Preventing Gasket Swell in Jet Fuel and Hydraulic Fluid Applications
When elastomeric seals and gaskets come into contact with aggressive fluids—such as JP-8 jet fuel, Skydrol, or synthetic hydraulic fluids—one of the most common causes of premature failure is gasket swell. Volume swell occurs when fluid molecules diffuse into the polymer matrix of an elastomer, pushing the molecular chains apart. Left unaddressed, gasket swell leads […]
Understanding MIL-DTL-25988: Requirements, Classes, and Grades for Defense Gaskets
When specifying seals, gaskets, and elastomeric components for defense and aerospace applications, standard commercial-grade silicones often fall short. Military platforms operate under severe environmental conditions, combining extreme ambient temperature swings with continuous exposure to jet fuels, hydraulic fluids, and synthetic lubricants. To ensure material reliability, military callouts on engineering drawings frequently mandate compliance with MIL-DTL-25988 […]
Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) vs. Fluorocarbon (FKM): How to Choose the Right Solvent-Resistant Elastomer
When designing seals, gaskets, or O-rings for aggressive chemical environments, selecting the proper elastomer often comes down to two heavyweights: Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) and Fluorocarbon (FKM). Both materials deliver exceptional fluid and fuel resistance compared to general-purpose rubbers, but their physical performance under thermal and mechanical stress diverges significantly. Specifying the wrong material can lead to […]