This table is a starting point. Always confirm with immersion test data for your exact fluid, concentration and temperature.
Key: G generally good, L limited (depends on grade, temperature, concentration), X avoid.
| Fluid | NBR | HNBR | FKM | FEPM | EPDM | VMQ | FFKM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral oil, hydraulic oil | G | G | G | G | X | L | G |
| Diesel and gasoline | G | L | G | X | X | X | G |
| Aromatic solvents (toluene) | X | X | G | X | X | X | G |
| Ketones (MEK, acetone) | X | X | X | L | G | X | G |
| Water, hot water | L | L | L | G | G | L | G |
| Steam | X | L | X | G | G | L | G |
| Glycol and brake fluid (glycol) | L | L | L | G | G | L | G |
| Brake fluid (mineral) | X | X | X | X | G | X | G |
| Amines, caustic | X | G | X | G | G | L | G |
| Sour gas (H2S) | X | G | L | G | X | X | G |
| Strong mineral acids | X | L | G | G | L | X | G |
| Ozone, weathering | X | G | G | G | G | G | G |
| Hot oil with amine additives | X | G | X | G | X | X | G |
| Refrigerants (R134a) | G | L | X | X | G | X | G |
| Hydrogen gas | L | L | L | L | L | L | L |
How to use the matrix
- Identify every fluid including cleaning agents and upset conditions.
- Mark any X. If a polymer is X for a fluid it will meet, remove it.
- Within the remaining ones choose by temperature (see the temperature table) and cost.
- Ask for immersion data and compression set after ageing in the fluid.
Typical pairs in oil and gas
- Drilling fluids with amines and brine: HNBR or FEPM.
- High-temperature sweet service: FKM.
- Sour gas with high H2S: FEPM, HNBR (with the right cure), or FFKM.
- Rapid gas decompression: tough, high-hardness FKM, HNBR or FEPM tested to a recognised protocol.
Why the same name does not guarantee performance
A polymer name tells you the family, not the compound. Fluorine content in FKM, acrylonitrile content in NBR, filler type and cure system all change results. Specify performance in the fluid, not only the polymer.
Next steps
Pair this matrix with the swell and compatibility article, and use our selector to see which compounds fit your fluids and temperature window.
About this article. It is original writing prepared from public sources, standards and general industry practice. It is not a copy of any book or standard and it is not engineering advice. Confirm values against the current edition of the standard and test in your own application. Only analyse material you own or are entitled to analyse.
