A New Fluoroelastomer for Fuel System Seals

Fluoroelastomers (FKM) are known as premium sealing materials for automotive fuel systems. In specific, FKM-GFLT is known as one of the foremost FKM sealing materials, an elastomer that shows excellent hydrocarbon fuel, methanol and flex fuel resistance combined with good low temperature flexibility and sealing capability. Now a new fluoroelastomer alternative has been developed with many of the same attributes of GFLT, plus added features of -40°C dry static sealing capability, and part serviceability with little or no postcure of the elastomer.

This paper will look at the new fluoroelastomer, VTX-8525, and compare it to current GFLT and other fuel system sealing materials. Fuel, alcohol, and ether resistance as well as low temperature sealing measurements will be reviewed with a specific focus on automotive fuel system end use requirements.