THIONYL CHLORIDE Resistant O-Rings and Seals

Thionyl chloride, also known as sulfurous acid chloride, is a colorless, highly reactive gas with a strong pungent odor. It is used in various industrial processes, mostly as a chlorinating reagent for organic compounds. Thionyl chloride is also used for the production of other chemicals, such as ethylene dichloride and chloroform.

When rubber is exposed to thionyl chloride, it can cause significant swelling, softening, and embrittlement, leading to cracking, loss of elasticity, and eventual failure. Thionyl chloride can also corrode metal components of the rubber, leading to further structural degradation and eventual failure. In order to avoid these issues, it is important to determine if the rubber is compatible with thionyl chloride or any other chemicals that could be present in its application.