FFKM Sealing Solutions for Pharma & Biotech OEMs
Isolast® perfluoroelastomers (FFKMs) combine the resilience and sealing force of an elastomer with the chemical inertness and thermal stability of polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE). Verifiable cleanliness of parts throughout the supply chain, including Class 5 Cleanroom Quality, ISO 14644-1, make them ideal for use within ultra precise pharmaceutical and biotechnology equipment, such as mass spectrometers.
Isolast® FFKM compounds developed by Trelleborg Sealing Solutions offer exceptional chemical resistance over a wide range of temperatures from -25 °C/-13 °F up to +325 °C/+617 °F, and can be offered in a full range of bespoke sealing products including:
- O-Rings
- Custom Engineered Molded Parts
- Rubber-to-Metal and Rubber-to-Plastic Bonded Parts
- Rubber and Rubber-to-Metal Bonded Gaskets
Material Characteristics
Figure 1: Long term compression set at +204 °C/+399 °F
In hazardous applications involving aggressive chemicals, high temperatures and long service life, Isolast® J9503 covers the widest range of chemicals from acids to alkalis and amines to esters.
Figure 2: Isolast® J9503 radar chart for chemical resistance
In tests, Isolast® J9503 has shown considerably better compatibility over comparable competitor products, as seen in figures 3 to 5. All tests were carried out on standard O-Rings size 214 (24.99 x 3.53 mm/.984 x .139 inches) and in accordance with test procedure DIN 53521.
Figure 3: Immersion in nitric acid at +98 °C/+208 °F
Figure 4: Immersion in acetic acid at +98 °C/+208 °F
"Verifiable cleanliness, including Class 5 Cleanroom Quality, ISO 14644-1, make Isolast® FFKMs ideal for use within mass spectrometers"
Figure 5: Immersion in pressurized steam at +200 °C/+392 °F
At lower temperatures, below -20 °C/-4 °F for example, retained flexibility to maintain sealing force is critical. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of Isolast® J9503 is -19 °C/-2°F, which is key to excellent low-temperature capability as the molecular backbone remains flexible.
Figure 6: Low-temperature properties measured using a Gehman torsional test (BS 903: Part A 13, DIN 53548 and ASTM D 1053)
Medical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries require a high level of cleanliness in manufacturing, usually utilizing cleanrooms in Classes 5 to 8, according to ISO 14644-1. In order to ensure the quality of the ambient air in the production environment, all brought in components must be prepared using adequate production technologies or cleaning processes.