Aflas TFE/IP & Kalrez FFKM

Aflas TFE/IP

This is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and propylene. It is a fluoroelastomer and has many of the attributes of FKM. Aflas has generally better resistance to both high temperature steam, and bases such as amines and concentrated alkalis, but poorer resistance to benzene and chlorinated solvents than conventional FKM. Elastomers with a chemistry combining that of Aflas and FKM are available. Aflas has a specialized, small market consisting primarily of oil seals for the automotive industry, wires and cables and oilfield drilling (downhole).

Kalrez FFKM

To the chemist this material is a copolymer of perfluoromethyl vinyl ether and tetrafluoroethylene. The latter monomer is better known in the plastic material polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; Teflon is an example). FFKM (Perfluoroelastomer) has a chemical resistance close to the outstanding levels reached by PTFE. Its upper continuous dry heat aging temperature is about 260°C. Applications are those where all other elastomers are unsuitable. In terms of properties (chemical and heat resistance) FFKM is the closest thing to a universal elastomer. FFKM can be used for highly critical oilfield parts and in the chemical industry for parts which have to stand up to highly corrosive chemicals and extreme temperatures. The price, relative to other elastomers is extremely high and molding of Kalrez compounds is usually performed by specialists.

Reference: An Introduction to Rubber Technology by Andrew Ciesielski 1999