What is chemical compatibility?
Chemical compatibility is a measure of how well a rubber or elastomer material resists degradation when exposed to a specific chemical substance. Factors include swelling, hardness changes, tensile strength loss, and surface deterioration. A "Satisfactory" rating means the material can withstand prolonged exposure with minimal effect on its physical properties.
How do I read the chemical compatibility ratings?
Each rating indicates the expected performance when the elastomer is exposed to the chemical at ambient temperature. Rating 1 (Satisfactory) means the material is suitable for continuous service. Rating 2 (Fair) means limited exposure may be acceptable. Rating 3 (Doubtful) means the material is likely to be affected. Rating 4 (Unsatisfactory) means the material should not be used. "X" indicates insufficient test data is available.
Which rubber material has the best overall chemical resistance?
Kalrez (FFKM) perfluoroelastomer offers the broadest chemical resistance of any commercial elastomer, rated Satisfactory against nearly all chemicals. However, it is significantly more expensive. For cost-effective chemical resistance, Viton (FKM) provides excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and many solvents, while EPDM excels with acids, alkalis, and polar solvents.
Is EPDM resistant to oils and fuels?
No. EPDM has poor resistance to petroleum-based oils, fuels, and hydrocarbon solvents — these will cause significant swelling and degradation. EPDM excels with water, steam, acids, alkalis, ketones, and polar solvents. For oil and fuel resistance, consider Nitrile (NBR) or Viton (FKM) instead.
Can I use Nitrile rubber with petroleum-based chemicals?
Yes. Nitrile (NBR) rubber has excellent resistance to petroleum oils, fuels, and greases, making it the standard choice for o-rings and seals in automotive and hydraulic applications. However, Nitrile has poor resistance to ketones, esters, and chlorinated solvents.
What does "X — Insufficient Data" mean?
An "X" rating means that reliable test data for that chemical-material combination is not available in our database. It does not mean the material is incompatible — it simply means compatibility has not been verified. For applications involving chemicals rated "X", we recommend consulting our engineering team or conducting application-specific testing.
Are these ratings valid at high temperatures?
The ratings in this chart are based on exposure at ambient temperature (approximately 20–25°C). Chemical resistance generally decreases at elevated temperatures. For high-temperature chemical exposure, the actual performance may differ and application-specific testing is recommended. Contact our technical team for guidance.