Kautschuk Gummi Kunststoffe, Vol.57, No.1-2, 37-42, 2004
New peroxide curable fluoroelastomer compositions - Properties and processing characteristics
Elastomers are specified in a variety of industrial, automotive and aerospace applications where large volumes of high quality seals, tubes and hose are needed to contain or transport a variety of gases and liquids. In many instances, due to high operating temperatures or reasons of chemical compatibility, fluoroelastomers are used. In the case of high volume applications like seals for automotive service, the need for easy part manufacture is imperative to achieve the required balance of part quality and production economy. Ease of processing also impacts part quality since processing difficulties like mould sticking and fouling, or problems with mould filling or extrusion, can result in surface defects in seals and tubes. In addition to easy processing moulded and extruded parts must have properties that provide long term reliable service in use. New fluoroelastomers based on Advanced Polymer Architecture technology were originally disclosed in 2001 [1, 2] and comprise a redesigned main chain molecular structure as well as new chain termination and cure site chemistry. This paper introduces several new low viscosity versions of these peroxide curable fluoroelastomers, designed to deliver easy processing in the most difficult moulding processes as well as excellent properties.
Keywords:low viscosity peroxide curable fluoroelastomers;advanced polymer architecture;processability;part quality;properties