Mercury vapor, also known as quicksilver vapor, is a chemical compound consisting of elemental mercury in its gas phase. Common uses for mercury vapor include fluorescent lighting, dental amalgam filling, and research laboratory experiments.
When rubber is exposed to mercury vapor, it can cause the rubber to become brittle, leading to cracking. Additionally, long-term exposure to mercury vapor can cause the rubber to become porous and brittle, resulting in fatigue cracking. Mercury vapor can also corrode metal parts, leading to further deterioration of the rubber seal. The chemical can also cause chemical burns to rubber due to its highly corrosive nature.
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 MERCURY VAPOR. 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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