Selecting the correct elastomer compound is critical for sealing performance, service life, and cost efficiency. This comprehensive guide compares the most common rubber families and provides a structured approach to material selection for engineers and procurement professionals.

Elastomer Families

NBR (Nitrile)

• Temperature: −30°C to +120°C
• Strengths: excellent oil and fuel resistance, good mechanical properties, cost-effective
• Weaknesses: poor ozone and UV resistance (requires protection in outdoor applications)
• Applications: hydraulic seals, fuel system components, oil-resistant gaskets

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene)

• Temperature: −50°C to +150°C
• Strengths: outstanding ozone, UV, and weathering resistance, excellent steam and hot water compatibility
• Weaknesses: poor oil and hydrocarbon resistance
• Applications: weatherstrips, coolant hoses, roofing membranes, steam seals

FKM (Fluoroelastomer)

• Temperature: −20°C to +200°C
• Strengths: broad chemical resistance, high-temperature performance, low compression set
• Weaknesses: poor resistance to ketones, esters, and amines; higher cost
• Applications: fuel system seals, chemical processing gaskets, aerospace O-rings

Silicone (VMQ/FVMQ)

• Temperature: −60°C to +230°C (FVMQ: fuel-resistant variant)
• Strengths: widest temperature range, biocompatibility, excellent compression set resistance
• Weaknesses: low tear and abrasion resistance, poor hydrocarbon resistance (use FVMQ)
• Applications: medical devices, food-grade seals, high-temperature gaskets, electrical insulation

Selection Matrix

*FVMQ variant offers fuel resistance

Cost Comparison

Relative material cost (NBR = 1.0×): EPDM 1.0-1.2×, FKM 5-8×, Silicone 3-5×, FFKM 50-100×. Always evaluate total cost of ownership including service life, failure risk, and replacement frequency.