Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR, nitrile)
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NBR, also known as nitrile rubber or nitrile, is the most popular material for an oil seal because of its good resistance to many oils and greases, such as mineral grease and hydraulic oil. Depending on their composition, synthetic oils and greases, such as those based on glycol, can damage NBR rubber materials. Depending on the amount of glycol, a PTFE lip seal may be the best choice. NBR is also unable to cope with contact with acids and solvents. The rubber is suitable for oil and grease at temperatures from -35 °C to 100 °C.
Most ERIKS oil seals, such as the types M, MST, R and RST, are made of NBR as standard.
Fluorine rubber (FKM, Viton&#;)
FKM or FPM, which is in well-known brand Viton&#;, can withstand higher liquid temperatures of up to 180 ˚C. FKM is highly resistant to strong acids and bases, as well as to synthetic oils and greases. Glycol-based oil and grease, however, can also damage FKM.
Because of the higher temperature resistance of FKM, this material is also chosen for applications where higher speeds play a role, which raise the temperature at the sealing lip considerably. Usually, using FKM will result in a longer life than using NBR. This compensates the higher price of FKM compared to NBR, as an FKM does not have to be replaced as frequently. The low temperature resistance of standard FKM is limited to -15 ˚C.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon®)
PTFE, which is used in the well-known brand Teflon®, is less commonly used, but it is the preferred material for specific rotating seals in the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries. This material is notable for having a very low frictional resistance and the best chemical resistance. It can also withstand a very wide range of temperatures in these types of seals; -80 ˚C to 200 ˚C. The shafts on which oil seals with PTFE lips are used require a harder and finer finish. Something like an axle sleeve can also be used to meet this requirement.
EPDM
EPDM oil seals are less common. They are used in solvent, hot water and steam applications, EPDM resists low temperatures down to -50 °C and UV radiation well. Some types of EPDM are also suitable for higher temperatures up to +150 °C. EPDM oil seals are usually available upon request.
VMQ (silicone)
VMQ, also known as silicone, is also used for oil seals, but this is less common because the mechanical strength of VMQ is low and this material has poor wear-resistance This makes it less suitable for dynamic applications, but it can withstand fairly low and high temperatures from -60 °C to 200 °C. Many types of VMQ are also suitable for contact with pharmaceutical and food products, so VMQ is an option worth considering. VMQ oil seals are usually available on request.
In oil and gas applications, sealing devices are critical to prevent unwanted dirt, water, dust or other debris from contaminating products. When it comes to finding the right seal for these applications, material selection is key. Every rubber material has unique benefits that must align with the requirements in oil applications, such as chemical compatibility, temperature and pressure ranges.
Apple Rubber recommends the following rubber materials for oil applications. For more information about each material, visit our Material Selection Guide.
Nitrile (Buna-N)
Nitrile is the sealing industries most economical and widely used material. It&#;s most commonly used in a wide range of oil applications, as well as automotive, marine, aircraft fuel and military applications. The most notable benefits of Nitrile for oil seals include:
Fluorocarbon (Viton®)
Viton® is a synthetic rubber typically used in o-rings, gaskets, lip seals and other molded sealing devices for oil applications. High fluorine grades of Viton® offer excellent resistance to swell in high octane and oxygenated fuel blends, making it the ideal sealing material for ethanol/methanol blended gasoline. Other important benefits of Viton® include:
Standard temperatures range from -13°F to 446°F
High temperature resistance
Chemical resistance to transmission fluid, gasoline and petroleum oils
Silicone
Silicone offers one of the widest working temperature ranges of all elastomers. Silicone is most known for its flexibility and low compression set characteristics, making it an optimal choice for o-rings and other molded seals. The most important benefits of silicone in oil applications include:
Standard temperatures range from -85°F to 400°F
Phenyl (PVMQ) based silicones can perform to -148°F
Resistant to ozone, sun and weather conditions
Flexibility allows Silicone to be a great option for electrical insulation
Fluorosilicone
Fluorosilicone combines the temperature stability of silicone with resistance to fuels, oils and solvents. Fluorosilicone is most often used in aerospace fuel applications and automotive fuel emission control, however it is becoming increasingly popular in a wider range of oil applications. Some of the unique characteristics of fluorosilicone include:
Standard temperatures range from 75°F to 400°F.
Excellent high temperature resistance
Offers good compression set properties
Withstands exposure to sun, air and ozone
Resistant to chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons
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The Best Sealing Materials for Oil Applications
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