Perfluoroelastomer Crosslinking for High-Temperature Steam Seals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cross-linked perfluoroelastomers, such as those using triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC), have limited heat resistance and cannot withstand high-temperature and high-pressure steam environments, making them unsuitable for deep underground power generation plants and oil fields.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a perfluoroelastomer, carbon black, and a crosslinking agent represented by a specific formula, which enhances the heat resistance, vapor resistance, and rapid decompression resistance of the cross-linked perfluoroelastomer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a general crosslinking agent like TAIC is used, then the perfluoroelastomer can be cross-linked, but the heat resistance is limited to just over 200°C and cannot withstand high-temperature steam environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat resistanceVSAvoidvapor resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the crosslinking agent by introducing fluorinated groups and specific molecular architectures (formulas 1-3) that can withstand temperatures above 200°C. This structural modification enables the crosslinked perfluoroelastomer to maintain stability in high-temperature steam environments while preserving sealing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite crosslinking system combining perfluoroelastomer with specifically designed crosslinking agents containing fluorinated hydrocarbon groups. This composite approach integrates the heat resistance of the perfluoroelastomer backbone with the enhanced thermal stability of the fluorinated crosslinking structure, achieving both high temperature and vapor resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the sealing material is exposed to rapid decompression environment, then the gas dissolved in the sealing material expands at once, but the sealing material cracks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverapid decompression resistanceVSAvoidcrack resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the crosslinking density and network structure parameters through the use of specifically designed crosslinking agents. This creates a more uniform and flexible crosslinked network that can accommodate rapid volume changes during decompression without developing critical stress concentrations that would lead to cracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fluorinated crosslinking structure acts as a cushioning network that absorbs and distributes the sudden expansion stress of dissolved gases during rapid decompression. The flexible fluorinated hydrocarbon chains in the crosslinking agent provide a buffer zone that prevents stress concentration and crack initiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Power

If the temperature of water vapor is elevated to increase power generation efficiency, then the power generation efficiency increases, but the sealing material cannot withstand the high-temperature environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidsteam temperature resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent elevates the thermal stability parameter of the sealing material by incorporating crosslinking agents with fluorinated groups and specific molecular structures (formulas 1-3) that maintain integrity at temperatures above 200°C, enabling the sealing material to function in high-temperature steam environments required for improved power generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops a composite material system where the perfluoroelastomer matrix is reinforced with fluorinated crosslinking structures. This composite provides both the elasticity needed for sealing and the thermal stability required for high-temperature power generation applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The proposed solution provides a cross-linked perfluoroelastomer with improved heat resistance, vapor resistance, and rapid decompression resistance, enabling its use in high-temperature and high-pressure steam environments.

Implementation Method 1

carbon black having a specific surface area of 0.8 to 2.0 m²/g per 100 parts by weight of the perfluoroelastomer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFree radical absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a crosslinking agent represented by formula (1)... a cross-linked perfluoroelastomer obtained by crosslinking the composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12305107B2Perfluoroelastomer composition, cross-linked perfluoroelastomer and molded article

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 NICHIAS CORP

AI summary

A composition comprising a perfluoroelastomer, carbon black in an amount of 55 to 75 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the perfluoroelastomer, and a crosslinking agent represented by the following formula (1): wherein in the formula (1), A is a single bond, —O—, an alkylene group, or a fluoroalkylene group; R1, R2, and R3 are independently a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, an alkyl group, or a fluoroalkyl group; and provided that at least one of R1, R2, and R3 is a fluorine atom or a fluoroalkyl group.