PENTANE Resistant O-Rings and Seals

Pentane is a colorless, volatile, highly flammable hydrocarbon gas with a strong odor. It is widely used as a solvent in a variety of industries, such as pharmaceuticals, paints and coatings, and petroleum processing.

When rubber is exposed to pentane, it can be affected by swelling, cracking, hardening, and embrittlement. Swelling of the rubber can be caused by the absorption of the pentane molecules into the rubber, which can also lead to a reduction in the elasticity of the rubber. Cracking of the rubber can occur due to changes in the rubber's molecular structure caused by the presence of the pentane gas. Hardening of the rubber can be caused by the pentane molecules attacking the rubber's polymer chains, resulting in a loss of flexibility. Embrittlement of the rubber can occur when the pentane molecules interact with the rubber's polymer chains, causing them to become brittle and prone to cracking.