Fluorosilicone Oil: Acid, Alkali, and Solvent Resistance in Chemical Equipment Applications
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Fluorosilicone oil, with its excellent acid, alkali, and solvent resistance, demonstrates unique advantages in the field of chemical equipment, particularly suitable for sealing, lubrication, and protection applications involving highly corrosive media.
I. Acid, Alkali, and Solvent Resistance Characteristics of Fluorosilicone Oil
1. Chemical Structure Advantages
In fluorosilicone oil molecules, silicon atoms are chemically bonded to trifluoropropyl groups, possessing both the flexibility of organosilicon compounds and the chemical inertness of fluoropolymers.
The "electron shielding effect" formed by fluorine atoms effectively resists the erosion of strong solvents and corrosive media.
Its surface tension is as low as 20-25 mN/m, far lower than ordinary silicone oil, enabling it to form a durable protective film on metal surfaces.
2. Chemical Resistance Performance
Acid and alkali resistance: It can withstand strong acid and alkali environments and does not undergo significant chemical changes during long-term use in chemical equipment.
Solvent resistance: It has excellent resistance to strong polar solvents such as gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, ketones/esters, etc.
Corrosion resistance: In valves, bearings, and other components in contact with corrosive compounds, it can effectively prevent media corrosion.
II. Typical Applications in Chemical Equipment
1. Sealing System Applications
Chemical valve sealing: Fluorosilicone oil is used for lubrication and sealing of valves in contact with corrosive media, effectively preventing acid, alkali, and solvent leakage.
O-rings and seals: As an ideal choice for precision sealing components, it has good compatibility with oil-resistant rubbers such as EPDM and NBR, and will not cause material expansion or embrittlement.
High vacuum system sealing: It exhibits extremely low volatile loss in high vacuum environments below 10⁻⁸ Pa, suitable for demanding environments such as semiconductor wafer manufacturing and aerospace equipment.
2. Lubrication System Applications
Corrosion-resistant lubricating grease base oil: Fluorosilicone oil can be used as a base oil to prepare fluorosilicone grease, suitable for temperatures from -70 to 252℃, for high-speed, heavy-load bearing lubrication in contact with chemical reagents.
Boundary lubrication improvement: Significantly improves the boundary lubrication performance of steel-steel contact surfaces, reducing the friction coefficient by more than 30%. High-Load Environment: Under high loads, its lubrication performance is superior to mineral oil-based greases, making it particularly suitable for heavy-duty bearings in chemical equipment.
3. Protection and Surface Treatment
Corrosion-Resistant Coating: Fluorosilicone oil can be formulated into fluorosilicone anti-corrosion coatings, requiring minimal surface preparation and effectively preventing direct corrosion by moisture and other chemical media.
Fabric and Material Finishing: Used for water-repellent, oil-repellent, and stain-resistant finishing of fibers and fabrics, suitable for protective clothing in chemical equipment.
Release Agent: Used as a release agent in molding processes during chemical equipment manufacturing, offering anti-adhesion and safety.
III. Advantages Compared to Ordinary Silicone Oil
Table
Characteristic | Fluorosilicone Oil | Ordinary Silicone Oil
Acid and Alkali Resistance | Excellent, resistant to strong acids and bases | General, easily fails in the presence of strong acids and bases
Solvent Resistance | Strong resistance to polar solvents | Easily swells and fails in the presence of alcohol, acetone, etc.
Temperature Range | -60℃~+250℃ (some up to 300℃) | -50℃~+200℃
Surface Tension | 20-25 mN/m (lower) | Usually higher than 25 mN/m
High Vacuum Stability | Excellent performance in environments below 10⁻⁸ Pa | Only suitable for 10⁻⁶ Pa vacuum levels
IV. Practical Application Cases
Petrochemical Equipment: In refining equipment and natural gas desulfurization units, fluorosilicone oil seals can withstand harsh working conditions such as high temperature, high pressure, oils, and strong corrosive media.
Semiconductor Manufacturing: In the semiconductor wafer manufacturing process, fluorosilicone oil is used for vacuum system sealing, ensuring long-term stable operation in high-purity environments.
Pharmaceutical Industry: Used for sealing equipment that comes into contact with highly corrosive drugs, ensuring safety and product purity during the production process.
Wastewater Treatment Systems: In wastewater treatment equipment, fluorosilicone oil seals can resist corrosion from various chemical agents, extending equipment life.
V. Precautions for Use
Compatibility: Fluorosilicone grease should not be in prolonged contact with lead-containing or sulfur-containing compounds, as chemical reactions may occur.
Pure Oxygen Environment: The safety of the formulation must be confirmed before use in a pure oxygen environment. Storage conditions: Should be stored in a sealed container, avoiding contact with acidic and alkaline substances, and stored in a cool, dry place.
The application of fluorosilicone oil in chemical equipment not only improves the corrosion resistance of the equipment but also significantly extends its service life, providing reliable technical support for the chemical industry. With the continuous development of fluorosilicone material technology, its application in the chemical field will become even more widespread and in-depth.