Description
DuPont™ Kalrez® perfluoroelastomer parts made from compounds 6221 and 6230/6230A* provide
superior chemical resistance and low contamination from extractables in pharmaceutical and food
handling applications where FDA compliance is required. DuPont™ Kalrez® 6221 and 6230/6230A are
especially suited for Water For Injection (WFI) systems, Steam-in-Place (SIP) cleaning and other critical
systems.
Thermal Stability
Unlike other elastomeric seals made with FDA compliant elastomers, Kalrez® perfluoroelastomer parts
are thermally stable up to 260 °C (500 °F), permitting use in applications such as Stage II Sterilization
processes, where other elastomers lose their sealing capabilities.
Aggressive Wear Resistance
In aggressive pharmaceutical and semiconductor processing environments, seal failure from excess
swelling, embrittlement or decomposition can cause unscheduled downtime or product contamination.
Elastomeric materials that come in contact with highly pure and aggressive water (e.g., WFI) must be
chosen with care in order to prolong seal life. The perfluoroelastomer compounds used in Kalrez® parts
have been shown to have extremely low to non-detectable extractable levels in aggressive water
systems. Because the perfluoroelastomer polymer in Kalrez® parts is fully saturated, it is also well suited
for ozonated deionized water service. Kalrez® parts also exhibit very low swell and loss of mechanical
properties after repeated steam cycling.
General Chemical Resistance
The overall chemical resistance of EPDMs, silicone elastomers and fluoroelastomers (FKM) is limited by
their respective polymer structures. Kalrez® parts, on the other hand, offer the same universal chemical
resistance as PTFE, but unlike PTFE, they have elastomeric properties, which help them maintain their
sealing capabilities. Table 1 lists the chemical compatibility of Kalrez® perfluoroelastomer parts and other
elastomers used as sealing materials in the pharmaceutical and food handling industries.