Evaluating the proven performance of fluoroelastomers

How innovative fluoroelastomers are allowing for uninterrupted supply to customers in the face of an evolving regulatory landscape.

Fluoroelastomers are used in a wide variety of high-performance applications for their long-term reliability and resistance to elevated temperatures and aggressive chemical changes. Chemours’ range of Viton fluoroelastomers was first introduced in 1957 to meet the high demands of the aerospace industry, and for the next 65 years became known for their outstanding temperature and chemical resistance. In 2001, Chemours developed specialty types of Viton fluoroelastomers called Viton APA, leading to a step-change in processing and end-use performance. Today, the materials are widely used in the automotive industry and are regarded as a leading sealing technology for emerging markets such as advanced electronics, semiconductors and electric vehicles (EV). Most recently, the company unveiled its newly introduced Viton FWRD APA fluoroelastomers, which enable customers to maintain uninterrupted supply, despite evolving regulations.

VITON FWRD APA FLUOROELASTOMERS

Viton APA fluoroelastomers dramatically improve processing characteristics, such as flow, cure and mould release. Because good physical properties and low compression set can be achieved without post-curing, unique production opportunities, such as over-moulding onto plastic inserts or carriers, are realised. Moreover, engineers and parts manufacturers specify Viton APA fluoroelastomers for the most demanding applications due to their ability to maintain performance at high and low temperatures and their exceptional chemical resistance.

Responding to shifts in the industry, Chemours has innovated its manufacturing process to eliminate the use of a fluorinated surfactant, producing Viton FWRD APA fluoroelastomers without sacrificing performance.

With the growing emphasis on sustainable transportation options, peak performance is required in newer, extreme environments, and Viton fluoroelastomers continue to deliver peak performance under the most challenging conditions. These specialty materials are used in seals, gaskets and o-rings which are critical applications within automotive, semiconductors, industrial manufacturing, oil and gas and aerospace and defence. Customer qualifications have confirmed Viton FWRD APA fluoroelastomers made using the new process technology have comparable performance to Chemours’ current offerings.

A TRADITION OF INNOVATION

Chemours’ fluoroelastomer portfolio has been evolving to meet ever-increasing industry demands since its introduction. This development builds upon the company’s legacy of product innovation, having converted the standard Viton grades to non-fluorinated surfactant technology more than 20 years ago.

Today, the tradition continues, with transition to the new process having officially begun in October 2024. Small quantities of current Viton APA grades continue to be available for a limited time to support customer transition.

REVIEW OF TECHNICAL DATA

Viton FWRD APA fluoroelastomers exhibit comparable uncured and cured properties, as demonstrated in Table 1. Performance of Viton GLT-S grades using the current commercial process and the new, innovative process are representative of the full Viton APA portfolio.

Given the prevalence of Viton APA grades in automotive applications, the automotive fluid aging test is a critical evaluation used to understand the fluoroelastomers’ longevity, stability and overall effectiveness in maintaining intended properties in the presence of common automotive fluids over time. The aging test typically involves subjecting the fluoroelastomers to accelerated conditions that simulate the stress and environmental factors it may experience during use. This accelerated testing helps to predict how each grade will perform while being exposed to these fluids over an extended period to facilitate material selection. The results of automotive fluid aging testing  (Figure 1) demonstrate equivalent performance to current commercial grades.

To confirm processability and flow behaviour of Viton FWRD APA fluoroelastomers, all grades have been tested in compression and injection moulding. For example, injection time has been recorded, and processing was rated in term of mould filling, fouling and release. Viton FWRD APA grades have also been characterised for die swell, shrinkage and surface morphology.

The performance of Viton GBL-200S compounds using the current commercial process and the new process are comparable, as shown in Figure 2, and representative of the Viton APA portfolio.

ADVANCING RESPONSIBLE MANUFACTURING

Chemours’ innovative and proprietary technology to produce Viton FWRD APA fluoroelastomers does not use a fluorinated surfactant, demonstrating the company’s commitment to responsible manufacturing. Commercialisation of this technology ensures continuous supply in the face of an evolving regulatory landscape and industry expectations.

In addition to driving process innovation, Chemours has set bold environmental leadership commitments, including aggressive emissions reduction targets: Pledging to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030, on a path to net-zero by 2050. The company has also made a specific commitment to reduce emissions of fluorinated organic compounds, a key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, to air and water by 99% or greater by 2030. The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) has approved Chemours’ near-term Scope 1 and 2 reduction goal, as well as a new Scope 3 target to reduce emissions by 25% per tonne of production by 2030.

Chemours, Viton and any associated logos are trademarks or copyrights of The Chemours Company FC, LLC.

Ariana Cornwell is product and marketing manager at Chemours. www.chemours.com