Comparison of the chemical resistance of seals made of different rubber materials

In petrochemical, automobile manufacturing, medical equipment, and other industrial fields, the chemical corrosion resistance of rubber seals directly determines the safety and service life of equipment operation. Based on global industrial seal test data and manufacturers' technical documents, this article provides an in-depth analysis of the corrosion resistance characteristics of 7 mainstream rubber materials to help you accurately select models.

Comparison of core material performance

Fluoroelastomer (FKM)

Chemical structure: fluorocarbon chain structure, extremely high molecular bond energy

Corrosion Resistance:

✅ Resistant to 98% concentrated sulfuric acid, 50% hydrofluoric acid, and strong oxidants (e.g. N₂O₄)

✅ Resistant to aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, and ketone solvents

❌ Not resistant to amines and low molecular weight ethers

Applicable scenarios: chemical reactor sealing, oil refining equipment valve sealing

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)

Chemical structure: saturated carbon chain, non-polar group

Corrosion Resistance:

✅ Resistant to acid and alkali solutions (pH 3-12), ozone, and hot water

✅ Resistant to polar solvents such as alcohol and ethylene glycol

❌ Completely unresistant to oily media

Applicable scenarios: sealing of automotive cooling systems and photovoltaic equipment

Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

Chemical structure: Contains acrylonitrile polar group

Corrosion Resistance:

✅ Petroleum-resistant oils, vegetable oils, hydraulic oils

✅ Resistance to weak acids and alkalis (concentration <30%)

❌ Rapid degradation of strong oxidizing acids and ketones

Applicable scenarios: fuel transmission pipeline seals, hydraulic cylinder seals

Silicone Rubber (VMQ)

Chemical structure: siloxane backbone

Corrosion Resistance:

✅ Resistant to weak acids, weak alkalis, and normal saline

✅ Resistant to ultraviolet rays and ozone aging

❌ It is severely corroded by concentrated sulfuric acid and hydrofluoric acid

Applicable scenarios: medical equipment sealing, food-grade filling line sealing

Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM)

Chemical structure: perfluorocarbon chain structure

Corrosion Resistance:

✅ Resistant to strong acids (including fuming nitric acid), strong alkalis, and organic solvents

✅ The only rubber that is resistant to chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents

❌ The cost is 10 times that of ordinary fluoroelastomers

Applicable scenarios: semiconductor etching equipment seals, nuclear industry seals

Industry selection suggestions