English 
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Critical components like O-rings, gaskets and other seals must be made from durable materials that resist harsh chemicals, heat and pressure. Perfluoroelastomers (FFKMs) are a leading material choice for these components. They are manufactured with surfactants and fluorinated polymerization solvents, which enhance chemical reactions and improve efficiency. Recently, there has been a growing demand for high-performance FFKMs that do not incorporate these materials.
AGC has developed new FFKM grades that are manufactured without surfactants or fluorinated polymerization solvents. These grades are ideal for producing durable components that meet stringent environmental standards.
What are Perfluoroelastomers (FFKMs)?
Perfluoroelastomers (FFKMs) are synthetic rubbers made from tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and perfluoromethyl vinyl ether (PMVE). They have high fluorine content, which enables them to withstand temperatures up to 325 °C and resist harsh chemicals, oil and plasma.
AGC Develops New Grades of Sustainable FFKMs
AGC has developed new AFLAS® FFKM grades that are manufactured without surfactants or fluorinated solvents, meeting the growing demand for sustainable materials and clean manufacturing practices. They match the high performance of original AFLAS FFKM grades.
The first surfactant-free and fluorinated-solvent-free grades are now commercially available. They are high-temperature-resistant FFKMs for semiconductor manufacturing. Additional grades will be introduced as the technology is expanded across the AFLAS FFKM portfolio.
Benefits of Surfactant-Free AFLAS FFKM
Surfactant-free (SF) AFLAS FFKM grades offer a variety of performance benefits, including:
- Improved sustainability: Surfactants and fluorinated polymerization solvents are not used in production.
- Equivalent high performance: Maintain the industry-leading resistance to chemicals, heat and plasma of AFLAS FFKMs.
- Designed for harsh environments: Ideal for demanding applications such as semiconductor etching equipment, where plasma resistance and long service life are critical.
- Reduced maintenance: Exceptional durability reduces seal degradation while improving uptime and operational safety.
- High purity: Reduces contamination for high-purity applications such as semiconductor manufacturing.
- Low outgassing levels: Ideal for making precision parts.
Key Applications for SF-AFLAS FFKM
- Oil, gas and industrial processing equipment: AFLAS FFKMs enable components to resist the high heat, amines and acids found in petroleum processing facilities.
- Semiconductor manufacturing equipment: Seals must deliver high plasma resistance, purity and minimal outgassing.
- Components requiring high purity: Exceptionally clean to prevent contamination.
New AFLAS FFKM Grades
SF-AFLAS FFKM grades are available to meet a wide range of applications.
SF-5000: Low-Sticking Force Grade
- Improves processing: Nitrile-curable grade enables easy handling and processing.
- Outstanding thermal resistance: Withstands continuous use temperatures up to 270 °C.
- Low sticking force: Delivers low adhesion to other surfaces.
- Excellent cool CS: Ensures high durability and performance during the semiconductor etching process.
SF-5500: High-Temperature-Resistant Grade
- Excellent plasma resistance: Manufactured for use in the semiconductor etching process.
- Outstanding thermal resistance: Resists continuous use temperatures up to 300 °C.
- High purity: Achieves hardness at 70 without fillers that may cause particle degradation.
- Durability: Provides outstanding chemical, oil and solvent resistance.
Create Sustainable Seals With New AFLAS FFKM Grades
AFLAS FFKM is one of the most durable fluoroelastomers available. It provides exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals, oil and plasma. AGC’s new surfactant-free and fluorinated-solvent-free grades maintain this performance while improving sustainability. Explore our AFLAS FFKM grades to find the best fit for your specific needs.
