High temperature elastomers

Perlast FFKM sealing solution

Our sealing experts are specialists in high temperature elastomers for the most critical applications and industries.

Perlast® – PPE’s family of high performance sealing materials – includes O-rings and seals sealing up to 350°C (662°F). They also demonstrate excellent response to temperature cycling.

These features mark a step-change in performance and reliability for high temp applications, extending maintenance cycles and reducing cost of ownership.

Key features of high temperature O-rings

PPE O-rings and seals combine extreme temperature capability with virtually universal chemical resistance, and outstanding mechanical strength. They represent peace of mind for sealing solutions in applications where failure is not an option.

Perlast® perfluoroelastomers provide class-leading high temperature capability, able to withstand operating temperatures up to 350°C (662°F).

At the lower end of the temperature scale, Perlast® ICE material grades have been developed for sealing in temperatures as low as -46°C (-51°F).

Perlast® perfluoroelastomers demonstrate almost universal chemical resistance (similar to PTFE), outperforming competitor FFKMs in many applications including amines and steam.

FFKM O-rings and seals manufactured from Perlast® perfluoroelastomers deliver reliable performance in challenging environments. With outstanding mechanical properties such as class-leading compression set, Perlast® parts last longer and reduce cost of ownership (COO).

Specialist Perlast® material grades have been developed to resist Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) experienced in high pressure environments in oil and gas applications.

PPE’s high temperature sealing solutions have industry-appropriate certifications in place, including:

  • FDA, USP Class VI and 3A 18-03 compliance for food and pharmaceutical applications
  • AMS 7257E compliance for aerospace applications
  • Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) resistant materials for high pressure environments for oil and gas applications

Perlast® perfluoroelastomers provide class-leading high temperature capability, able to withstand operating temperatures up to 350°C (662°F).

At the lower end of the temperature scale, Perlast® ICE material grades have been developed for sealing in temperatures as low as -46°C (-51°F).

Perlast® perfluoroelastomers demonstrate almost universal chemical resistance (similar to PTFE), outperforming competitor FFKMs in many applications including amines and steam.

FFKM O-rings and seals manufactured from Perlast® perfluoroelastomers deliver reliable performance in challenging environments. With outstanding mechanical properties such as class-leading compression set, Perlast® parts last longer and reduce cost of ownership (COO).

Specialist Perlast® material grades have been developed to resist Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) experienced in high pressure environments in oil and gas applications.

PPE’s high temperature sealing solutions have industry-appropriate certifications in place, including:

  • FDA, USP Class VI and 3A 18-03 compliance for food and pharmaceutical applications
  • AMS 7257E compliance for aerospace applications
  • Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) resistant materials for high pressure environments for oil and gas applications

Materials for high temperature sealing

PPE high temperature O rings and sealing components are available in FFKM, FKM, FEPM, and VMQ (silicone).

These specially formulated compounds deliver high temperature sealing performance combined with a wide range of additional qualities, including resistance to aggressive chemicals and plasma chemistries, resistance to rapid gas decompression (RGD), and compliance with key food and pharmaceutical standards including FDA and USP Class VI.

Graph of different material performance in high temperatures
Material GradeMaterial TypeHardnessTemp Range (°C)Notable Qualities
Perlast® G77XFFKM77-15 to +350High temperature
Perlast® G75BFFKM85-15 to +325High temperature
Perlast® G75TXFFKM74-15 to +325High temperature
Perlast® G7HA (Helios)FFKM66-15 to +310High temperature, plasma resistant
Perlast® G80AFFKM81-15 to +310Chemical resistant
Perlast® G75HFFKM80-15 to +300High temperature
Kimura® K13XFFKM79-15 to +280
Perlast® G67PFFKM65-15 to +275High purity
Perlast® G90LTFFKM88-46 to +275RGD resistant. low temperature
Perlast® G60AFFKM60-15 to +260General purpose
Perlast® G65HPFFKM65-15 to +260Radical plasma resistant
Perlast® G70AFFKM70-15 to +260Chemical resistant
Perlast® G70CRFFKM62-42 to +260Plasma resistant, low temperature
Perlast® G74SFFKM74-15 to +260FDA, USP Class VI, 3A 18-03 compliant
Perlast® G75MFFKM76-15 to +260General purpose
Perlast® G92EFFKM89-15 to +260RGD resistant
A75HFEPM75-5 to +250Aflas rubber, oil and sour gas resistant
EnDura® A90HFEPM930 to +250Oil and sour gas resistant
Perlast® G75LTFFKM75-46 to +250Low temperature
S50RVMQ50-60 to +250General purpose silicone
S70HVMQ75-60 to +250FDA and USP Class VI compliant
oring showing thermal embrittlement

What causes O-ring failure at high temperatures?

There are two main failure modes associated with excessive heat.

1)  Compression set is the onset of a less circular profile with flattened surfaces that have taken the shape of the groove/gland.  The O-ring takes on a permanent ‘set’ meaning it is unable to recover to its original shape after removal of deforming stresses.

2)  Thermal degradation occurs when the O-ring seal has been subjected to temperatures exceeding the maximum temperature rating of the material.  This results in hardening and embrittlement of the O-ring seal with obvious cracks and reduced sealing ability, leading to leakage and seal failure.

More information is available on our page Why do O-rings fail?

High performance sealing solutions up to 350°C, with excellent response to temperature cycling.

FAQs

Selection of black and white Perlast FFKM O-rings

Perfluoroelastomers (FFKMs) are usually the best choice for high temperature applications.

Perlast®, PPE’s family of high performance FFKM materials, delivers exceptional sealing performance and reliability in excess of +325°C – with Perlast® G77X proven up to +350°C.

Other materials, such as silicones, can perform at high temperatures in certain operating environments where long term chemical resistance is not as critical.

Contact a PPE sealing specialist with your exact operating requirements for the best sealing fit for your application.

Perlast perfluorolastomer O-rings

The short answer is ‘it depends’ – different materials can seal effectively in high temperatures depending on other factors, including chemical media, pressures, mechanical stresses, and food contact requirements.

Generally, FFKM materials deliver the best all-round high temperature performance, and Perlast® FFKMs are available in a wide range of grades formulated with beneficial characteristics for the unique demands of different applications and industries.

The current highest proven temperature for Perlast® materials is with Perlast® G77X at +350°C, but our R&D team are always innovating and pushing the boundaries of our material capabilities even further.

High temperature seals need to provide long term performance and reliability not only at maximum temperatures, but likely against the effects of temperature cycling.

Depending on the application, many different material types may be suitable for these high temp applications, but for a material which combines high temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength, perfluoroelastomers (FFKMs) deliver the optimal level of performance to keep equipment running for longer – reducing the overall cost of ownership.

Perlast® FFKMs are available as gaskets in a range of standard sizes, including ASME BPE, BS4825, DIN32676, IDF, and ISO.

Need more help? Speak to one of our experts today.

Looking for more technical detail? Check out our Resources & Tools.

Resources

Browse our key resources for high temperature elastomers, including videos, animations, brochures and webinars.

For our full range of support material, visit our Resources page.