Delivering Fluid Sealing Solutions Since 1972

Material Properties

M Barnwell Services offers an unrivalled range of materials properties suitable for every fluid sealing application and industry. Our Quality and Purchasing teams work hand in hand to source, develop, check and approve a vast range of Materials to meet the increasing demands of today’s engineering applications.

M Barnwell Services are proud to state that we are the UK’s largest independent stockist and distributor of all type of fluid sealing products.

The below information had been derived from numerous sources and the ratings are therefore intended as a guide only. Users must test under their own operating conditions to determine suitability of any compound in a particular temperature and/or application.

ABS - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Trade name e.g., Cycolac®, Novodur®, Terluran®

Description: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a common thermoplastic polymer

Features and Resistance: The acrylonitrile in ABS provides chemical and thermal stability, while the butadiene adds toughness and strength. The styrene gives the finished polymer a nice, glossy finish. ABS has a low melting point, which enables its easy use in the injection moulding process and 3D printing. It also has high tensile strength and is very resistant to physical impacts and chemical corrosion, which allow the finished plastic to withstand heavy use and adverse environmental conditions. ABS can be easily moulded, sanded and shaped, while its glossy surface finish is highly compatible with a wider range of paints and glues. ABS plastics takes colour easily, allowing finished products to be dyed in exact shades to meet precise project specifications.

Key uses: Manufacturing of musical instruments, medical devices for blood access, automotive trim and bumper bars, power tool housings, protective helmets, small kitchen appliances and many more.

Industries: Automotive, Bus & Coach, Chemical Processing, Food & Beverage, Packing, Rail, Semiconductor, Tooling & Prototyping

Temperature range: between -20°C and +80°C

Hardness: 95+ Shore A, between 55 and 100 Shore D

Available specifications include FDA,

Limitations: Poor solvent and fatigue resistance, poor UV resistance, poor bearing properties (high friction and wear).

ACM – Polyacrylate Rubber

Trade name e.g., Cyanacryl®, Europrene AR®, Noxtite PA®, Nipol AR®

Description: Polyacrylates are copolymers (ethyl acrylates) presenting exceptional resistance to petroleum fuels and oils.

Features and Resistance: Outstanding resistance to petroleum fuels and oils. Remarkable resistance to sunlight and ozone degradation, an advanced capability to resist flex cracking. Great resistance to mineral oils, oxygen, hot oil, automatic transmission fluids, power steering fluid (Type A). Good cold temperature elasticity.

Key uses: Automatic transmission sealing, power steering systems, sealing petroleum oils
Industries: Automotive, Motorsport, Bus, Truck & Trailer, Industrial, Marine, Petrochemical, Rail, Oilfield

Temperature range: between -20°C and +150°C

Hardness: 40 – 90 Shore A

Limitations: Not recommended for glycol-based brake fluid, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, hot water, steam, acids, alkalis, amines.

AEM – Ethylene Acrylate Rubber

Trade name e.g., Vamac® (Du Pont-Dow Elastomers)

Description: Ethylene Acrylate is a copolymer of ethylene and methyl acrylate with an addition of a third monomer.

Features and Resistance: Remarkable heat resistance, excellent sunlight aging, and ozone resistance. Good mechanical properties including tear resistance, flex life, compression set resistance, abrasion resistance, adhesion to metals, swelling in oils, and very low gas permeability. Good resistance to water, engine coolant mixtures (glycol), dilute acids, and alkalis.

Key uses: Automotive powertrains applications, seals and gaskets, air management systems, cable insulation, and jacketing.

Industries: Automotive, Rail, Marine, Industrial

Temperature range: between -30°C and +170°C (dry heat only)

Hardness: 50 – 90 Shore A

Limitations: Not recommended for exposure to concentrated acids, aromatic hydrocarbons, gasoline, ketones, brake fluids, and phosphate esters.

AU/EU – Polyester Urethane Rubber

Trade name e.g., Desmopan® (Bayer), Vulkollan®, Urepan®, Adipren®, Estane®, Elastothane®, Pellethane®, Simputhan®

Description: Polyurethane is a polymer composed of organic units joined by urethane links. It’s outstanding over most O Ring materials in abrasion resistance and tensile strength.

Features and Resistance: Remarkable mechanical properties, low friction, high resistance to extrusion, abrasion and wear. Great cold elasticity, low compression set, persistent shear modulus, weather, ozone, and ageing resistance. Good resistance to hydrolysis. Superior seal performance in hydraulic situations, where high pressures, shock loads or abrasive contaminants is anticipated. Good resistance to petroleum-based oils, hydrocarbon fuels, oxidizing effects of ozone, ageing effects of sunlight, good tear resistance.

Key uses: For high hydraulic pressures. Couplings, plug connectors, hydraulic fluids, mineral oil-based greases, air, pure aliphatic hydrocarbons, hydraulic systems, highly stressed parts subject to wear, food applications.

Industries: Automotive, Offshore Drilling, Marine, Petrochemical, Agriculture, Earth Moving & Construction, Hydraulic & Pneumatic, Food & Drink

Temperature range: between -15°C and +85°C (intermittent/compound-specific -50°C and +100°C)

Hardness: 40 – 95 Shore A

Available specifications include FDA, EC1935/2004 & EC2023/2006 European Regulations

Limitations: Not recommended for aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters, concentrated acids, alcohols, water, ketones, esters, alkalis, chlorinated and nitro hydrocarbons, prone to hot water and steam degradation. Poor high-temperature capabilities.

CR – Chloroprene Rubber

Trade name e.g. Neoprene® (Du Pont-Dow Elastomers), Baypren®, Butaclor®, Denka®, Chloroprene®

Features & Resistance: Remarkable resistance to ageing, ozone and weathering, freon (ammonia), acids, salts, animal oils, and vegetable oils. Good chemical features, thermal stability, water-resistant and corrosion-resistant. Average resistance to mineral oils.

Key Uses: Seals, hoses and gaskets, refrigerants, noise isolation in power transformers, a base for adhesives, food applications

Industries: Refrigeration, Agriculture, Energy, Marine, Automotive, Earth Moving & Construction, Food & Drink

Temperature Range: Between -40°C and +120°C (intermittent/compound-specific up to +150°C)

Shore Hardness: 40 – 80 Shore A

Available specifications: FDA, EC1935/2004 & EC2023/2006 European Regulations, NSF, 3A 18-03 Sanitary Standards

Limitations: Not recommended for aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones, acetones, polar solvents. Not effective in solvents environments.

CSM - Chlorosulphonated Polyethylene

Trade name e.g. Hypalon®

Features & Resistance: A superior type of chloroprene, having better heat ageing, chemical resistance and excellent low gas permeability.

Ozone and weathering resistance is also excellent and electrical properties are good.
Low temperature flexibility and oil resistance is similar to chloroprene.
CSM has poor fuel resistance and dynamic sealing applications are not recommended in view of its poor compression set.
Typical applications include static seals and electrical cable jacketing.
Typical working temperature range: -20°C +125°C

ECO - Ethyleneoxide Epichlorhydrin Rubber

Trade name e.g. Epichlomer®, Hydrin®, Gechron®

Features & Resistance: The properties of epichlorohydrin rubbers are comparable to those of polyacrylic rubbers. They are resistant to fuels and hot oils and adequately resistant to methanol-based motor fuels. CO and ECO elastomers have a similar swelling resistance to acrylic rubber (ACM) or nitrile rubber (NBR), but better low-temperature flexibility. The gas permeability is similar to that of isobutylene-isoprene rubber (IIR), the flame resistance equivalent to that of chloroprene rubber (CR). The weathering and ozone resistance and damping properties are excellent.

Users: Fuel oil resistant applications for automobile gaskets, hoses diaphragms etc.

Specific properties of ECO:

Very low gas permeability and excellent ozone resistance
Good weathering resistance
Acid and base stability
Excellent low-temperature flexibility
Good resistance to oils, fats, fuels and water
Flame-resistant
Electrically conductive
Good ageing resistance
Operating range from -40 to +135°C

EPDM – Ethylene Propylene Rubber

Trade name e.g. Nordel® (Du Pont-Dow Elastomers), Dutral®, Keltan®, Vistalon®, Epsyn®, Buna AP®, Royalene®, Polysar EPDM®

Features & Resistance: Excellent mechanical features – abrasion resistance, dynamic resistance, compression set resistance, tear resistance, and tensile strength. Excellent resistance to extreme cold, hot water, steam, ageing, sunlight and UV, chemicals, dilute acids, ketones, alkalis, weathering, suitable for a wide range of temperature applications. Good acid resistance and electrical properties.

Key Uses: Phosphate-ester hydraulic fluid sealing, brake systems, ozone exposure applications, general industrial use, automotive cooling systems, food applications

Industries: Water, CPV, Oil & Gas, Automotive, Marine, Aerospace & Defence, Food & Drink

Temperature Range: Between -45° and +130°C
(Peroxide Cured between -50°C and +150°C)

Shore Hardness: 40 – 90 Shore A

Available specifications: FDA, EC1935/2004 & EC2023/2006 European Regulations, 3A 18-03 Sanitary Standards, NSF, KTW, WRc, WRAS, ACS, NSF 61, W270, DVGW, DIN EN 14241-1, USP Class VI

Limitations: Not recommended for solvents, mineral oil products (greases, fuels, oils), aromatic hydrocarbons.

ETFE - Ethylene Tetraflouroethylene Copolymer

Trade name e.g. Tefzel®

Features & Resistance: ETFE is a fluorine based plastic, and could be described as a tough high strength version of PTFE. It has excellent chemical, electrical and high energy radiation resistance and a relatively high melting temperature.

Properties such as chemical inertness, outstanding weathering & heat resistance, excellent electrical insulation and low coefficient of friction enable ETFE to be exploited in a diverse range of applications such as football stadium roofing, wire insulation, insulated transformers, and surface coatings. ETFE is less flexible than PTFE but has far superior abrasion resistance.

ETFE is a thermoplastic and can be injection moulded into very thin components or hot compression molded into stock shapes such as Rod, Tube or Sheet.

Key features:
Excellent chemical resistance
Chemical inertness
Outstanding weathering resistance
Excellent heat resistance
Excellent electrical insulative properties
Low coefficient of friction

FEP – Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene Rubber

Thermoplastic material. Seamless FEP encapsulated O Rings have an elastic core FPM or VMQ. The extremely high chemical and thermal resistance of the cover protects the elastic core material against chosen media.

Features & Resistance: Excellent resistance to abrasion, wide range of aggressive chemicals, gas permeability, compression set. Low coefficient of friction, low ‘stick-slip’ effect, great flexibility in both high and low temperature.

Key Uses: Lab reactors, cartridges, spray paints, valve stems, flanges, pumps, swivels, turbo pumps, joints, turbo expanders, cryogenic seals, waterless fracking

Industries: Chemical Processing, Pharmaceutical, Food & Drink, Petrochemical, Aerospace & Defence.

Temperature Range: Between -55°C and +205°C (dependant on core material)

Shore Hardness: 85 – 95 Shore A

Available specifications: FDA, USP Class VI, NSF 61, EU1935/2011 and 10/2011, 3A 18-03 Sanitary Standards

Limitations: Not recommended for liquid alkali metals and various fluorine compounds.

FFKM – Perfluoroelastomer

Trade names e.g. Perlast® (IDEX-PPE), Simriz® (FST), Chemraz® (Greene Tweed), Kalrez® (DuPont-Dow Elastomers), Parofluor® (Parker), Isolast® (Trelleborg)

Features & Resistance: Excellent chemical, heat and plasma resistance, the broadest range of chemical resistance. Remarkable resistance to acids, chemicals, heat, oil, ozone, water steam, weathering. Outstanding abrasion resistance, electrical properties, and compression set at elevated temperatures. Good flame and cold resistance.

Key Uses: Critical chip manufacturing applications, jet engines, chemical processing equipment, production and transport, analytical and process control instrumentation, petroleum refining, agricultural chemicals manufacturing

Industries: Chemical Processing, Aerospace & Defence, Agriculture, Offshore Drilling, High Vacuum Technology, Semiconductor, CPV, Automotive, Pharmaceutical, Food & Drink

Temperature Range: Between -50°C and +327°C (intermittent/compound-specific up to +350°C)

Shore Hardness: 60 – 95 Shore A

Available specifications: FDA, EC1935/2004 & EC2023/2006 European Regulations, USP Class VI, 3A 18-03 Sanitary Standards, NORSOK M-710, NACE, ISO 23936, ISO 10423 (API 6A), TOTAL GS PVV 142 03/01

Limitations: Not recommended for molten metals, gaseous alkali metals, uranium hexafluoride, halogenated freons/fluids.

FKM/FPM – Fluoroelastomer

Trade name e.g. Viton® (DuPont-Dow Elastomers), Fluorel®, Tecnoflon®, Dai El®, Noxtite®

Features & Resistance: Excellent resistance to gasoline, alcohol, fuel additives, acids, hydrocarbons, water, oils, oxidation, ageing, ozone, radiation, heat, weather. Very low gas permeability, excellent for vacuum applications, self-extinguishing, dynamic, compression set resistance, tensile strength, superior swell in high octane and oxygenated fuels. Good abrasion resistance and chemical resistance. Moderate tear resistance and water steam resistance. In addition to the standard FKM/FPM materials, a number of special compounds with different compositions of polymer chains and varying fluoro contents (65% to 71%) are developed for special applications.

Key Uses: where high resistance is needed to chemical and high temperature attacks, aircrafts, cars, and various mechanical devices that require maximum resistance to high temperatures, automotive fuel handling, general industrial seals and gaskets, food applications

Industries: Agriculture, Aerospace & Defence, Petrochemical, Offshore Drilling, Rail, Energy, Industrial, Semiconductor, Food & Drink, Automotive

Temperature Range: Between -20°C and +205°C (intermittent/compound-specific between -45°C and +230°C)

Shore Hardness: 50 – 95 Shore A

Available specifications: FDA, EC1935/2004 & EC2023/2006 European Regulations, UL, Mil-Spec, 3A 18-03 Sanitary Standards, NSF 61, DIN EN 14241-1, DIN EN 549, USP Class VI, ASTM D-2000 (SAE J200), ERc, WRAS, DVGW, W270, ACS, KTW, MIL-R-83248, Defence Standard 02-337, NORSOK M-710, TOTAL GS PVV 142 03/01, NACE

Limitations: Not recommended for ketones, amines, nitro hydrocarbons, hot hydrofluoric or chlorosulfonic acids, low molecular weight esters and ethers, hot water, steam, polar solvents, glycol-based brake fluids, low-molecular organic acids. Poor low-temperature flexibility.

FVMQ – Fluorosilicone Rubber

Trade name e.g. Silastic LS® (Dow Corning)

Features & Resistance: Excellent resistance to fuel, oil, sunlight, ozone, solvents, chlorinated hydrocarbons, diester oils, benzene, oxidizing chemicals, diluted alkalis, toluene, aromatic hydrocarbons. Excellent high temperature stability, good compression set and resilience properties. Suitable for exposure to air, sunlight, ozone and chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons. Good compression set characteristics.

Key Uses: Aerospace fuel systems, auto fuel emission control systems, static sealing applications, systems that require resistance to diester base fluid, FDA applications, food applications

Industries: Aerospace & Defence (static applications), Automotive, Food & Drink, Pharmaceutical, Medical

Temperature Range: Between -60°C and +180°C (intermittent/compound-specific up to +200°C)

Shore Hardness: 40 – 90 Shore A

Available specifications: FDA, EC1935/2004 & EC2023/2006 European Regulations, USP Class VI

Limitations: Limited physical strength, poor abrasion resistance, high friction characteristics, not generally recommended for dynamic sealing. Not recommended for exposure to brake fluids, hydrazine, ketones. Typically, not good for dynamic sealing due to friction properties and poor abrasion resistance.

HG – Hard Fabric Materials

Features & Resistance: HG hard fabric materials are produced from various fabric/resin combination, such as:

Synthetic fibre fabric + phenolic resin

Cotton fabric + phenolic resin or

Polyester fabric + polyester resin.

With a selection of the optimal material combinations (fabric/resin), a long product life, high restoring force, low friction (dry-running characteristics exist) and a very high contact pressure (load capacity) can be achieved.

Standard material displays no moisture expansion in water; or measurable absorption of water.

Key Uses: Applications with high loads and shear forces

Industries: Hydraulics

HNBR – Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber

Trade name e.g. Therban® (Bayer)

Features & Resistance: HNBR is also known as Saturated Nitrile (HSN). It is acquired by initiating Hydrogen into the Nitrile in order to saturate the hydrocarbon sequences in the elastomer. Excellent physical strength, abrasion resistance, compression set, and impact resistance. Good gas permeability, resilience, and steam resistance. Better wear and extrusion resistance than Nitrile (NBR), good chemical compatibility.

Key Uses: All oil applications, including exposure to oil additives and detergents, anti-oxidants, and anti-wear agents. Exposure to oil soured with metal sludge. Seals for oil well applications and automotive fuel handling systems, seals for general industrial use, food applications

Industries: Automotive, Offshore Drilling, Agriculture, Water, Petrochemical, Earth Moving & Construction, Food & Drink, Aerospace & Defence, Marine

Temperature Range: Between -30°C and +170°C (intermittent/compound-specific up to +90°C)

Shore Hardness: 50 – 90 Shore A

Available specifications: FDA, EC1935/2004 & EC2023/2006 European Regulations, DIN EN 549, 3A 18-03 Sanitary Standards

Limitations: Not recommended for exposure to ethers, esters, ketones, chlorinated hydrocarbons. Increased cold flow, decreased flexibility at low temperatures.

IIR - Butyl Rubber

Trade name e.g. Enjay Butyl®, Esso Butyl®, Polysar Butyl®

Features & Resistance: Butyl rubber sheeting (IIR) is a high-performing, synthetic elastomer manufactured from a blend of isobutylene and isoprene. It offers excellent thermal stability along with resistance to ageing, ultra-violet light, and weathering, making it suitable for a range of indoor and outdoor applications.

The highly impermeable structure of Butyl rubber makes the material a popular option in applications that require air retention or the sealing of gas and compressed air. It is not, however, recommended for use with petroleum, oils, or chlorinated solvents.

Shore Hardness: 65° ± 5°.
Temperature: -40°C to +140°C.
Excellent impermeability to most gasses, compressed air and moisture.
Offers outstanding resistance to UV and ageing.
Commonly used as a gasket material when an air-tight seal is required.
Smooth plate finish on both sides as standard.

NBR – Nitrile Rubber

Trade name e.g. Perbunan®, Hycar®, Chemigum®, Breon®, Butakon®, Europrene N®, Butacril®, Krynac®, Paracril®, Nipol®, Nitriflex®

Features & Resistance: Excellent resistance to oil, air, alcohols, diluted acids, gasoline, hydraulic fluids, vegetable oil, motor oil, mineral oil, water, hydraulic fluids, engine coolants, silicone greases, alkalines, diluted acids. Great tensile strength, compression set resistance and dynamic resistance. Good impermeability, abrasion resistance, heat resistance, cold resistance. Fair electrical properties, resistance to chemicals, water steam, tear, weather, and acid.

Key Uses: Marine, automotive and aircraft fuel structures, off-road equipment, oil resistant applications of all sorts, low-temperature military uses, hygienic applications, food applications

Industries: Agriculture, Water, Pump & Gas, Food & Drink, Rail, Automotive, Bus, Truck & Trailer, Marine, Aerospace & Defence, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology

Temperature Range: Buna-N between -40°C and +135°C (intermittent/compound-specific up to +150°C); Low temperature between -65°C and +120°C

Shore Hardness: 40 – 90 Shore A (standard compound)

Available specifications: FDA, EC1935/2004 & EC2023/2006 European Regulations, UL, MIL-SPEC, 3A 18-03 Sanitary Standards, KTW, WRAS, WRc, ACS, NSF61, W270, DVGW, DIN EN 549

Limitations: Not recommended for brake fluids and acetones.

NBR F – Rubber Fabric Materials

Features & Resistance: Impregnated rubber materials. Cotton or synthetic fibre fabric can be used as the basis for rubber fabric materials. The standard material for hydraulic seals is cotton fabric. In addition to the standard material, a whole range of other fabric types and almost all elastomers for impregnation are available. For the production of hydraulic seals, the fabric is impregnated with an NBR elastomer solvent. Subsequently, appropriate dimensions are cut out of the impregnated cloth and rolled for further processing and then vulcanised in a vulcanisation press, under the influence of temperature and time, to produce hydraulic seals. Hydraulic seals are either produced totally of rubber fabric material or segments of the elastomer part are reinforced with fabric, e.g. the running surface or the side facing away from the pressure, to achieve better protection from gap extrusion. The so called multi component seal can be produced by vulcanising pure elastomer onto the seal.

Advantages: High wear resistance, very good friction, and sliding properties, good low-temperature resistance, and high-pressure load and extrusion resistance, very dimensionally stable and have low moisture expansion tendency in hydraulic media, very robust material

Key Uses: Particularly well suited for rough application conditions such as in mobile hydraulics or other heavy-duty applications

Industries: Hydraulics

NR – Natural Rubber

Features & Resistance: High resilience and tensile strength, able to absorb vibration. High resistance to abrasion and tear, and excellent adhesion to metals. Good resistance to alcohols and organic acids, moderate resistance to aldehydes.

Key Uses: Ducting, lining, floatation, hoses, belts, gloves, erasers, gaskets in machinery, flooring (gyms, commercial kitchens), airbags, seals for windows and windshields, medical tubes, automotive diaphragms, FDA applications

Industries: Food & Beverage, General Industrial, Medical, Adhesives, Pharmaceutical, Automotive

Temperature Range: Between -50°C and +80°C (dry heat only)

Shore Hardness: 40 – 90 Shore A

Available specifications: FDA, EC1935/2004 & EC2023/2006 European Regulations, NORSOK M-710, GS PVV 142 03/01, NACE

Limitations: Poor compression set, lack of resistance to many fluids.

PA - Polyamide

Trade name e.g. Durethan®, Dymetrol®, Nylon®, Rilsan®, Ultramid®, Vestamid®

Features & Resistance: Polyamides offer high strength, rigidity, and durability with good chemical resistance and processability. They feature high resistance to wear and good anti-friction properties. Their mechanical characteristics can be further improved with fiber composites containing glass or carbon fibers. In this way, their strength and impact resistance can be adapted to a particular application.

PBTP - Polybutyleneterephthalate

Trade name e.g. Crastin®, Pocan®, Ultradur®, Vestodur®

Features & Resistance: Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), a strong and highly crystalline synthetic resin, produced by the polymerization of butanediol and terephthalic acid. PBT is similar in structure to polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—the difference being in the number of methylene (CH2) groups present in the repeating units of the polymer molecules. The mechanical properties of the two materials are also similar. However, PBT has a lower melting point (223 °C [433 °F]) than PET (255 °C [491 °F]), so it can be processed at lower temperatures. This property, combined with its excellent flow when molten and its rapid crystallization upon cooling, makes PBT highly suitable for injection-molding into solid parts. Either unmodified or reinforced with glass fibres or mineral fillers, it is used in numerous applications, especially electrical and small machine parts, owing to its excellent electrical resistance, surface finish, and toughness. Pipe made with PBT (so-called polybutylene pipe, or PB pipe) was formerly popular for residential plumbing as a low-cost and easily handled substitute for copper, but it was found to degrade after prolonged contact with oxidizing chemicals such as chlorine in municipal water supplies, so it is no longer used. PBT lends rigidity and thermoplastic properties to a synthetic rubber known as copolyester elastomer.

PC - Polycarbonate

Trade name e.g. Lexan®, Makrolon®

Features & Resistance: Polycarbonate (PC) plastics are naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic. Although they are made commercially available in a variety of colors (perhaps translucent and perhaps not), the raw material allows for the internal transmission of light nearly in the same capacity as glass. Polycarbonate polymers are used to produce a variety of materials and are particularly useful when impact resistance and/or transparency are a product requirement (e.g. in bullet-proof glass). PC is commonly used for plastic lenses in eyewear, in medical devices, automotive components, protective gear, greenhouses, Digital Disks (CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray), and exterior lighting fixtures. Polycarbonate also has a very good heat resistance and can be combined with flame retardant materials without significant material degradation. Polycarbonate plastics are engineering plastics in that they are typically used for more capable, robust materials such as in impact-resistant “glass-like” surfaces.

PE - Polyethylene

Trade name e.g. Alathon®, Baylon®, Hostalen®, Lupolen®

Features & Resistance: Polyethylene is a lightweight, durable thermoplastic with variable crystalline structure. It is one of the most widely produced plastics in the world (tens of millions of tons are produced worldwide each year). Polyethylene is used in applications ranging for films, tubes, plastic parts, laminates, etc. in several markets (packaging, automotive, electrical, etc.).

Polyethylene is made from the polymerization of ethylene (or ethene) monomer.

PEEK – Polyetheretherketone

Features & Resistance: Outstanding harsh chemical resistance, excellent thermal and mechanical resistance, which empowers PEEK to find wide use in sealing applications across all industries. Very low moisture uptake, good fire performance, excellent mechanical strength across a broad temperature range, good dimensional stability.

Key Uses: Cooling water systems – actuators, valves, seals, isolation dampeners, back-up rings, pump wear rings, high-temperature stem seals, replacement of bearing bushings in compressors and turbines

Industries: All industries including Food & Drink, Technologies & Equipment, Aerospace & Defence, CPV, Medical, Automotive

Temperature Range: Between -65°C and +260°C (approx)

Shore Hardness: 87 Shore D

Available specifications: FDA, EC1935/2004 & EC2023/2006 European Regulations, EU10/2011

Limitations: Low resistance to UV light, attacked by some acids (Sulphuric, Nitric, Chromic), attacked by halogens and sodium.

PFA - Perfluoralkoxy Copolymer

Trade name e.g. Teflon-PFA®, Dyneon®

Features & Resistance: Fluorinated hydrocarbon with a high-molecular, partly crystalline structure. Compared to PTFE, it has additional side chains consisting of perfluorated alkoxy groups. PFA can be processed using thermoplastic production methods and offers chemical and thermal properties equal to those of PTFE. PFA labware is translucent to transparent, non-porous, and particularly useful in high purity work. Big components with a total weight of several kilograms can be fabricated in a „single-shot“ by using transfer moulding.

POM - Acetal Resin Polyoxymethylene

Trade name e.g. Delrin®, Hostaform C®, Ultraform®

Features & Resistance: Creep resistance, strength, stiffness, hardness, dimensional stability, toughness, fatigue resistance, solvent and fuel resistance, abrasion resistance, low wear and low friction.

Gears, bearings, conveyors, window guides, speaker grilles, ski-bindings, zippers, lighters, aerosol valves, medical devices, snap-fits, fasteners, furniture components.

Physical Properties and characteristics

Unreinforced grades offer excceptionally high mechanical strength and rigidity
High resistance to repeated impacts
Toughness at low temprature (down to -40 Degrees Centigrade)
Outstanding long-term fatigue endurance
Excellent resistance to moisture, gasoline, solvents and many other chemicals of neutral pH
Excellent dimensional stability
Natural lubricity
Wide useful temperature range (in air -50 to +90 degree centigrade with intermittent use up to 160 degree centigrade)
Good electrical insulation characteristics

PPO - Polyphenylene Oxide

Trade name e.g. Noryl®

Features & Resistance: Modified polyphenylene oxide materials are actually blends of PPO and polystyrene. Different combinations of each, along with possible additive packages, make it possible to produce materials with a wide range of physical and mechanical properties, heat resistance, and flame retardancy. Compounds are available with heat distortion temperatures from 170 to 460 degrees F (77 to 238 degrees C) and with flammability ranges from UL94HB to V-0.

Because of the water-resistant nature of the two major resin components, most polyphenylene oxide alloys have low moisture absorption levels, giving them good electrical properties over a wide range of humidity and temperature ranges. The materials sport good chemical resistance, though softening and cracking can occur with exposure to some organic chemicals.

PPO blends show increased stiffness with the addition of glass and carbon fibers. Improved strength and flame retardancy, along with reduced mold shrinkage, can be gained with the addition of other additives. Uses of these blends include thermal housing, bases for household appliances and electronics, as well as high temperature piping for fluid contact areas.

PP - Polypropylene

Trade name e.g. Hostalen PP®, Novolen®

Features & Resistance: Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer, which can be used as a plastic, as well as a fiber. The plastic is used to construct various household, commercial, and industrial applications. This non-toxic plastic exhibits outstanding chemical, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties, which are not found in any other thermoplastic.

PP is one of the most popular types of thermoplastic due to the following reasons:

High Operational Temperature and Melting Point: The plastic has a melting point of 320 degrees F, which is why it is used in applications, where temperatures may rise as a result of processing.
Easy to Customize: PP is an elastomer, which means it can be easily customized and fabricated to any desired shape. Manufacturers add additives to improve its physical and chemical properties.
Excellent Resistance against Variety of Elements: The plastic is highly resistant to organic solvents, water, and acid, alkalis, and electrolytic attacks.
Durable: The plastic is durable, does not absorb water, and can withstand daily stress.
High Compressive and Tensile Strength: PP has high compressive and tensile strength, which means it can resist stress and cracking.
Recyclable: PP is non-staining, non-toxic, and fully recyclable.

PS - Polystyrene

Trade name e.g. Hostyren®, Lustrex®, Vestyron®

Features & Resistance: Polystyrene is a versatile plastic used to make a wide variety of consumer products. As a hard, solid plastic, it is often used in products that require clarity, such as food packaging and laboratory ware. When combined with various colorants, additives or other plastics, polystyrene is used to make appliances, electronics, automobile parts, toys, gardening pots and equipment, and more.

Key Uses: Refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, blenders, car parts, including knobs, instrument panels, trim, energy absorbing door panels, televisions, computers and all types of IT equipment

PTFE – Polytetrafluoroethylene

Trade name e.g. Teflon® (DuPont-Dow Elastomers)

Features & Resistance: Tough thermoplastic providing an incredible working temperature range. Seals for broad chemical exposure applications, particularly tough for temperature extremes. Its excellent abrasive and tear resistance result in its slippery surface characteristics making it beneficial for use in moving systems (spectrometer valves and probes). Excellent resistance to most chemicals (especially strong acids), high electrical resistance, outstanding oil, steam, weather, ozone, solvents (acetone), MEK, xylene resistance. Low coefficient of friction at high pressures, low moisture absorption, low flexibility at low temperature, impact resistance, non-twisting over an extremely wide temperature range, high abrasion resistance, extreme chemical compatibility, low stick-slip. Average characteristics of 2,500 to 3,000 psi tensile strength and 300% elongation.

Key Uses: Low friction bearing components, electrical isolation, and insulation, fluid handling systems, back-up rings for a wide range of industries, plumbing, insulating for cables and connector assemblies, hook up wire, coaxial cable, printed circuit boards, outdoor apparel, food applications

Industries: Food & Drink, Hydraulic & Pneumatic, Engineering & Manufacturing Processes, Chemical Processing, Oilfield, CPV

Temperature Range: Between -185°C and +250°C (intermittent/compound-specific between -200°C and +260°C)

Shore Hardness: 50 – 60 Shore D

Available specifications: FDA, EC1935/2004 & 2023/2006 EU Regulations, WRc, WRAS, DVGW, W270, KTW, BGVV, KIWA, USP Class VI, NSF, ACS, EU2002/72, EN681-1, EN549, 3-A Sanitary Standards, NORSOK M-710, EN682, TOTAL GS PVV 142 03/01, NACE, ISO23936-2

Limitations: Can’t be used with injection moulding, very poor plastic memory at room or low temperatures.

PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride

Trade name e.g. Breon®, Hostalit®, Plaskon®

Features & Resistance: PVC can be either flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid. It is available in multiple densities. Benefits include strong UV resistance, shock absorption, cushioning, and sound deadening.

At JBC, our goal is to offer a gasket solution that provides the best form, fit, and function to achieve its intended end-use. Often, design constraints dictate the need for specific material properties. Other times, a wide spectrum of choices are available to achieve success. The materials listed on this page represent a sampling of the gasket materials we die cut at JBC.

Operating Temperature 20 to 160 F (-6.67 to 71.11 C)

SBR – Styrene-Butadiene Rubber

Trade name e.g. Buna Hüls® (Hüls), Buna SB®, Europrene®, Cariflex S®, Solprene®, Carom®

Features & Resistance: Similar properties to Natural Rubber (NR). Excellent abrasion and water resistance, good friction surface. Good bonding and wear characteristics, heat ageing properties and strength. Good compression set and gas permeability. Good resistance to brake fluids and water.

Key Uses: Car tyres (not truck tyres), isolation dampeners, conveyor belts, shoe heels and soles, roll coverings, drive couplings, adhesives, haul-off pads, plumbing applications, hydraulic brake systems, seals and diaphragms

Industries: Automotive, Aerospace & Defence, Bus, Truck & Trailer, MRO, Water & Gas

Temperature Range: Between -50°C and +100°C (dry heat only)

Shore Hardness: 30 – 95 Shore A

Limitations: Not recommended for exposure o petroleum oils, most hydrocarbons, strong acids, ozone. Very weak unless reinforcing fillers are added. Poor fatigue resistance leading to embrittlement (degradation in thermal and oxidative applications).

TFE/P – Tetrafluoroethylene Propylene

Trade name e.g. Aflas® (3M)

Features & Resistance: Outstanding resistance to chemicals, strong acids, and bases at risen temperatures. Supreme high-temperature resistance, eminent electrical insulation features, resistance to steam, chemicals, heat. Low outgassing, low-temperature properties, gas barrier properties. Mechanical characteristics include excellent gas permeation resistance, good wear resistance, and moderate compression set, and short-term resilience. Resistant to a wide range of chemicals including alkalis, amines, methanol, acid, and steam. Recommended for use with di-ester lubricants, vacuum, steam, most acids/solvents, petroleum oils/fuels, amines (ammonia), halogenated hydrocarbons.

Key Uses: Applications requiring good overall resistance to petroleum, brake fluid, phosphate ester

Industries: Oilfield, Aerospace & Defence, Chemical Processing, Automotive, Semiconductor, General Industrial Environments, Petrochemical

Temperature Range: Between -10°C and +205°C (intermittent/compound-specific between -20°C and +250°C)

Shore Hardness: 70 – 90 Shore A

Limitations: Limited resistance when exposed to toluene, ethers, ethers, ketones, acetic acid, auto/aircraft brake fluids, acetone, Skydrol, ethyl acetate.

TPU – Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Features & Resistance: Excellent resistance to abrasion and extrusion. Good gas tightness, high level of tolerance to a wide range of gases including oxygen, nitrogen, and all synthetic hydrocarbons.
No brittleness as a consequence of exposure to ozone or oxygen, low swelling in mineral oil, hydraulic media, and lubricating greases. Generally good chemical resistance and superb dynamic behaviour.

Key Uses: Containers, floatation devices, handbags, glass frames, gaskets, bearings, belts, car bumpers, computer components, protective coverings for phones

Industries: Mobile & Industrial Hydraulics, Gas Processing Technology, Pneumatics, Valve Technology, Chemical Processing, Food & Drink, Pharmaceutical, Biomedical, Technology

Temperature Range: Between -40°C and +100°C (approx)

Shore Hardness: 55 Shore A – 70 Shore D

Available specifications: FDA, EC1935/2004 & EC2023/2006 European Regulations

Limitations: Short shelf life.

VMQ – Silicone Rubber

Trade name e.g. Silopren® (Bayer), Silastic®, Silicone®, Rhodorsil®

Features & Resistance: Excellent resistance to weathering, ageing, ozone, UV, extreme temperatures (high and low), fungal growth. Great electrical properties and compression set resistance. Moderate resistance to acids, chemicals, oil, water, and steam.

Key Uses: O rings, rubber seals, and custom moulded rubber elements for static seals for extreme temperature applications, food applications, medical devices, FDA applications

Industries: Food & Drink, Brewing & Bottling, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology

Temperature Range: Between -60°C and +250°C (special grades up to +300°C; water up to +100°C)

Shore Hardness: 30 – 90 Shore A

Available specifications: FDA, EC1935/2004 & EC2023/2006 European Regulations, KTW, WRAS, WRc, ACS, NSF61, W270, DVGW, DIN EN 549, 3A 18-03 Sanitary Standards, USP Class VI

Limitations: Poor tensile strength and abrasion resistance. Mechanical properties are on the low side, low tear strength, high coefficient of friction, limited resistance to fuels, gear oils, ketones, and steam.

XNBR – Carboxylated Nitrile Rubber

Features & Resistance: Excellent tear, impact, and abrasion resistance, good gas permeability, steam resistance, and compression set. Can be used with petroleum oils and water. Excellent oil and solvent resistance, high tensile strength, and good physical properties at high temperatures. Very good resistance to oils and greases, high resistance to wear and abrasion.

Key Uses: Hoses, rubber belts, sealing parts, shoe soles, and heels, special-purpose elements in oil well, dynamic assemblies such as rod wipers, reciprocating oil applications, rubber rollers, fuel hoses, engine seals, gaskets, industrial and hydraulic hoses

Industries: Automotive, Industrial, Gas & Oil

Temperature Range: Between -55°C and +135°C (approx)

Shore Hardness: 50 – 90 Shore A

Limitations: Poor resistance to ozone, weathering, strong acids, brake fluids, ketones, phosphate esters.

Phenolic Resin Hard Fabric

Trade name e.g. Ferrozell®, Pertinax®