24 Apr 2023
Fluoroelastomer developed to meet constantly changing hygienic requirements, particularly in Europe
Weinheim, Germany – Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has developed a new peroxidic-crosslinked fluoroelastomer (FKM) for the food, beverage and pharma industries.
Labelled 75 FKM 239961, the material is said to offer “very good resistance to aggressive process media and [be] toxicologically completely harmless.”
In vitro conformity tests on the bisphenol-crosslinked fluoroelastomer have shown no toxic effects on cell cultures, added a 17 April statement from FST.
With a temperature range of -25 °C to +200 °C, the FKM is suitable for product-contacting applications in the food, beverage, and pharma industries.
Target applications include beverage industry processes involving pure citrus juices, dairy products or aromatic oils, such as orange or hop oil.
In addition, a benchmark study conducted by the German-based company has shown the material's high resistance to aggressive cleaning media.
In long-term tests with comparable FKMs in concentrated cleaning media, the new FKM "was able to convince with its very good chemical resistance.”
"This uncompromisingly complies with the latest regulations," claimed Martin Scherer, material developer at FST.
"This is important because there are constant updates on the [requirements around] cleanliness of food contact materials, especially in Europe."
O-rings and diaphragms for pumps are 'already being manufactured' with the elastomer, said FST, which also envisages uses in 'customer-specific' sealing.
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