Gasket and Seal Manufacturing Materials

Plastic gaskets and seals prevent leaks, protect against contaminants, and act as barriers between surfaces. The type of plastic used in a gasket or seal is dependent on the properties or characteristics needed for the application. Plastics commonly used for gaskets and seals include:

• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): PTFE finds extensive use in gaskets and seals due to its excellent chemical resistance, high temperature stability, and non-stick properties. It serves as an effective seal for applications dealing with corrosive fluids and high temperatures.
• Phenolic: In general, phenolics have several properties that make them a widely-used material for gaskets and seals. Thermally stable, chemically resistant, mechanically strong, and relative ease of machinability all contribute to phenolic's ability to provide robust, heat-resistant, and chemically inert seals and gaskets in a variety of industrial applications. The variability in properties among the different phenolic grades allows for more tailored sealing solutions for specific applications.
• Polyethylene (PE): Flexible and chemically resistant, polyethylene is used for gaskets and seals in applications where a softer and more pliable material is required.
• Polypropylene (PP): Polypropylene's chemical resistance and strength make it a suitable material for gaskets and seals in industrial or chemical processing applications.
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC's cost-effectiveness compared to similar materials along with its chemical resistance makes it an economical choice for seals in many industries such as construction or plumbing.
• Polyurethane (PU): Available in different hardness levels, polyurethane is a good fit for gaskets and seals where a balance of flexibility and toughness is required. It is used in hydraulic systems that require a material that can withstand both abrasion and pressure.
• Nylon: Nylon is a versatile thermoplastic known for its toughness and wear resistance. It is used in dynamic sealing applications where abrasion resistance and flexibility are essential.
• PEEK: PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and high-temperature stability. It is used for seals in demanding applications that require its balance of outstanding properties.

• [Acetal Datasheet]
• [HDPE Datasheet]
• [Nylon Datasheet]
• [PEEK Datasheet]
• [Polypropylene Datasheet]
• [PTFE Datasheet]
• [UHMW Datasheet]

Other plastics used to make gaskets and seals include CPVC, PET, and PCTFE.

Gaskets can be classified by material, application, or function. In terms of material, the 3 types of gasket are metallic, semi-metallic, and non-metallic. Plastics used in the manufacture of gaskets fall into the non-metallic category.

Generally, seals are used in dynamic applications with moving parts, while gaskets are a type of seal designed for static applications that rely on compression to keep the gasket from moving.

The main function of a gasket seal is to create a barrier between two or more mating surfaces in order to prevent leaks. Gaskets prevent the escape or entry of liquids, gases, or other substances and help maintain a sealed environment in pipelines, engines, pumps, and other machinery. They can also help manage and contain both temperature and pressure within a system. In corrosive environments, gasket seals can serve as a protective barrier to prevent the corrosion of metal components.

Seals can be made of different materials including rubber, composite materials, fabric-reinforced materials, and thermoplastics like polyurethane or PTFE.

Yes, a gasket is a type of seal specifically to fill the space between two mating surfaces. Gaskets made from plastics like PTFE, PE, and polypropylene provide strong, durable, chemically resistant seals.