The demands placed on sealing materials are evolving rapidly as industries move toward higher efficiency, stricter regulations, and harsher operating environments. One of the most pressing challenges today is ensuring reliable sealing at extremely low temperatures, where standard FKM compounds lose flexibility and fail to perform.

Our Katon® 3000 Series Low Temperature FKM is engineered to meet these challenges. Positioned in the same performance class as common low temperature materials like Viton®-GFLT, Katon® 3000 Series delivers reliable sealing in extreme conditions. With a TR10 value of -40 °C and resistance up to 230 °C, it provides exceptional elasticity and sealing integrity in cryogenic and sub-zero environments — making it the trusted solution for critical applications where failure is not an option.

Why Low Temp FKM Performance is Critical

Elastomeric seals must maintain flexibility under stress, but in real-world conditions, several factors push materials to their limits. For example, in modern automotive engines, the adoption of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) technology has significantly raised fuel injection pressures. While this improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, higher pressures also shift the glass transition temperature (Tg) of elastomers upward. For every increase in pressure, Tg rises, reducing the material’s flexibility and increasing the risk of brittleness at low temperatures.

When an elastomer approaches its Tg in service, it undergoes a transformation from a rubber-like state to a rigid, glassy phase. In this brittle state, the seal loses its elasticity and can no longer perform under pressure. History has shown that such failures can lead to catastrophic outcomes — highlighting the importance of selecting the right material for the environment.

This is where Katon® 3000 Series demonstrates its value. Its low Tg and TR10 of -40 °C allow it to maintain elasticity and sealing performance even when exposed to the combined stresses of cold temperatures, high pressures, and aggressive media.

Application Advantages

Automotive

For GDI-equipped engines, Katon® 3000 Series provides reliable sealing in fuel systems, injectors, and under-the-hood components exposed to both extreme cold and aggressive fuels. Its chemical resistance and elasticity ensure durability under higher pressures and lower temperatures than standard FKM can withstand.

Oil & Gas

In arctic drilling and offshore exploration, equipment faces continuous exposure to freezing conditions. Katon® 3000 Series ensures leak-free performance in valves, pumps, compressors, and wellhead components, minimizing downtime in mission-critical operations.

Aerospace

Aircraft and spacecraft encounter severe temperature swings, from ground-level arctic cold to the extremes of high-altitude and space environments. Katon® 3000 Series provides reliable sealing in fuel systems, hydraulic controls, and O-rings, where even minor leakage could compromise safety.

Chemical Processing

Cryogenic chemical plants and transfer systems require materials that can withstand both aggressive chemicals and extremely low service temperatures. The 3000 Series delivers chemical resistance, low compression set, and reliable flexibility, making it suitable for gaskets, O-rings, and other static or dynamic seals.

Balanced Performance, Proven Reliability

In addition to low temperature performance, Katon® 3000 Series retains the hallmark benefits of FKM:

• Resistance to fuels, solvents, and aggressive chemical media

• Multiple Shore A hardness options, enabling versatile design flexibility
  
  

Conclusion

Sealing materials are often exposed to the combined effects of temperature, pressure, and fluid media. Only elastomers with carefully engineered properties can ensure reliability under these demanding conditions. With its TR10 of -40 °C, balanced mechanical strength, and superior chemical resistance, Katon® 3000 Series Low Temperature FKM is the ideal choice for industries that require sealing confidence in the harshest environments.