Chemical Compatibilty of M-Cor’s Teflon® Encapsulated O-Rings: A Guide for resistance
M-Cor Inc.’s range of Teflon® encapsulated O-rings, are designed to offer chemical resistance in a wide variety of applications. Our encapsulated o-rings combine the resilience and elasticity of an elastomer core with the chemical resistance of a Teflon® (FEP or PFA) encapsulation/sheath. This design ensures our O-rings provide reliable sealing performance in aggressive chemical environments where standard materials fail.
Type: Teflon® Encapsulation :Teflon®, a brand name for PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) derivatives, includes two thermoplastc materials: FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) and PFA (perfluoroalkoxy). These materials are known for their resistance to heat, chemicals, and electrical conductivity, making them ideal for encapsulating elastomers.
Chemical Resistance Chart for M-Cor Teflon® Encapsulated O-Rings
Resistance Chart : To provide a clearer understanding, we’ve compiled a chemical resistance chart based on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 indicating excellent resistance and 1 indicating poor resistance.This chart is designed to be a guideline for selecting the appropriate Teflon® encapsulated O-ring material types for specific chemical exposures. For applications involving extreme conditions, concentrations, or prolonged exposures, further consultation with M-Cor technical support is recommended.
| Chemical | Teflon FEP Resistance | Teflon PFA Resistance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acids | |||
| Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) | 10 | 10 | High resistance to concentrated and dilute solutions. |
| Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄) | 10 | 10 | Resistant to concentrated and dilute solutions. |
| Nitric Acid (HNO₃) | 9 | 9 | Generally resistant, but high concentrations and temperatures may affect. |
| Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄) | 10 | 10 | Highly resistant to both concentrated and dilute solutions. |
| Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) | 1 | 1 | Not resistant, especially to concentrated solutions. |
| Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH) | 10 | 10 | Highly resistant. |
| Bases | |||
| Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) | 10 | 10 | Highly resistant to both concentrated and dilute solutions. |
| Ammonia (NH₃) | 10 | 10 | Highly resistant. |
| Solvents | |||
| Water (H₂O) | 10 | 10 | Highly resistant. |
| Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) | 10 | 10 | Highly resistant. |
| Acetone (C₃H₆O) | 10 | 10 | Highly resistant. |
| Methanol (CH₃OH) | 10 | 10 | Highly resistant. |
| Chloroform (CHCl₃) | 10 | 10 | Highly resistant. |
| Hexane (C₆H₁₄) | 10 | 10 | Highly resistant. |
| Toluene (C₇H₈) | 10 | 10 | Highly resistant. |
| Benzene (C₆H₆) | 10 | 10 | Highly resistant. |
| Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) | 10 | 10 | Highly resistant. |
Resistance to Acids, Bases, and Solvents:
- Both Teflon FEP and PFA show A rated resistance to most acids, bases, and solvents. They are often used in applications where such chemical resistance is crucial, such as in the lining of chemical processing equipment or in the semiconductor industry.
- This resistance includes strong acids like sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and nitric acid, as well as strong bases like sodium hydroxide.
- They are also resistant to most organic solvents, including acetone, alcohols, and ethers.
Considerations and Limitations: While our encapsulated O-rings are resistant across a wide range of substances, it’s important to note the exception of Hydrofluoric Acid (HF), where the resistance is rated at 1. This indicates that for applications involving concentrated HF, alternative solutions should be considered. Please see Gas Permeabilty Blog
- While Teflon FEP and PFA are highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, they are not invulnerable. Certain chemicals and conditions can affect them:
- Alkali Metals: Molten alkali metals, like sodium or potassium, can be reactive with Teflon.
- Fluorinating Agents: Extremely strong fluorinating agents, like elemental fluorine, especially at high temperatures and pressures, can affect Teflon.
- Direct Flame or Very High Temperatures: While Teflon has a high melting point, direct exposure to flame or temperatures above their operational limits can cause decomposition. For FEP, this limit is typically around 200°C (392°F), and for PFA, it’s slightly higher, around 260°C (500°F).
- Mechanical Stress: Under certain conditions, especially at elevated temperatures, Teflon materials may be susceptible to stress cracking or deformation under load.
Conclusion: M-Cor Inc. is committed to providing high-quality sealing solutions that meet the demands of industry. Our Teflon® encapsulated O-rings represent our committment to continous improvement of o-ring chemical resistance and quality, ensuring that your operations ensure a ROI.
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