Acrylate Rubber vs. Fluorocarbon Rubber

Attribute	Acrylate Rubber	Fluorocarbon Rubber
Chemical Structure	Contains acrylate groups	Contains fluorine atoms
Temperature Resistance	Good resistance to high temperatures	Excellent resistance to high temperatures
Chemical Resistance	Good resistance to acids and bases	Excellent resistance to chemicals
Weather Resistance	Good resistance to weathering	Excellent resistance to weathering
Cost	Lower cost	Higher cost

Introduction

Acrylate rubber and fluorocarbon rubber are two commonly used elastomers in various industries due to their unique properties and characteristics. While both materials offer excellent resistance to heat, chemicals, and weathering, they have distinct differences that make them suitable for different applications. In this article, we will compare the attributes of acrylate rubber and fluorocarbon rubber to help you understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Chemical Composition

Acrylate rubber, also known as acrylic rubber, is a synthetic rubber made from ethyl acrylate and a monomer containing a carboxylic acid group. This composition gives acrylate rubber excellent resistance to oils, chemicals, and heat. On the other hand, fluorocarbon rubber, commonly known as Viton, is made from a combination of fluorine, carbon, and hydrogen atoms. This unique composition provides fluorocarbon rubber with exceptional resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and fuels.

Temperature Resistance

Acrylate rubber has a temperature range of -30°C to 150°C, making it suitable for applications where moderate heat resistance is required. Fluorocarbon rubber, on the other hand, can withstand temperatures ranging from -20°C to 200°C, making it ideal for high-temperature applications. The superior temperature resistance of fluorocarbon rubber makes it a preferred choice for seals, gaskets, and O-rings in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and chemical processing.

Chemical Resistance

Both acrylate rubber and fluorocarbon rubber offer excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including oils, fuels, acids, and solvents. However, fluorocarbon rubber has superior chemical resistance compared to acrylate rubber, especially when it comes to harsh chemicals such as acids, bases, and oxidizing agents. This makes fluorocarbon rubber the material of choice for applications where exposure to aggressive chemicals is a concern.

Weathering Resistance

Acrylate rubber and fluorocarbon rubber both exhibit good weathering resistance, making them suitable for outdoor applications where exposure to sunlight, ozone, and moisture is a concern. However, fluorocarbon rubber has better weathering resistance compared to acrylate rubber, thanks to its fluorine content. This makes fluorocarbon rubber a preferred choice for outdoor seals, gaskets, and hoses in industries such as construction, marine, and agriculture.

Compression Set

Compression set refers to the ability of a material to return to its original shape after being compressed. Acrylate rubber has a lower compression set compared to fluorocarbon rubber, making it suitable for applications where sealing performance is critical. Fluorocarbon rubber, on the other hand, has a higher compression set, which may affect its long-term sealing performance in certain applications. It is important to consider the compression set of each material when selecting the right elastomer for your specific application.

Abrasion Resistance

Abrasion resistance is an important property for elastomers used in applications where mechanical wear is a concern. Acrylate rubber has good abrasion resistance, making it suitable for applications where the material is subjected to friction and wear. Fluorocarbon rubber, on the other hand, has excellent abrasion resistance, thanks to its fluorine content. This makes fluorocarbon rubber the material of choice for applications where resistance to wear and tear is critical, such as in seals, gaskets, and hoses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, acrylate rubber and fluorocarbon rubber are two versatile elastomers with unique properties that make them suitable for a wide range of applications. While acrylate rubber offers good resistance to heat, chemicals, and weathering, fluorocarbon rubber excels in high-temperature and chemical-resistant applications. Understanding the differences between these two materials can help you make an informed decision when selecting the right elastomer for your specific application.