The 5 Common Synesthetic Sealing Element (Lip) Materials for Automotive Oil Seals

Feb 15, 2016 Oil Seals | Materials

Automotive oil seals can be produced using a wide range of sealing lip materials. However, choosing the right lip material is crucial to enhance the sealing performance of a given automotive application. The blog here discusses the five commonly used synthetic sealing lip materials that are compatible with the extreme operating temperature and other conditions in the automotive industry.

The Top 5 Sealing Lip Materials for Automotive Oil Seals

The below listed sealing lip materials are largely chosen to produce automotive oil seals due to their extreme abrasion resistance and capability to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures.

Nitrile – This material is produced by combining Buna and acrylonitrile polymers. Nitrile can withstand temperatures up to 250ºF. The material is known for excellent oil/grease compatibility and swell characteristics.
Duralip – Relatively low in cost Duralip offers superior wear resistance. You can choose this material when your application calls for a sealing material that must ensure abrasive materials.
Polyacrylates – The material, which can withstand temperature up to 300ºF, is known for its good aging resistance. Extreme resistance to oxidation and compatibility to most oils add to its extensive usage while producing automotive seals.
Silicone – The material is characterized by high lubricant absorbency, and resistance to weather, ozone, water, grease and oil. The material can reliably operate in a wide temperature range, (from -100º to 325ºF) adding to its value.
Fluoroelastomers (Viton) – The common synthetic sealing lip material compatible with extreme temperature and environmental conditions. Viton is superior to nitrile, Duralip, and silicon in terms of wear and oxidation resistance, high pressure compatibility, and service life.

In addition to these synthetic materials, several other sealing lip materials are available to produce automotive oil seals. Those are categorized under non synthetic materials. A few of the popularly used non synthetic sealing lip materials include; PTTE, and Felt. Both these materials are beneficial due to their exceptional abrasion resistance and superior tensile strength.

Each of the aforementioned sealing material has its own advantages and peculiar features. Hence, choosing the right material is your responsibility. Consider the nature of applications prior to deciding on one. However, the choice must be right as the sealing lip material you have chosen has a significant impact on the sealing performance and reliability.