Valve Material Selection Guide

6
Material Selection Guide
Basic Concepts of Rubber

What is Rubber?
Rubber refers to elastomeric compounds that
consist of various monomer units forming polymers
that are heat cured (vulcanized). Polymers are long
molecular chains and are derived from the Greek
poly (many) and meros (parts). The base monomer
or monomers is used to classify the type of rubber, for
example: Nitrile, Silicone or Neoprene.
What is a Rubber Compound?
Rubber is composed of many different ingredients
that include the base elastomer, vulcanization agents,
fillers and plasticizers. For example, the addition of
fillers can reinforce or modify properties, or additional
plasticizer can increase elongation and lower durometer.
Why Does Rubber Act Rubbery?
Rubber is considered highly viscous liquid or an
elastic solid. The polymeric chains in rubber tend to
be very long and flexible by nature and can rotate
about their axis, which results in an entangled mass of
contorted chains.
When a deformation of the rubber occurs, these
tangled chains uncoil and recoil when the force
is released. Therefore, elastic rebound or rubbery
behavior is possible due to contortions of long, flexible
polymeric chains, which allow rubber to be so resilient.
How is Rubber Made?
The base polymer is the primary component of
all rubber recipes and is selected in order to obtain
specific chemical and physical properties in the final
product. Processing aids and softeners, such as oils
and plasticizers, modify rubber to aid in mixing or
molding operations. Sulfur is one of the most widely
used vulcanizing agents to promote crosslinking
which is used in conjunction with accelerators and
accelerator activators to reduce cure times and
enhance physical properties. Carbon black is one
of the most common fillers because it reinforces
the molecular structure. Antidegradants, such as
antioxidants and antiozonants, retard the deterioration
of rubber products. Lubricants, colors or any other
miscellaneous ingredients may also be added.
What is Vulcanization?
The long, flexible polymeric chains of rubber,
when heated, react with vulcanizing agents to form
three-dimensional structures. These vulcanizing agents
(usually sulfur or peroxide) are necessary to facilitate
chemical crosslinking of polymeric chains. Once
the rubber has been vulcanized or cured, physical
properties are enhanced and the compound is more
resistant to deterioration.
What is Compression Set?
Elastic recovery is a measure of the elastomers
ability to return to its original shape once a
compressive force has been removed. Failure of the
seal to return to its original shape after compression is
the condition termed compression set and all seals
exhibit some degree of compression set. Determination
of the amount of compression set is governed by
ASTM designation D395 test procedure.
What is the difference between a Thermoset

and Thermoplastic?
One classification method of polymeric materials
is according to physical properties at elevated
temperatures. Thermoset polymers become
permanently set in the presence of heat and do
not soften in the presence of subsequent heating.
Conversely, a thermoplastic material will soften when
heated (and eventually liquefy) and harden when
cooled. This process is reversible and repeatable, as
opposed to thermoset polymers where the process is
irreversible. Also, thermoset polymers possess superior
mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties as well
as better dimensional stability than thermoplastic
elastomers. This is why thermoset (rubber) parts are
generally preferred for sealing applications.
This section contains descriptions of the elastomers
used in seal applications. These elastomers form the
base of a wide variety of compounds, designated for
specific applications. Every compound has specific
characteristics and many compounds have common
attributes. Therefore, it is important to consider
all aspects of the compound prior to use. Also, as
compound availability is customer driven, lead time
may vary.
www.applerubber.com
1.800.828.7745 (US & Canada Only) +1.716.684.6560 (International)
60

Chemical Compatibility Table
Chloroprene (Neoprene)
Trade Name(s):
Neoprene ... DuPont Performance Elastomers
Baypren ... Bayer
Please see the Seal Design Guide Online

for the full Chemical Compatibility table.
www.applerubber.com/login/index.cfm
ASTM D1418 Designation: CR
Buna-N (See Nitrile)
ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: BC, BE
Butyl
Apple Compound Designation: CR
Trade Name(s):
Exxon Butyl ... Exxon Chemical
Polysar Butyl ... Bayer Polymer
Description: One of the earliest of the synthetic

materials to be developed as an oil-resistant substitute
for Natural Rubber, Neoprene is a homopolymer of
chloroprene (chlorobutadiene).
Standard Color: Black
ASTM D1418 Designation: IIR

ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: AA, BA
Apple Compound Designation: BU
Description: An all-petroleum product, Butyl is
a copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene and has
largely been replaced by Ethylene Propylene since
its introduction.
Key Use(s): Highly effective in vacuum sealing
applications. Good seal for hydraulic systems.
Temperature Range: Standard Compound:
-50F to +250F.
Hardness (Shore A): 30 to 90
Features: With outstanding low permeability to
gases, Butyl is especially effective in vacuum sealing
applications. It also features good to excellent
resistance to ozone and sunlight aging.
Butyl further features excellent shock dampening
capabilities. Only slightly affected by oxygenated
solvents and other polar liquids, Butyl is often utilized
in seals for hydraulic systems using synthetic fluids. It
is good with MEK, and silicone fluids and greases.
Limitations: Because it is a petroleum product, Butyl
has poor resistance to hydrocarbon solvents and oils,
and diester-based lubricants. Halogenated butyl has
been introduced to expand oil and chemical resistance
to this polymer. Chlorobutyl and Bromobutyl have
better resistance. These polymers have been accepted
by the medical industry for stoppers and septumns for
pharmaceutical applications.
61
Key Use(s): Numerous component uses in the

transportation field. Recommended for exposure to
weathering. Preferred sealing material for refrigeration
industry.
-40F to +250F. Special Compounds: -67F to +250F.
(Dry Heat Only)
Hardness (Shore A): 40 to 90.
Features: Neoprene can be used in innumerable
sealing applications due to its broad base of such
desirable working properties as: good resistance to
petroleum oils; good resistance to ozone, sunlight
and oxygen aging; relatively low compression set;
good resilience; outstanding physical toughness; and
reasonable production cost.
Due to its excellent resistance to Freon and ammonia,
Neoprene is also widely accepted as a preferred
material for refrigeration seals.
Limitations: Neoprene is generally attacked by
strong oxidizing acids, esters, ketones, chlorinated,
aromatic and nitro hydrocarbons.
Because Nitrile is economically competitive with
Neoprene, and generally has superior performance
characteristics in most situations, it has largely replaced
Neoprene in the O-rings of today.
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Epichlorohydrin
Trade Name(s):
Hydrin ... Zeon
ASTM D1418 Designation: CO, ECO
ASTM D2000/SAE J2000 TYPE, CLASS: CH
Ethylene/Acrylic (Vamac )
Trade Name(s):
Vamac ... DuPont Dow Elastomers
ASTM D1418 Designation: AEM
Apple Compound Designation: EH
ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: EE, EF, EG,

EA
Apple Compound Designation: VA
Description: Available in homopolymer (CO),

copolymer (ECO), and terpolymer (GECO) formats,
Epichlorohydrins are oil resistant compounds.
Key Use(s): Ideal for fuel and air conditioning system

components. Used in the petroleum industry where a
little higher temperature capability than NBR is required.
-40F to 275F.
Features: Epichlorohydrin features excellent
resistance to hydrocarbon oils and fuels; low solvent
and gas permeability; excellent resistance to ozone
and weathering; and stable cycling from low to high
temperature. Good replacement to butyl when gas
permeability and oil resistance are needed.
Limitations: Compression set is only fair
at elevated temperatures (250F to 275F).
Epichlorohydrin is attacked by ketones; esters;
aldehydes; chlorinated and nitro hydrocarbons; and
is not recommended for exposure to brake fluids.
Description: A copolymer of ethylene and methyl

acrylate, with a small amount of a third monomer
added to provide a cure to active groups in the
polymer chain, Vamac exhibits properties similar
to those of polyacrylate, but with an extended low
temperature limit and better mechanicals.
Key Use(s): Seals for automotive applications,

such as automatic transmissions and power steering
systems.
-13F to +338F. (Dry Heat Only)
Features: Ideal for automotive sealing uses, Vamac
features excellent heat resistance, outstanding
resistance to ozone and sunlight aging, moderate
resistance to swelling in oils, and very low permeability
to gases.
With a maximum reinforced tensile strength of
2,500 psi, Vamacs mechanical properties of adhesion
to metals, tear resistance, flex life, abrasion resistance
and compression set resistance are all rated as good.
Resistance to water, engine coolant mixtures (glycols),
dilute acids and alkalis is also good.
Limitations: Vamac is not recommended
for exposure to concentrated acids, aromatic
hydrocarbons, gasoline, ketones, brake fluids and
phosphate esters.
www.applerubber.com
62

Ethylene-Propylene
Fluorocarbon (Viton )
Trade Name(s):
Nordel ... Dow Chemical
Kaltan ... DSM Elastomers
Royalene ... Chemtura Corporation
Trade Name(s):
Viton ... DuPont Performance Elastomers
Fluorel ... 3M Company
Technoflon ... Solvey Solexis, USA
ASTM D1418 Designation: EPDM
ASTM D1418 Designation: FKM
ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class:

AA, BA, CA, DA
ASTM D2000/SAE Type, Class: HK
Apple Compound Designation: EP
Description: Combining high temperature resistance

with outstanding chemical resistance, Fluorocarbonbased compounds approach the ideal for a universal
O-ring material.
Apple Compound Designation: VT
Description: A copolymer of ethylene and propylene

(EPR), combined with a third comonomer adiene
(EPDM), Ethylene Propylene has gained wide seal
industry acceptance for its excellent ozone and
chemical resistance characteristics.
Key Use(s): Outdoor weather resistant uses.
Automotive brake systems. Automobile cooling
systems. Water applications. Low torque drive belts.
-40F to +275F. Special Compound: -76F to 302F.
Features: When compounded using peroxide
curing agents, high temperature service can reach
+302F. Good resistance to acids and solvents
(i.e. MEK and Acetone).
Limitations: Have no resistance to hydrocarbon
fluids.
Key Use(s): Seals for aircraft engines. Seals for

automotive fuel handling systems. High temperature/
low compression set applications. Wide chemical
exposure situations. Hard vacuum service.
-13F to +446F. Special Compounds: -40F to +446F.
Features: High fluorine grades offer higher resistance
to swell in high octane and oxygenated fuel blends.
This gives superior performance in Ethanol/Methanol
blended gasoline. Base resistant grades offer improved
resistance to amine based oil protectants found in new
transmission oils. Also, improved resistant to steam for
higher temperature services. Low temperature bases
can improve performance to -40F. New polymers
being offered have improved chemical resistance and
low temperature performance.
Viton Extreme ETP offers similar chemical
compatibility as Kalrez with temperature resistance
to +446F.
Special compounds, using new polymer technologies,
provide improved low temperature performance with a
TR(10) of -40F and brittleness to -76F.
Rule
of
Thumb
63
hen it is said that an elastomer is good for an

W
application, it is meant that some compounds which
include that elastomer are acceptable, not all. For
instance, some compounds of EP are good for brake
fluid applications, but most are not acceptable.
Limitations: Fluorocarbons are not recommended

for exposure to ketones, amines, low molecular weight
esters and ethers, nitro hydrocarbons, hot hydrofluoric
or chlorosulfonic acids, or Skydrol fluids. They are also
not recommended for situations requiring good low
temperature flexibility.
www.applerubber.com
Fluorosilicone
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR)
Trade Name(s):
Silastic LS ... Dow Corning Corporation
FSE ... Momentive Performance Materials
LSR is a low viscosity silicone elastomer intended

for use in liquid injection molding (LIM) equipment.
It offers high thermal stability and flexibility at low
temperatures, high transparency and is easily colored.
Also, self-lubricated and electrically conductive grades
are available as well as FDA and medical compliant
grades. Liquid silicone rubber is widely used to
mold complex profiles because of its excellent flow
characteristics.
ASTM D1418 Designation: FVMQ

ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: FK
Apple Compound Designation: FS
Standard Color: Blue
Description: Fluorosilicone combines the good high
and low temperature stability of Silicones with the fuel,
oil, and solvent resistance of Fluorocarbons.
Key Use(s): Aerospace fuel systems. Auto fuel
emission control systems. Primarily for static
sealing applications.
-75F to +400F.
Features: Fluorosilicone is most often used in
aerospace applications for systems requiring fuel and/
or diester-based lubricant resistance up to 400F.
Although generally specified for aerospace use, due
to its excellent fuel resistance and high temperature
stability, Fluorosilicone is becoming an increasingly
popular material for a wider range of sealing
applications.
Medical Grade Silicone

When properly prepared, possible benefits
include fulfillment of USP Class VI and ISO 10993
requirements, embrittlement from gamma sterilization,
sterilizable with EtO/steam. Also, this grade of silicone
is generally transparent due to class requirements.
Limited medical grade pigments are available.
Limitations: Generally, low abrasion and tear

resistance, and high friction characteristics preclude
silicones from effectively sealing some dynamic
applications. Silicones are also highly permeable
to gases and are generally not recommended for
exposure to ketones (MEK, acetone) or concentrated
acids.
Featuring good compression set and resilience

properties, fluorosilicone compounds are suitable
for exposure to air, sunlight, ozone, chlorinated and
aromatic hydrocarbons.
Limitations: Due to limited physical strength,
poor abrasion resistance, and high friction
characteristics, Fluorosilicone elastomers are not
generally recommended for dynamic sealing. They
are predominately designed for static sealing use.
They are also not recommended for exposure to
brake fluids, hydrazine, or ketones.
www.applerubber.com
64

Natural Rubber
Nitrile (Buna-N)
ASTM D1418 Designation: NR
Trade Name(s):
Nipol ... Zeon
Krynac ... Bayer Polymer
Nysyn ... DSM Elastomers Chemigum ... Eliokem
ASTM D1418 Designation: NBR
BF, BG, BK, CH
Apple Compound Designation: BN
Description: Presently, the seal industrys most widely
used and economical elastomer, Nitrile combines excellent
resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels, silicone
greases, hydraulic fluids, water and alcohols, with a
good balance of such desirable working properties as
low compression set, high tensile strength, and high
abrasion resistance. Use of Carboxylated Nitrile can have
superior abrasion resistance, while still having improved oil
resistance.
Key Use(s): Oil resistant applications of all types Low
temperature military uses. Off-road equipment. Automotive,
marine, aircraft fuel systems. Can be compounded for FDA
applications.
Temperature Range: Standard Compound: -40F to
+257F. Special Compounds: -67F to +275F. (Dry Heat
Only)
Hardness: (Shore A): 40 to 90.
Features: Comprised of the copolymer butadiene and
acrylonitrile, in varying proportions. Use of Carboxylated
Nitrile can have superior abrasion resistance, while still
having improved oil resistance.
Limitations: Nitrile compounds are attacked by small
amounts of Ozone. Phthalate type plasticizers are
commonly used in compunding Nitrile rubber. These
plasticizers can migrate out and cause problems with
certain plastics. Also, new regulation on certain phthalates
have limited their use.
ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: AA

Apple Compound Designation: NA
Description: Natural Rubber is the vulcanized
product of the juice of the Hevea tree (latex).
Key Use(s): Seals in food and beverage applications.
Most popular material for non-hydraulic sealing
applications. Mainly used for dampeners due to its
ability to absorb vibration.
Features: Natural Rubber features high tensile
strength, high resilience, high abrasion and high tear
resistance properties, with a good friction surface and
excellent adhesion to metals. Until the invention of
synthetic elastomers in the 1930s, Natural Rubber was
the only polymer available for O-ring manufacture.
Natural Rubber features good resistance to organic
acids and alcohols, with moderate resistance to
aldehydes.
Limitations: Not widely used in sealing industry
due to poor compression set performance and lack of
resistance to many fluids.
65
www.applerubber.com
Nitrile, Hydrogenated (HNBR)

Trade Name(s):
Zetpol ... Zeon Co., Ltd.
Therban ... Bayer
Perfluoroelastomer
ASTM D1418 Designation: HNBR
Trade Name(s):
Chemraz ... Green, Tweed & Co.
Kalrez ... DuPont Performance Elastomers
Tecnoflon PFR ... Solvay Solexis
ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: DH
ASTM D1418 Designation: FFKM
Apple Compound Designation: NB

No Designation at Time of Publication

Description: HNBR is the product of the
hydrogenation of Nitrile, resulting in varying degrees
of saturation of the polymeric chain, along with a range
of enhanced physical strength and chemical resistance
properties.
Key Use(s): ALL oil resistant applications,
including exposure to such oil additives as detergents,
anti-oxidants and anti-wear agents. Exposure to
oil soured with metal sludge. Seals for oil well
applications. Seals for automotive fuel handling
systems. Seals for general industrial usage.
-30F to +300F. (Dry Heat Only) Special Compounds:
-76F to +347F.
Features: Like Nitrile, increasing acrylonitrile content
improves oil resistance at a cost of reduced low
temperature performance.
Limitations: Like Nitrile, HNBR is not recommended
for exposure to ethers, esters, ketones, or chlorinated
hydrocarbons.
Apple Compound Designation: KA

Description: FFKM parts are made from a
perfluoroelastomer possessing exceptional resistance
to degradation by aggressive fluids and/or gases.
Key Use(s): Seals for use in the chemical and

petroleum industries as well as for the manufacturing
of semiconductors and analytical and process
instruments. It is also used for high temperature
applications and for paint and coating operations.
Temperature Range:
Standard Compound: -13F to +600F.
Features: FFKM combines the toughness of an
elastomeric material with the chemical inertness of
Teflon. It resists attack by nearly all chemical reagents
and provides long-term service where corrosive
additives can cause other elastomers to swell or
degrade. In addition, FFKM parts are less likely to
cold flow than Teflon seals.
Limitations: Withstanding degradation by virtually
ALL chemicals, FFKM can swell significantly
when exposed to some fluorinated solvents, fully
halogenated freons and uranium hexafluoride. In
addition, FFKM parts should not be exposed to molten
or gaseous alkali metals.
As the thermal coefficient of expansion for FFKM is
stated by the manufacturer to be about 50% greater
than for fluoroelastomers, gland volume may have to
be increased to allow for this expansion in elevated
temperature situations.
Because of its high cost, FFKM is generally used
when no other elastomer is appropriate.
www.applerubber.com
66

Polyacrylate
Polysulfide
Trade Name(s):
HyTemp ACM ... Zeon
Acralen A ... Bayer Polymer
Trade Name(s):
Thiokol (types A, B, FA, ST) ... Thiokol Corp.
ASTM D1418 Designation: T
ASTM D1418 Designation: ACM

ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: DH; DF
Apple Compound Designation: PY
ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: AK, BK

Apple Compound Designation: TH

Description: Polyacrylates are copolymers (ethyl
acrylates) possessing outstanding resistance to
petroleum fuels and oils.
Key Use(s): Sealing automatic transmissions & power
steering systems. Sealing petroleum oils up to 300F.
-25F to +300F.
Description: Another of the early developed

synthetic elastomers, Polysulfide offers a remarkable
combination of solvent resistance, low temperature
flexibility, flex crack resistance, oxygen and ozone
resistance, and gas impermeability.
Key Use(s): Seals for paint and coatings and
insecticide industry use.
-50F to +225F.

Features: With excellent resistance to hot oil,
automatic transmission and Type A power steering
fluids, the greatest use for Polyacrylate is found in
automobile manufacture, where O-rings of this material
are employed to seal components of automatic
transmission and power steering systems.
Highly resistant to sunlight and ozone degradation,
Polyacrylate also features an enhanced ability to resist
flex cracking.
Limitations: While resistance to hot air aging is
superior to Nitrile, Polyacrylate strength, compression
set, water resistance properties and low temperature
capabilities are inferior to many other polymers.

Features: Resistant to a wide range of solvents,
including ketones, ethers, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Polysulfide has gained wide acceptance as a seal
material for paints and coatings, and insecticides.
Limitations: With poor heat resistance, poor
mechanical strength and compression set properties,
Polysulfides are not as versatile as other elastomers
from a performance standpoint. They are also not
recommended for exposure to mercaptans, esters,
amines, chlorinated or nitro hydrocarbons.
Polyacrylates are also not generally recommended for

exposure to alcohol, glycols, alkalis, brake fluids, or to
chlorinated or aromatic hydrocarbons.
67
www.applerubber.com
Polytetrafluoroethyne (Teflon )
Trade Name(s):
Teflon ... DuPont Dow Elastomers
TFM ... Dyneon
ASTM D1418 Designation: FEP
No designation at time of publication.
Apple Compound Designation: TF
Standard Color: White
Description: Teflon is a tough, chemically inert
polymer possessing an incredible working temperature
range.
Key Use(s): Seals for wide chemical exposure situ
ations, with special emphasis on temperature extremes.
Limitations: Teflon is hampered by very poor elastic

memory at room, or low temperatures. This presents
problems in O-ring installation, requiring extra care to
be taken in control over O-ring I.D. stretch. Heating
Teflon in boiling water, or in a controlled oven, to 200F
is said to enable an O-ring stretch of 10 to 20% to be
achieved, thereby assisting installation, and helping to
assure a tight fit.
Because of its poor tear resistance, during O-ring
installation particular care should be taken to avoid
nicking or scratching Teflon, as imperfections will
cause O-ring leakage.
Finally, the tendency of virgin Teflon to cold flow over
time, when used in gasket type applications, may
require special material compounding (with fillers) to
control such creep in critical sealing situations.
For static and SLOW INTERMITTENT dynamic

situations.
-300F to +450F.
Hardness (Shore A): 98.
Features: Teflon is inert to virtually all industrial
chemicals, even at elevated temperatures. Seals
fabricated from this material feature outstanding weather
resistance, high resistance to ozone, and high resistance
to the degrading effects of exposure to such solvents
as acetone, MEK, and xylene. Possessing average
elastomer characteristics of 2,500 to 3,500 psi tensile
strength, and 300% elongation, they are tough, impact
resistant, low friction, non-twisting performers over an
extremely wide temperature range.
www.applerubber.com
68

Polyurethane, Cast

-30F to +175F.
Trade Name(s):
Vibrathane ... Uniroyal
Cyanaprene ... American Cyanamid
Polathane ... Polaroid
Hardness (Shore A): 70 and 90.
ASTM D1418 Designation: No designation at time

of publication.
No designation at time of publication.
Apple Compound Designation: CP
Standard Color: Amber
Description: Cast Polyurethane is outstanding
over other O-ring elastomers in abrasion resistance
and tensile strength. Additionally, Cast Polyurethane
surpasses the performance of Millable Polyurethane in
its higher tensile strength, greater elongation,
wider temperature range, and lower compression
set characteristics.
Key Use(s): Seals for high hydraulic pressures.
Situations where highly stressed parts are subject
to wear. Used for wheels, rolls, slurry parts, bumpers,
couplers, and shock absorbers. Wiper seals for axially
moving piston rods.
69
Features: With tensile strength of up to 6,000 psi,

elongation of 350 to 650%, compression sets of 10
to 25%, and exceedingly high abrasion resistance, the
physical properties of Cast Polyurethane are among the
best of all O-ring elastomers.
Although they swell slightly upon exposure, Cast
Polyurethane compounds feature excellent resistance
to mineral-based oils and petroleum products, aliphatic
solvents, alcohols and ether. They are also compatible
with hydraulic fluids, weak acids and bases, and mixtures
containing less than 80% aromatic constituents.
Limitations: Cast Polyurethanes are not
recommended for exposure to concentrated acids and
bases, ketones, esters, very strong oxidizing agents,
pure aromatic compounds and brake fluids. With the
exception of special compounds, they are also not
recommended for exposure to hot water or steam.
www.applerubber.com
Polyurethane, Millable
Silicone
Trade Name(s):
Millathane ... TSE Industries Inc.
Trade Name(s):
Elastosil ... Wacher
Silastic ... Dow Corning
Silplus ... Momentive Performance Materials
ASTM D1418 Designation: AU, EU

ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: BG
Apple Compound Designation: MP
Description: Millable Polyurethane is outstanding
over most other O-ring elastomers in abrasion
resistance and tensile strength.
Key Use(s): Seals for high hydraulic pressures.
Situations where highly stressed parts are subject
to wear.
-30F to +175F.
Features: Millable Polyurethane offers superior
seal performance in hydraulic situations, where high
pressures, shock loads, or abrasive contamination
is anticipated.
Millable Polyurethane possesses chemical compatibility
similar to that of Nitrile, offering good resistance to
petroleum-based oils, hydrocarbon fuels and hydraulic
fluids, the oxidizing effects of ozone, and the aging
effects of sunlight. It also has good tear resistance.
Limitations: Unless specially compounded, at
elevated temperatures Millable Polyurethane begins
to soften, losing its physical strength and chemical
resistance advantages over other polymers.
Tending to rapidly deteriorate when exposed to
concentrated acids, ketones, esters, chlorinated and
nitro hydrocarbons, Millable Polyurethanes are also
prone to hot water and steam degradation.
ASTM D1418 Designation: MQ, PMQ, VMQ,

PVMQ
FC, FE, GE
Apple Compound Designation: SL
Standard Color: Red
Description: A group of elastomers, made from
silicon, oxygen, hydrogen and carbon, Silicones are
renowned for their retention of flexibility and low
compression set characteristics, within one of the
widest working temperature ranges for elastomers.
Key Use(s): Static seals in extreme temperature

situations. Seals for medical devices, compatible with
FDA regulations.
-85F to +400F. Special Compounds: -148F to
+400F.
Features: Phenyl (PVMQ) based silicones can
perform to -148F. New polymers can take short term
to 600F.
Rule
of
Thumb
www.applerubber.com
Material cost does not correlate with performance,

it depends on the application.
70

Styrene Butadiene
Tetrafluoroethylene/Propylene (Aflas )
Trade Name(s):
Too numerous to list.
Trade Name(s):
Aflas ... Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.
TBR ... Dupont Performance Elastomers
ASTM D1418 Designation: SBR

ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: AA, BA
Apple Compound Designation: SB
ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: HK

Apple Compound Designation: AF

Description: Also known as Buna S, or GR-S
(Government Rubber-Styrene), Styrene Butadiene was
the elastomer substituted for Natural Rubber during
World War II. Compounded properties are similar to
those of Natural Rubber.

Description: A copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene/
propylene, TFE/P can offer a combination of high
temperature and chemical resistance.
Key Use(s): Isolation dampeners.
Key Use(s): Seals for oil field, aerospace, chemical

and general industrial environments.

Temperature Range: Standard Compound: +14F

to +446F.
Features: The main use for Styrene Butadiene today

is in the manufacture of automobile tires.
Features: Resistance to a wide range of chemicals,

high temperature and electrical capabilities give broad
application diversity. TFE/P have resistance to acids
and bases, steam/hot water, corrosion inhibitors, oils
and lubricants, and industrial solvents. TFE/P also
offer improved low temperature properties over most
fluoroelastomers.
Limitations: SBR is not recommended for exposure

to petroleum oils, most hydrocarbons, strong acids,
or ozone.
This material is seldom used in modern sealing
applications. It has been replaced by better performing
materials.
Rule
of
Thumb
71
ASTM D1418 Designation: FKM
Limitations: Tests have shown that other FKM

elastomers are recommended for automotive fuels since
they have less volume swell than TFE/P. Also, TFE/P
has shown to have less than desirable results when
exposed to toluene, ethers, ketones, and acetic acid.
You must test all seals in their actual environment

because every application is unique.
www.applerubber.com
Thermoplastic Elastomers
Description: Thermoplastic elastomers combine
the processing advantages of plastics with the rubberlike performance of elastomers. Known as two-phase
systems, these copolymers are comprised of both hard
(plastic) and soft (elastomeric) molecular regions, with
each region contributing advantages and limitations to
the final material performance. Chemically, fully-cured
thermoset rubber particles are dispersed throughout
a continuous thermoplastic matrix. Examples of this
class of material are Santoprene and Geolast from
Advanced Elastomer System (AES) and Dynaflex
from GLS Corporation.
Key Use(s): A broad range of applications that
spans from bumpers to bellows, vibrational dampers,
couplers, and grommets. Also used throughout
the automotive, major and small appliances, and
aerospace industries.
Features: In virtually all cases, the substitution of
these materials for traditional thermosetting materials
results in such benefits as significantly increased
production speeds (via conventional plastic injection
molding machines) and the ability to reuse clean scrap
without a loss in physical properties. This results in a
reduced part cost due to minimized scrap loss.
Also, they are available in a broad range of durometers
and colors and, by adjusting the percentage of
hard (plastic) segments in the copolymer matrix, the
physical properties can be modified. For example, as
styrene content is increased in polystyrene elastomer
block copolymers, they change from weak rubber-like
materials to strong elastomers, to leathery materials, to
finally hard, glass-like products (with styrene content
above 75%).
Limitations: The physical properties of thermoplastic

elastomers are highly dependent upon the properties
of the plastic and elastomeric regions of the copolymer.
Consequently, as temperature changes, so does
the behavior of the TPE. The low temperature limit
is defined by the glass transition temperature of the
rubber phase, below which the material is brittle.
Likewise, the high temperature limit is defined by the
melting point of the plastic phase, above which the
material softens and begins to flow. This results in
lowering the overall heat resistance of the copolymer.
Also, as temperature increases, compression set
increases which limits the overall component size and
complexity due to stack-up tolerances. Likewise, the
chemical resistance of the thermoplastic is determined
by the limits of BOTH materials comprising the system.
Please Note the Following:
The applications, suggestions and recommendations

contained in this book are meant to be used as a professional
guide only. Because no two situations or installations are the
same, these comments, suggestions, and recommendations are
necessarily general AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON BY
ANY PURCHASER WITHOUT INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION
BASED ON THE PARTICULAR INSTALLATION OR USE. We
strongly recommend that the seal you select be rigorously tested
in the actual application prior to production use.
www.applerubber.com
72
HK
+14 to +446
Butyl
BU
IIR
AA; BA F
-50 to +250
F-G
Chloroprene
(Neoprene)
CR
CR
BC; BE G
-40 to +250
Epichlorohydrin
EH
CO; ECO
CH
-40 to +275
EE; EF;
F
EG
400 60-90 F-G F-G F
F F-G F-P G
800 30-90 P F-G G F-G G G-E G-E E
G G-E E
600 40-90 G-E F-G G-E G-E G G-E G-E F-G F G-E P
P G-E G
400 50-90 G G G F-G G
E G-E G F-G P
E G-E G
-13 to +338
450 50-90 F
P G-E P-G P-G F
P F-G P
P F-G E
AA; BA; E
Ethylene-Propylene EP EPM; EPDM CA;
DA

Fluorocarbon
VT FKM
HK
F
-40 to +275
600 40-95 G F-G F-G G F-G E
-13 to +446
300 55-90 F-G G F-G G F-G E
P G-E E
Fluorosilicone
FS
FVMQ
FK
-75 to +400
600 40-80 G G-E F-P P P-F E
Natural Rubber
NA
NR
AA
-58 to +158
G-E
700 40-90 E G-E E
P F-P F-G G-E G
G G-E G-E G P-F P
P G-E F-G G G-E E G-E F F-P P
BF; BG: E
Nitrile (Buna-N)
BN NBR; XNBR BK;
-40 to +257
G
600
CH

Nitrile,
ZT HNBR
DH
F
-30 to +300 G-E 340

Hydrogenated
Perfluoroelastome
to
KK
P
-13 to +600 F-G 120
(Kalrez, Chemraz ) KA FFKM
190

Polyacrylate
PY ACM
DF; DH F
-25 to +300
F
600
Polysulfide
Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon )
Polyurethane,
Cast
Polyurethane,
Millable

Silicone
40-90 G
50-90 G-E
G F-E G
65-90 G
F G-E G-E F
E G-E E
40-90 F F

G F-G F-G E
P G-E E
P G-E P
AK; BK P
-50 to +225
400 50-80 F
TF
FEP
-300 to +450
300
P P-G P
CP
-30 to +175
650 70&90 F-G G-E E
MP
AU; EU
BG
-30 to +175
G-E
500 40-90 G-E P-G E
-85 to +400
800
5-80 F-G G-E G
-50 to +212
600 40-90 P
MQ; PMQ
FC; FE;
G
VMQ; PVMQ GE
AA; BA

Styrene Butadiene SB SBR
E
EG

G-E G
TH
SL
98
G F-G P-G E
P F-G
E G-E F-P P
E F-G E F-P P
P G-E F G-E F-G F-P P F-G
G F-G P G-E P-G P
G P-G F-G G
E=Excellent G=Good F=Fair P=Poor =No designation at time of publication Blank=Information not available or conflicting
E F-G F-G F-P F-P P
E F-E E
E G-E P
G F-P P
E F-P P F-G F-G G-E P
P F-P P
P G-E P
P F-G F-G F-G G-E P
General Properties Of O-Ring Elastomers
FKM
Ethylene Acrylic
VA AEM
(Vamac)
re
ng
El
th
M on
ax ga
im tio
um n
H
(
Sh ard %)
or ne
e ss
A
Re
Ra
si
ng
lie
e
nc
C
om e-R
eb
pr
ou
Ad ess
nd
io
he
n
si
Se
Ab on
To t
ra
si
on Me
Te
Re tals
ar
Re sis
ta
s
W
ea ista nce
nc
th
er
e
O
Re
zo
si
ne
s
Re tan
W
ce
si
at
s
er
t
Sw anc
St
e
el
ea
lR
m
e
si
R
G
st
as esi
an
Im sta
nc ce
p
Ac
er
e
m
U
id
nd
ea
R
Al esis bilit er 3
ka
y
ta
00
li
nc
F
Re
e,
Al
s
C
co
is
o
ho tan
n
ce c.
L ls
,C
Pe ubr
on
tro ica
c.
Al leu ting
ip m O
ha
tic Bas ils
Ar
Hy ed
om
dr
oc
at
ar
i
Ha c H
bo
y
n
log
dr
oc s
en
ar
at
Ph
b
e
on
d
os
Hy
s
ph
Po ate droc
lar
Es
ar
bo
te
So
ns
lve r (S
k
nt
yd
s
r
(ke
o
)
yt
on
es
)
si
le
St
F
Te
n
L
Te ow
m /H
p. ig
Li h
m
its
A
J2 ST
00 M
Ty D20
pe 0
Ec
, C 0/S
on
la AE
om
ss
y
A
De pp
si le M
gn
at ate
io ri
n al
AS
De T
si M D
gn 1
at 41
io 8
n
El
as
to
er
73
Tetrafluoroethylene/ AF
Propylene (Aflas)
Common Military Specifications

AMS
AN
M;MIL;MS
NAS
(Aerospace Material Specifications)

(1)
(Air Force/Navy Specifications)
(Military Specifications)
(2)
(National Aeronautical Specifications)

Material
Specification
Dash numbers correspond with the

AS-568B dash numbers
Dash numbers correspond with the
900 tube fitting series
Numbering
Series
Durometer
(+/-5)
Base
Polymer
Temp.
Range (F)
AMS3209
N/A
70
Neoprene
-40 to +225
Weather Resistant
AMS3301
N/A
40
Silicone
-85 to +400
General Purpose
AMS3302
N/A
50
Silicone
-85 to +400
General Purpose
AMS3303
N/A
60
Silicone
-85 to +400
General Purpose
AMS3304
MS9068 (1)
70
Silicone
-85 to +400
General Purpose
AMS3305
N/A
80
Silicone
-85 to +400
General Purpose
AMS7271

MS9020 (2)
MS9021 (1)
65
Nitrile
-67 to +300
Phosphate Ester Resistant
AMS7277
Description
N/A
70-85
Butyl
-85 to +400
General purpose
MIL-P-5315

MS29512 (2)
MS29513 (1)
70
Nitrile
-65 to +200
Hydrocarbon Fuel Resistant
MIL-P-5510
MS28778 (2)
90
Nitrile
-65 to +212
For Hydraulic Fluid Systems
MIL-P-5516

AN6227
70
Nitrile
-65 to +275
AN6230
Hydraulic Fluids
MIL-H-5606
MIL-R-7362

MS29561 (1)
70
Nitrile
-65 to +250
NAS617 (2)
For MIL-L-7808 Fluids
MIL-P-25732
MS28775 (1)
70
Nitrile
-65 to +275
For Hydraulic Fluid Systems
MIL-R-83248
Type 1, Class 1
M83248/1 (1)
75
Fluorocarbon
-20 to +400
Type 1, Class 2
M83248/2 (1)
90
Fluorocarbon
-20 to +400
High Temperature, Fluid &

Compression Set Resistance
MIL-R-25988
Class 1, Grade 70
M25988/1 (1)
70
Fluorosilicone
-80 to +350
Oil & Fuel Resistant
Class 1, Grade 60
M25988/3 (1)
60
Fluorosilicone
-80 to +350
Class 1, Grade 80
M25988/4 (1)
80
Fluorosilicone
-80 to +350
ZZR-765B
Class 1A & 1B
Grade 40
N/A
40
Silicone
-80 to +437
High Temperature &

Low Compression Set Resistant
Grade 50
N/A
50
Silicone
-103 to +437

High & Low Temperature Resistant &

Same As Above
Grade 60
N/A
60
Silicone
-103 to +437
Grade 70
N/A
70
Silicone
-103 to +437

Low Temperature &

ZZR-765B
Class 2A & 2B
Grade 40
N/A
40
Silicone
-80 to +437
High Temperature &

Grade 50
N/A
50
Silicone
-103 to +437


Grade 70
N/A
70
Silicone
-80 to +437

Low Temperature &

Same As Above
Grade 80
N/A
80
Silicone
-80 to +437
ZZR-765B Class 2A
Grade 60
N/A
60
Silicone
-103 to +437

ZZR-765B Class 2B
Grade 60
N/A
60
Silicone
-80 to +437
High Temperature Resistant &

ZZR-765B Class 3B
Grade 70
N/A
70
Silicone
-94 to +392
Tear & Flex Resistant
Same As Above
Grade 80
N/A
80
Silicone
-94 to +392
Note: For most current specifications, visit our website.
www.applerubber.com
74

Valve Material Selection Guide

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6

Material Selection Guide

Basic Concepts of Rubber

What is the difference between a Thermoset

Material Selection Guide

Please see the Seal Design Guide Online

ASTM D1418 Designation: CR

Buna-N (See Nitrile)

ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: BC, BE

Apple Compound Designation: CR

Description: One of the earliest of the synthetic

Standard Color: Black

ASTM D1418 Designation: IIR

Key Use(s): Numerous component uses in the

Apple Compound Designation: EH

ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: EE, EF, EG,

Standard Color: Black

Apple Compound Designation: VA

Description: Available in homopolymer (CO),

Standard Color: Black

Key Use(s): Ideal for fuel and air conditioning system

Description: A copolymer of ethylene and methyl

Key Use(s): Seals for automotive applications,

Material Selection Guide

ASTM D1418 Designation: EPDM

ASTM D1418 Designation: FKM

ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class:

ASTM D2000/SAE Type, Class: HK

Apple Compound Designation: EP

Standard Color: Black

Standard Color: Black

Description: Combining high temperature resistance

Apple Compound Designation: VT

Description: A copolymer of ethylene and propylene

Key Use(s): Seals for aircraft engines. Seals for

 hen it is said that an elastomer is good for an

Limitations: Fluorocarbons are not recommended

Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR)

LSR is a low viscosity silicone elastomer intended

ASTM D1418 Designation: FVMQ

Medical Grade Silicone

Limitations: Generally, low abrasion and tear

Featuring good compression set and resilience

Material Selection Guide

ASTM D1418 Designation: NR

ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: AA

Nitrile, Hydrogenated (HNBR)

ASTM D1418 Designation: HNBR

ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: DH

ASTM D1418 Designation: FFKM

Apple Compound Designation: NB

ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class:

Standard Color: Black

Apple Compound Designation: KA

Key Use(s): Seals for use in the chemical and

Material Selection Guide

ASTM D1418 Designation: ACM

ASTM D2000/SAE J200 Type, Class: AK, BK

Standard Color: Black

Description: Another of the early developed

Please see the Seal Design Guide Online

hen it is said that an elastomer is good for an