Novel Fluoroelastomers for Critical Sealing Applications

With the widespread usage of sophisticated fuel injection systems and smaller, harder-working engines, increased emphasis has been placed on high-performance sealing components. Coupled with continued escalation in underhood temperatures and the multitude of modified fuels and “aggressive” engine lubricants in use, it is no surprise that automotive materials and design engineers have a difficult task in selecting suitable elastomers for every conceivable set of operating conditions. As a result, the use of fluoroelastomer to perform in critical automotive sealing applications has dramatically increased. It is not unusual for the typical automobile to contain over 250 grams of fluoroelastomers with reports of selected usage as high as 1.4 kilograms.

Keeping pace with the demands of the automotive industry requires the development of new technology and new products. These activities have resulted in the development of improved fluoroelastomer types.