Aflas FEPM & TFE/P - High Performance Fluoroelastomers
Updated: Jul 26, 2024
If you work in the chemical, pharmaceutical, or oil and gas industries, you've likely heard of Aflas. Aflas is a unique fluoroelastomer material that offers excellent resistance to harsh chemicals and high temperatures. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at what Aflas is, how it works, and its applications.
What is Aflas?
Aflas was first developed by the Asahi Glass Company (now AGC Inc.) in the 1970s as a high-performance alternative to existing fluoroelastomers. It is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and propylene, with a unique chemical structure that gives it superior properties compared to other fluoroelastomers. Standard Aflas is typically listed as FEPM or TFE/P, although there are other material types that the Aflas brand offers. In this blog, we will be focusing on FEPM and TFE/P fluoroelastomers. Aflas is a registered trademark of AGC Chemicals Americas, Inc.
How does Aflas work?
One of the key advantages of Aflas is its high resistance to heat. It can withstand temperatures of up to 232°C (450°F) continuously, making it ideal for high-temperature applications such as automotive, aerospace, and oil & gas industries. Aflas also has excellent chemical resistance, particularly to acids, bases, and polar solvents, which makes it suitable for use in chemical processing plants and other harsh environments.
Another key benefit of Aflas is its low compression set, which means it can maintain its shape and properties even under long-term compression or deformation. This makes it a popular choice for sealing and gasketing applications, where maintaining a tight seal is critical.
Aflas is also highly resistant to ozone, weathering, and UV radiation, making it an excellent choice for outdoor applications that require long-term durability.
One of the most notable applications of Aflas is in the oil and gas industry, where it is used for seals, gaskets, and other components that are exposed to high temperatures and aggressive chemicals. Aflas has also found use in the automotive industry for seals, gaskets, and hoses that require high-temperature and chemical resistance.
In addition to its exceptional performance properties, Aflas is also relatively easy to process compared to other fluoroelastomers. It can be molded, extruded, and calendared using standard processing equipment, which makes it easier to manufacture and more cost-effective than some other high-performance elastomers.
What are the applications of Aflas?
Aflas is widely used in a variety of applications across several industries, including:
- Oil and Gas Industry: Aflas is used in oil and gas applications where resistance to harsh chemicals and high temperatures is required. It is used in downhole tools, seals, and gaskets.
- Chemical Industry: Aflas is used in the chemical industry to manufacture chemical-resistant linings, seals, and gaskets.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Aflas is used in the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture equipment and components that come in contact with drugs and other chemicals.
- Automotive Industry: Aflas is used in the automotive industry to manufacture seals and gaskets for high-temperature applications.
- Aerospace Industry: Aflas is used in the aerospace industry to manufacture seals, gaskets, and other components for high-temperature applications.
In conclusion, Aflas is a highly specialized material that offers excellent resistance to harsh chemicals and high temperatures. It is widely used across several industries, including oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, automotive, and aerospace. If you work in any of these industries and require high-performance materials that can withstand extreme conditions, Aflas may be an excellent choice for your application. If you would like to learn more, see our Aflas page.
Where can I get Aflas parts?
With the request a quote page, you can get directly in contact with our team of specialists who will help get you the parts you need.
Sources:
[1] AGCCE. (2023, September 27). AFLAS® FEPMS - AGC Chemicals Europe. AGC Chemicals Europe. https://www.agcce.com/aflas-fepms/
[2] TFE/P (Aflas®) / FEPM rubber quality. (n.d.). https://rubbertechnology.info/en/-rubber-compounds/tfep-aflasr--fepm-rubber-quality/
