Like Michelangelo sketching on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, you’ve got your perfect design ready to go. But what happens when one of your gaskets can’t handle the heat?
The best version of your gasket needs a suitable material that won’t falter under the strain of a hot application.
For more than three decades, Strouse has helped transform high temp gasket materials into adhesive components. We know it can be overwhelming to choose the right materials, so we wanted to lay them out clearly for your consideration.
By the end, you should know your high temp gasket options and feel confident pursuing your next steps.
Your project requires durable materials to function, which starts with matching the maximum temperature of a material's capability.
Let’s review some potential materials for your high-temp application.
Silicone rubber is an extremely common gasket material due to its wide temperature range of -67 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 or 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Not only are silicone rubber gaskets heat resistant, but they’ll also help dissipate heat within an application, providing a level of temperature control to devices. They are challenging to melt and are used to seal HVAC systems, doors, ovens, and medical equipment.
Nitrile rubber, also known as NBR or Buna-N, ranges from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rather than using it for the most high-temperature applications, the most significant advantage of using nitrile rubber for gasketing is its resistance to fuels, gases, and oils. Nitrile rubber gaskets are commonly used for fuel pumps and other automotive and industrial applications.
Neoprene can last from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 230 degrees Fahrenheit and is often used for low to mid-temperature range applications.
Due to their high corrosion resistance, neoprene gaskets are a popular material for battery housing. It can also be used for a wide range of indoor and outdoor uses because of its ability to withstand moisture, UV light, and other elements.
When you need a synthetic rubber polymer that lasts from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, EPDM is worth your consideration.
Consider using an EPDM gasket if your application risks coming into contact with salts, potassium, or nitrogen due to its resistance.
Although we listed out a few high-temperature gasket materials, it’s worth noting that many other gasket materials could apply to a high-heat setting. In addition, you should know that the thickness of foams and soft rubbers makes them more challenging to cut and process when it comes to converting.
When a thick material is met with a blade, it compresses, which can alter the shape of the cut. Therefore, it can be more difficult to achieve tight die cut tolerances in your heat-resistant gasket.
You’ve learned about high-temperature gasket materials, but what are they used for? Actually, you might be surprised to learn that you encounter many of these materials in your day-to-day.
Engines of airplanes, trucks, boats, cars, and other vehicles all generate high amounts of heat that their sealing components must withstand.
Materials such as neoprene or nitrile rubber are temperature AND corrosion-resistant, making them an ideal choice to use around petroleum derivatives.
Many devices or electrical systems, such as EV batteries, are built with conductive gaskets.
Large electrical systems experience large amounts of heat and can risk overheating, which is where heat-resistant and heat-dissipative materials come in.
For instance, the die cut gaskets inside EV batteries seal gaps and bond together inner electrical components. They are consistently exposed to the battery heat, often even attaching the components which prevent overheating.
Battery housing gaskets prevent any particles or liquids from reaching a device’s inner mechanisms.
Part of the role played by battery housing gaskets is to reduce the chance of corrosion while enduring the high heat of electronics, which is why those aforementioned resistant materials (like neoprene) serve as long-term solutions.
When it comes to piping, placing a gasket between two flanges, or connecting pieces, will form a static seal that strengthens the connection and prevents leakage.
Hot water piping gaskets must maintain a seal despite temperature changes.
Similarly, steam gaskets must maintain a seal while under extreme heat and pressure. They are non-re-usable because they have been compressed for a long duration and could risk cracking and failure once removed.
When it comes to outdoor gasket material selection, weathering and waterproofing are critical factors to take into account.
Automotive, electrical, and HVAC gaskets often endure weathering along with other outdoor applications. For this reason, materials like EPDM rubber which can withstand UV, ozone, and oxidation are popular choices for high-temperature outdoor gaskets.
The first step to choosing a high-temperature gasket material is knowing your maximum temperature.
Once you’ve determined the range, your next consideration is the application of the gasket itself. At what temperature are you applying the gasket, and will it cause any issues? From this point, you can narrow your material options to those with adequate temperature ranges.
Next, consider the properties you’re looking for: flexibility, expected lifetime, adhesive ability, etc. Factors like rigidity could be a pro or a con depending on your application.
You might already be at the point of testing out different materials in your design. When you hope to get gasket samples, Strouse can get them to you quickly and accurately.
Finding a suitable material is essential to your product function. If you’re interested in learning more about gaskets, you can read about sealing solutions in our Learning Center.