Animal fats are lipids derived from animal sources such as beef, pork, and poultry. Common uses of animal fats include cooking, baking, and in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, and candles. Animal fats are also used as a source of energy and provide essential fatty acids.
Common types of failures when rubber is exposed to animal fats include swelling, softening, and cracking. Swelling is caused by the animal fats penetrating the rubber and causing it to expand, while softening occurs from the animal fats breaking down the rubber molecules and making them more pliable. Cracking occurs due to the animal fats breaking down the rubber molecules and causing them to become brittle.
Viton ® o-rings from Marco Rubber offer excellent compatibility with a range of chemicals, oils and resist high temperatures up to 400F. Viton ® is also known as FKM made of fluoroelastomer one of the most versatile and widely used sealing materials.
View some of our other material compatibility ratings with ANIMAL FATS. If you don't see what you're looking for or need more guidance, our team of experienced sealing design engineers can help select the best sealing products and material for your specific application.
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