Hexafluoroethane is also known as R-218 and Freon 218, and is a colorless and odorless gas. It is commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosol propellant, and as a blowing agent in foam production.
When rubber is exposed to hexafluoroethane, it can cause a number of issues. One common problem is that the rubber can become brittle, leading to cracks and eventual failure. The gas can also cause the rubber to swell and become distorted, reducing its ability to create a proper seal. In extreme cases, the rubber may even become tacky or sticky, leading to further failure.
Buna-N o-rings also referred to as NBR o-rings and Nitrile o-rings are the most widely used o-ring material in the word because of low cost, good mechanical performance with resistance to water, most basic oils, lubricants and some fuels, many pneumatic, hydraulic systems, and the default choice for basic applications. Buna-N o-rings are not recommended for exposure to sunlight, UV light, ozone and general outdoor weathering or hash chemicals, acids, keytones and many others.
View some of our other material compatibility ratings with HEXAFLUOROETHANE. 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.
View Full Chemical Compatibility Guide