Materials for gaskets

Gaskets play an important role in ensuring the tightness of parts. In this context, it is important to choose a material that is suitable for the use of the pipe, bearing in mind that regular replacement of the gasket is necessary under severe conditions.

The main materials used

NR

Natural rubber is produced by the coagulation of latex, mainly from rubber trees. It is a commonly used rubber, which is used in sanitary installations and household appliances under standard conditions (its tolerance range is from -45° to 100°C).

BUNA

It is a brand of synthetic rubber (Butadien Natrium), invented in Germany, widely used in tyres and food seals. It is used in positive temperature conditions (0°C to 93°C).

SBR

SBR or Buna-S is a synthetic rubber (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) derived from Buna, which is derived from organic chemistry. This non-food rubber has good resistance to ageing, abrasion and ozone, but has poor resistance to oils and hydrocarbons. It tolerates temperatures from -50°C to 80°C.

NBR

Nitrile rubber (Nitrile Butadien Rubber or Buna-N) is another derivative of Buna. It is particularly resistant to grease and oil, and also has good heat and abrasion resistance, but is sensitive to ozone and UV. It has a temperature range of -30°C to 100°C.

EPDM

This synthetic rubber (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is resistant to water, ozone, steam and cold. It is particularly used in seawater and hydraulic piping applications. It can withstand a temperature range of -40°C to 130°C.

Viton®

This brand of fluorocarbon rubber (FKM or FPM) is particularly resistant to high temperatures, chemicals, oils, ozone, weathering, etc. It is denser than other rubbers and can withstand a temperature range of -20°C to +200°C.

Silicone

This inorganic compound of Silicon and Oxygen is resistant to a wide range of temperatures (-80°C to 180°C), as well as to oils and chemicals. Silicone gaskets are generally translucent.

PTFE

Teflon or PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene) is a thermoplastic invented in the United States. It is thermostable (-200°C to +250°C), and resists all chemical attacks, but does not have the same elastic qualities as an elastomer. PTFE seals are usually white in colour.

In summary

This table is given as an indication, please contact us for more details.

	NR	BUNA	SBR	NBR	EPDM	Viton®	Silicone	PTFE
T °C	-45°C +100°C	0°C +93°C	-50°C +80°C	-30°C +100°C	-40°C +130°C	-20°C +200°C	-80°C +180°C	-200°C +250°C
UV / Ozone	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Oils	❌	✔️	❌	✔️	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️
Hydrocarbons	❌	✔️	❌	✔️	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️
Solvents	❌	✔️	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✔️
Acids	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Basis	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	❌	✔️	✔️