FDA Rubber Materials

Selecting The Best FDA Rubber Material

The following article provides an overview of all M Barnwell Services popular FDA Rubber Compounds, which are also compliant with EC1935/2004 & EC2023/2006 Regulations.

Fluorocarbon (Viton®/FKM)

For high-temperature and chemical resistance. It’s transparent underwater but does not absorb it. Working temperature scope is measured to be between -20°C and +205°C (intermittent/compound-specific between -45°C and +230°C). These O Rings are used in mechanical devices demanding optimum resistance to high temperatures and liquids. Hence the reason, fluorocarbon is generally used in aircraft engines and automotive fuel handling systems.

For more information on our range of Fluorocarbon (Viton®/FKM) rubber materials click here.

Silicone (VMQ)

Has low toxicity, low chemical reactivity, and thermal stability as well as heat-resistant features. Silicone allows for extended service life and has one of the broadest operating temperature scopes between -60°C and +250°C (intermittent/compound-specific up to +300°C). Food-grade silicone is used to make sure that foreign substances will not contaminate foods. Other than that, they are used in sealants, lubricants, medical applications, adhesives, insulation, and cooking tools.

For more information on our range of Silicone (VMQ) rubber materials click here.

Ethylene Propylene (EPDM)

Used in applications that require both elasticity and ruggedness. Produced from inodorous and tasteless compounds, it can be broadly used in both speciality and universal purpose applications. It is perfect for temperature scope of between -45°C and +130°C. EPDM is generally used in the food and beverage industry, automotive and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning parts.

For more information on our range of EPDM rubber materials click here.

Nitrile (NBR)

The most established and economical elastomer in the seal industry, which links supreme resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels, hydraulic liquids and high resistance to abrasion. With a hardness of between 40 – 90 Shore A, standard compounds temperature scope between -65°C and +120°C (intermittent/compound-specific up to +150°C). Nitrile is used in oil-resistant applications of all scopes, low-temperature military exercises, off-road equipment, oil rigs, automotive and marine applications, aircraft seals, hoses and gaskets.

For more information on our range of Nitrile (NBR) FDA rubber materials click here.

Chloroprene (CR)

Has a sleek finish, provides great resistance to abrasion and rejects fatty and greasy food items. It’s one of the first synthetic materials that appeared as an oil-resistant replacement for natural rubber. Temperature range of between -40°C and +120°C (intermittent/compound-specific up to +150°C). It has great resistance to petroleum oils, ozone, sunlight, and oxygen ageing. Neoprene is extensively established as a preferred material for refrigeration seals. It has a number of uses in the transportation sphere. In the automotive world, it’s used for many engines and chassis parts that demand an inexpensive polymer with a great balance of performance features

For more information on our range of Neoprene (CR) rubber materials click here.

Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM)

For sealing applications, where chemical resistance and high-temperature performance are critical. Each FFKM material grade is fully fluorinated and designed to overcome specific sealing challenges found in the food, dairy, pharmaceutical, biomedical and life science industries. Operating temperatures are between -50ºC to +327ºC (intermittent/compound-specific up to +350°C). Typically, FFKM material can be found in O Rings, Gaskets, Diaphragms, washers and hygienic seals.

For more information on our range of Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) FDA rubber materials click here.

X-Ray / Metal Detectable

M Barnwell Services provides a range of metal dateable and X-Ray seals that have been developed to provide early detection of contamination from elastomer components. The range includes FDA grades of EPDM, Nitrile, Fluorocarbon and silicone elastomers. These are available in blue or black. Using a metal detectable seal can potentially save costly product recalls damage to brand images, reputations, and lost sales and profitability.

For more information on our range of X-Ray / Metal Detectable rubber materials click here.

It is crucial to purchase FDA O Rings from a reputable company, who fully understand FDA regulations as well as your requirements. M Barnwell Services’ industry experience and extensive catalogue mean we can source a range of quality FDA compliant compounds that will be suitable for your specific requirements. If you have any questions about FDA-Grade materials, check out our inventory or contact our expert engineering team to discuss your requirements.

The above information had been derived from numerous sources and the ratings are therefore intended as a guide only. Users must test under their own operating conditions to determine suitability of any compound in a particular application and temperature.

For more information contact a member of the team today.

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E & OE. M Barnwell Services endeavours to make sure all the content is correct. Information has been gained from manufacturing partners.