FFKM (perfluoroelastomer) seals are essential in demanding applications where extreme chemical and thermal resistance is required. While the base polymer provides the backbone of performance, it’s the curing system—the crosslinking chemistry—that ultimately defines how a seal performs under stress.
Understanding the differences between peroxide, triazine, and nitrile-based curing systems is key to selecting the right FFKM material for environments such as semiconductor fabrication, chemical processing, pharmaceutical equipment, and high-temperature gas sealing. At Katon® Seal, we formulate FFKM compounds using all three cure types to meet the precise needs of our global customers.
Peroxide Curing: A Trusted Workhorse
Peroxide-cured FFKM is the most widely used curing system because it offers a well-rounded balance of performance. These materials are engineered to handle a wide range of chemicals—particularly acids, solvents, steam, and hot water—and they maintain strong sealing performance in dynamic and static conditions. With reliable performance up to about 230 °C and some even up to 290 °C, peroxide-cured compounds are suitable for most day-to-day sealing applications found in chemical plants, wet-process semiconductor tools, reactors, and valves. That said, peroxide-cured seals may not be the best choice for ultra-high-temperature environments where long-term high temperature performance is critical. Over time, repeated thermal cycles or continuous exposure to higher temperatures may cause the material to become less elastic. In terms of versatility and compatibility with a wide range of media, peroxide-cured FFKM remains a solid, cost-effective option for most engineers and buyers.
Triazine Curing: Engineered for High-Temperature Stability
For applications that involve high heat, triazine-cured FFKM offers a clear advantage. These compounds are engineered to deliver superior performance at high temperatures—up to 320 °C—while maintaining their shape, flexibility, and sealing force over time.
However, the same chemistry that makes these materials resistant to heat also makes them vulnerable to moisture. In environments with steam, hot water, or amines, triazine-cured FFKM can break down more quickly than peroxide-cured alternatives. This means they’re not ideal for wet chemical processes or humid conditions. If your application demands high heat in a dry environment, triazine-cured FFKM is often the best performer. But if water or reactive chemicals are part of the process, it may be wise to consider another curing system.
Nitrile-Based Alternatives: Specialty Performance for Niche Applications
Nitrile-based curing systems represent a growing segment of the FFKM market, offering performance characteristics that fall somewhere between peroxide and triazine curing. These materials can typically withstand temperatures up to 275–280 °C, and their chemical resistance is highly customizable depending on the formulation. Some use advanced crosslinking chemistries to improve heat resistance while still maintaining excellent resistance to certain chemical families.
Bisphenol Cure: Rare in FFKM, Common in FKM
Bisphenol curing is more commonly used in FKM (fluoroelastomer) materials, but in some cases, it's been applied to FFKM. This system uses an ionic curing reaction to build the crosslink structure. While it's effective for certain types of fluoroelastomers, it's generally not suitable for high-performance FFKM. That’s because bisphenol curing doesn't provide the same level of chemical resistance or thermal stability that peroxide or triazine systems offer. In fact, most FFKM grades cured with bisphenol are used only in specific, low-demand applications—or avoided altogether in industries like semiconductors and aerospace.
Choosing the Right Cure System for your Katon FFKM Seal: What Really Matters
| Curing System | Temp Limit | Enviornment | Best For | Katon® FFKM Compounds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peroxide | ~230 °C ( some up to 290 °C ) | Excellent | Acids, steam, wet processes, cost effective FFKM | ||
| Triazine | ~317 °C | Good (dry), poor in steam | Dry heat, plasma, high-temp aging | Katon®9000 SERIES | |
Katon® O-Rings: FFKM Expertise You Can Count On
At Katon® Seal, we supply a wide range of FFKM O-rings, gaskets, and custom shapes formulated with the optimal curing chemistry for your application. Whether you're replacing a material from a well-known competitor or developing a new system from scratch, we offer transparent performance data, material consultation, and dependable production support.
Have questions or need help choosing the right FFKM material? Click here to contact us for expert support, or click here to view our full product lineup and explore our complete range of high-performance sealing solutions.