Fair Poor Fair- Poor Fair- Poor- Poor- Exc. Poor Poor- Poor
Fair Good Good Fair Good Good
NR; IR Fair- Poor- Good Fair- Good- Good Fair- Fair- Poor- Poor- Good Poor Poor
Exc. Good Good Exc. Exc. Good Fair Good
AU, EU Fair- Poor Fair Poor Good Poor Poor- Poor Poor- Fair- Poor Poor- Poor
Good Exc. Fair Exc. Good

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TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION O-RINGS

4. Basic Elastomers

Chemical and Physical Tables (Continued)

Aryl Phosphate

Fuel, Extended
Fuel, Aromatic
Fuel, Aliphatic

(Oxygenated)
Hydrocarbon

Hydrocarbon

L.P. Gases &

Halogenated

Silicone Oils
High Aniline
Low Aniline

Refrigerant
Aromatic -
Petroleum

Petroleum
Aliphatic -

Ammonia
Fuel Oils
Solvents

Solvents
Ketones
Polymer

Lacquer
Esters,

Ethers

NBR Poor- Poor Good- Fair- Fair- Poor Poor Fair Exc. Good- Exc. Good Good
Fair Exc. Good Good Exc.
HNBR Poor- Poor- Exc. Fair- Good- Poor- Poor Fair Exc. Good- Exc. Good Good-
Fair Fair Good Exc. Fair Exc. Exc.
FKM Exc. Poor Exc. Exc. Exc. Good- Poor Poor Exc. Exc. Exc. Poor Exc.
Exc.
EP Exc. Fair Poor Poor Poor Poor Good- Poor Poor Poor Poor Good Exc.
Exc.
SBR Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor- Poor Poor Poor Poor Good Poor
Good
CR Poor- poor Poor- Poor- Fair Poor Poor- Poor Good Good Good Exc. Fair-
Fair Good Fair Fair Exc.
IIR Exc. Poor- Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor- Fair- Poor Poor Poor Good Poor
Fair Exc. Good
VMQ, Si, Good Poor Poor- Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Fair Poor Good Exc. Poor-
PMQ, Fair Fair
PVMQ
FVMQ Good- Fair Exc; Good- Exc. Good- Poor Poor Exc. Good Good Exc. Exc.
Exc. Exc. Exc.
ACM Poor Poor- Exc. Poor- Fair- Poor- Poor Poor Good Fair Poor Fair Exc.
Fair Good Good Good
EA Poor Poor Good Poor- Fair Poor- Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor- Good-
Fair Good Good Exc.
CSM Fair Poor Fair- Fair Fair Poor Poor Poor Good Poor Fair Good Exc.
Good
ECO Poor Good Good- Good Fair Poor Fair Fair Exc. Good- Poor Poor Good-
Exc. Exc. Good Exc. Exc.
NR, IR Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Fair- Poor Poor Poor Poor Good Good
Good
AU, EU Poor Fair Good- Poor- Fair- Poor- Poor Poor Fair- Good Good Poor Exc.
Exc. Fair Good Good Good

Note: the chart data provides general elastomer base properties. In many design applications, special compounds are required.
ERIKS, therefore, will not be responsible for the usage of this chart in any manner.

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 SEALING ELEMENTS

4. Basic Elastomers

Chemical Terms, Abbreviations, and Trade Names

Chemical Term ASTM Designated Polymer Trade Names

Abbreviation
Acrylonitrile Butadiene NBR Chemigum®, Nipol®, Krynac®, Paracril®, Perbunan N®, Buna N ®
Highly Saturated Nitrile HNBR Therban®, Zetpol®
Carboxylated Nitrile XNBR Nipol®, Krynac®, Chemigum®
Fluorocarbon FKM, FEPM Dyneon®, Viton®, Aflas®, Fluorel®
Ethylene Propylene EP, EPDM, EPT, EPR Nordel®, Royalene® Vistalon®, Buna EP®, Keltan®
Styrene Butadiene SBR Ameripol Synpol®, SBR®, Plioflex®, Stereon®
Polychloroprene CR Neoprene®, Baypren®, Butaclor®
Isobutylene Isoprene IIR Butyl®
Silicone VMQ, PMQ, PVMQ Silastic®, SILPLUS®, Elastosil, Wacker®
Fluorosilicone FVMQ FSE®, Silastic®, Sylon®
Polyacrylate ACM Cyanacryl®, HyTemp®, Thiacril®
Ethylene Acrylic AEM Vamac®
Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene CSM Hypalon®
Epichlorohydrin ECO/CO Gechron®, Hydrin®
Polyisoprene
• Natural NR SMR®, Pale Crepe®, Smoked Sheet®
• Synthetic IR Ameripol SN®, Natsyn®
Polyurethane (Polyester or Polyether) AU or EU Adiprene®, Millathane®, Vibrathane®, Vulkolan®, PUR
Perfluoroelastomer FFKM Kalrez®, Isolast®, Chemraz®, Simriz®, Parofluor®
The following are registered trademarks of their respective companies:
Cyancryl - American Cyanamid Co.; Ameripol CB, Ameripol SN, Ameripol Synpol - Ameripol Synpol Co.; Butaclor - distigil;
Silastic - Dow Corning Corp.; Hypalon, Nordel, Vamac, Viton - Du Pont Dow Co.; Vistalon - Exxon Chemical Co.; Stereon -
Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.; FSE, SILPLUS - General Electric Co.; Budene, Chemigum, Natsyn, Philoflex - Goodyear Rubber
Products Corp.; Herclor - Hercules Inc.; Aflas, dyneon, sylon - Dyneon Co.; Hydrin, Hy Temp, Gechron, Nipol, Zetpol - Zeon
Chemicals Inc.; Krynac, Taktene, Tornac, Perbunan N, Buna EP, Baypren, Therban - Bayer Corp.; Millathane - TSE Industries,
Inc.; Adiprene, Royalene, Paracril, Thiacril, Vibrathane; Uniroyal, Inc.

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