Commonly Used Standard Rubber Materials for Oil Seals

Lip Materials. * NBR Nitrile rubber *FKM fluororubber/fluoroelastomer * Silicone rubber * Nylon or polyamide * Polychloroprene * Polyetheretherkeytone * ACM / Polyacrylate rubber *PTFE/Polytetrafluoroethylene *Polyurethane * Stainless steel * Felt * Leather

 

Commonly Used Standard Rubber Materials for Oil Seals

1. Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

• Properties: Excellent oil resistance (mineral oils, lubricants), cost-effective, good abrasion resistance.
• Temp. Range: -40°C to +120°C (short-term up to 150°C).
• Applications: Automotive oil seals, industrial machinery seals.

2. Fluoroelastomer (FKM, Viton®)

• Properties: High heat/chemical resistance (fuels, acids, solvents), superior aging resistance.
• Temp. Range: -25°C to +300°C (some grades higher).
• Applications: Aerospace, automotive engines, chemical processing.

3. Acrylic Rubber (ACM)

• Properties: Resistant to hot oils (e.g., gear oils), but poor low-temperature flexibility.
• Temp. Range: -30°C to +180°C.
• Applications: Transmission seals, high-temperature lubricant environments.

4. Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR)

• Properties: Enhanced heat/ozone/chemical resistance vs. NBR (due to hydrogenation).
• Temp. Range: -30°C to +150°C (up to 180°C for some grades).
• Applications: High-performance automotive seals, oil drilling equipment.

5. Silicone Rubber (VMQ)

• Properties: Extreme temperature stability, ozone resistant, but weak oil resistance.
• Temp. Range: -60°C to +200°C.
• Applications: Non-oil exposure high/low-temp seals (e.g., gaskets).

6. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon®)

• Properties: Chemically inert, lowest friction, but lacks elasticity (often combined with elastomers).
• Temp. Range: -200°C to +260°C.
• Applications: High-pressure/chemical seals, composite lip designs.

7. Fluorosilicone Rubber (FVMQ)

• Properties: Combines silicone’s temperature range with FKM-like oil resistance; lower mechanical strength.
• Temp. Range: -50°C to +175°C.
• Applications: Aviation fuel systems, specialty automotive seals.

Summary

• Most Common: NBR (cost-efficient), FKM (high-performance).
• Hot Oil/High Temp: ACM, HNBR.
• Harsh Chemicals: FKM, PTFE.
• Specialized: FVMQ (oil + temperature resistance).

For detailed material comparisons, refer to ASTM D2000 or ISO 1629 standards. Let me know if you need further specifics