Introducing an Innovative Perfluoroelastomer Cross Linking Technology: Achieving Superior Chemical Resistance and Thermal Stability

Perfluoroelastomers are a class of synthetic elastomers that provide extraordinary resistance to oils, chemicals, and heat. The outstanding thermal stability and excellent corrosion resistance of these materials is dependent on the perfluorinated polymer chain, and the absence of unsaturation. However, the cross-link which is necessary to impart elastomeric properties must also share those stability traits. Unfortunately, designing a suitably inert cross-link is technically difficult to achieve and consequently it has not been possible to provide the ultimate in perfluoroelastomer properties. This paper is a review of the cross-linking chemistry of perfluoroelastomers and highlight a novel and patented cross-link which combines broad chemical resistance and superior thermal stability. Several perfluoroelastomers formulations were selected and tested using representative standardized test methods to quantify their performance. The testing included compression set resistance, swell in fluids, and compression stress relaxation. In addition to the testing, chemistry of the cross-link was explained and how it is related to the observed performance results. The novel cross-link, triazole, was identified as an improvement versus existing cross-links. The testing demonstrated that previously available perfluoroelastomer cross-link chemistries display compromises in overall performance. For example, it had not been possible to achieve high thermal stability combined with resistance to almost all fluids. Overall, the data generated showed that the newly developed triazole cross-link system broadens the performance envelope of perfluoroelastomers and helps to alleviate the compromises of the past. The newly discovered triazole cross-link with enhanced chemical and thermal stability enables broader use of perfluoroelastomers in extreme applications.