Materials and FeaturesGW SEAL Technical Reference Guide
GW SEAL provides a variety of seal materials for different operating conditions. Selecting the right material for mechanical seals ensures optimal performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness in diverse operating conditions. Below is a guide to common materials used in mechanical seals and their key characteristics to help you choose the best option for your applications.

Tungsten Carbide (WC)
- Features :
-
High toughness and wear resistance.
High thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion.
Available in nickel- or cobalt-bonded grades for varying corrosion resistance.
- Applications :
-
Mining, slurry pumps, and wastewater treatment.
Moderate chemical exposure.
-
Temperature Range: -200°C to 800°C.
Hardness:1,400–1,800 HV.
Brand No. |
YG6 |
YG8 |
YG15 |
YGN8 |
Density |
14.6-15.0 |
14.5-14.9 |
13.9-14.2 |
14.4-14.8 |
HRA |
89.5 |
89 |
87 |
88 |
Bending Strength |
1421 |
1470 |
2058 |
1470 |
Linear Expansivity (10-6/k(20C-500C) |
5 |
5.1 |
6.3 |
5.3 |
Medium |
Resistant against: Oil, sewage water, weak acid/alkali etc. |
Strong corrosive medium |
||
Silicon Carbide (SiC)
- Features :
-
Exceptional hardness and wear resistance.
High thermal conductivity and resistance to thermal shock.
Excellent chemical inertness (resists acids, alkalis, and abrasives).
- Applications :
-
High-speed, high-pressure environments (e.g., chemical pumps, oil refineries).
Abrasive or corrosive media.
-
Temperature Range: -100°C to 1,400°C (limited by secondary materials).
Hardness:2,500–2,800 HV.
unit |
Reaction Silicon Carbide SiC |
Sintered Silicon Carbide |
|
Purity |
% |
≧90 |
≧98 |
Density |
g/cm3 |
3.05 |
3.1 |
Shore Hardness |
HS |
110-125 |
120-130 |
Elastic Modulus |
MPa |
4.12*105 |
4.12*105 |
Tensile Strength |
MPa |
2.75*102 |
2.8*102 |
Bending Strength |
MPa |
4.41*102 |
4.9*102 |
Compression Strength |
MPa |
2.94*103 |
3.0*103 |
Thermal Conductivity |
W/mK |
141 |
147 |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion |
I/℃ |
4.3*10-6 |
4.0*10-6 |
Heat Resistance |
℃ |
1600 |
1650 |
Thermal Impact Coefficient |
Cal/cm. sec |
46.5 |
200 |
Acid Resistance |
/ |
5times higher than the usual TC |
Resist chemical media |

Carbon Graphite
- Features :
-
Self-lubricating properties reduce friction.
Good thermal and electrical conductivity.
Chemically inert in non-oxidizing environments. - Applications :
-
Dry-running or low-lubrication conditions.
Food processing, pharmaceuticals, and water systems.
-
Temperature Range: -200°C to 400°C (in inert atmospheres).
Type |
Brand |
Density (g/cm3) |
Fractural Strength (MPa) |
Compressive Strength (MPa) |
Hardness |
Porosity |
Temperatures (℃) |
M106H |
Impregnated Epoxy Resin(B1) |
1.75 |
65 |
200 |
85 |
<1 |
250 |
M120H |
1.7 |
60 |
180 |
80 |
<1 |
250 |
|
M106K |
Impregnated Furan Resin(B) |
1.75 |
67 |
200 |
90 |
<1 |
250 |
M120H |
1.7 |
62 |
180 |
85 |
<1 |
250 |
|
M106F |
Impregnated Phenol Aldehyde Resin(B2) |
1.75 |
60 |
200 |
85 |
250 |
|
M120F |
1.7 |
55 |
180 |
80 |
<1 |
250 |
|
M106D |
Antimony Carbon (A) |
2.3 |
65 |
220 |
90 |
<1.5 |
400 |
M120D |
2.3 |
60 |
220 |
90 |
<1.5 |
400 |
|
M254D |
2.3 |
55 |
210 |
65 |
<1.5 |
450 |

Ceramic
- Features :
-
High temperature resistance.
Corrosion resistance and wear resistance.
Good sealing performance. - Applications :
-
It is widely used in aerospace technology, machinery, metallurgy, printing and dyeing, food, pharmaceutical, automobile industry, etc.
-
Temperature Range: Up to 1000°C or higher.
Technical Parameter |
Unit |
95% |
99% |
99.50% |
Content of Al203 |
% |
≧95 |
≦99 |
≦99 |
Density |
g/cm3 |
3.7 |
3.88 |
3.9 |
Hardness |
HRA |
85 |
88 |
90 |
Porosity Rate |
% |
<0.4 |
<0.2 |
<0.15 |
Fractural Strength |
MPa |
250 |
310 |
350 |
Coefficient of Heat Expansion |
10-6/K |
5.5 |
5.3 |
5.2 |
Thermal Conductivity |
W/mK |
27.8 |
26.7 |
26 |
Variety |
Main Feature and Suitable Scope |
FPM |
Resistant against: Heat, oil, reagents. High temperature but sensitive to mechanical damage. Suitable for most acids and alkalis, except strong alkalis. Application temperature: -30℃~210℃ |
EPDM |
Resistant against: Chemical reagents. Suitable for hydraulic oil of organic phosphate. Application temperature: -50℃~150℃ |
NBR |
Resistant against: Oil, high pressure, wear. High elasticity and mechanical strength. Suitable for general hydraulic and pneumatic seal; Unsuitable for working under sunlight and ultraviolet; Restricted ability to withstand strong acids. Application temperature: -20℃~120℃ |
SILICON RUBBER |
Resistant against: Heat, freeze, low mechanical strength, poor bending and not wear. Suitable for fixed seal resistant to heat and freeze. Unsuitable for working under high mechanical strength. Application temperature: -80℃~200℃ |
CR |
Resistant against: Oil, wear, good bending. Especially suitable for pneumatic machinery and hydraulic fluid at high aniline content. Application temperature: -40℃~120℃ |
HNBR |
Resistant against: Gasoline, freon, oil, acid, alkali, heat and freeze. High mechanical strength and wear. |
FFKM:
It is widely used in semiconductor manufacture, petrochemical, gas extraction, medical, food and aerospace industries.


Dupont-Kalrez | |||
Property |
Unit |
Kalrez 6375 |
Kalrez 4079 |
Tensile Strength @ Break |
MPa |
15.1 |
16.9 |
kgf/cm |
/ |
154 |
172 |
Modulous @100% |
MPa |
7.2 |
7.3 |
kgf/cm2 |
/ |
73.4 |
74 |
Elongation percentage @Break |
% |
160 |
150 |
Hardness |
HS |
75 |
75 |
Heat Resistance Temperature |
℃ |
275 |
316 |
70 hr in room temperature |
/ |
/ |
22 |
70 hr at 204℃ |
/ |
30 |
25 |
China -FFKM | ||
Property |
unit |
|
Hardness |
HS |
72 |
Tensile Strength @ Break |
MPa |
20 |
Elongation Percentage @ Break |
% |
175 |
Modulous @100% |
MPa |
10.5 |
Heat Resistance Temperature |
℃ |
270℃ |
70 hr in room temperature |
/ |
19 |
70 hr at 204 ℃ |
/ |
49 |
-

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
- Features :
-
Outstanding chemical resistance to aggressive media.
Low friction and anti-stick properties.
Flexible but prone to cold flow under pressure. - Applications :
-
Highly corrosive environments (e.g., sulfuric acid, chlorine).
Food-grade or hygienic applications.
-
Temperature Range: -200°C to 260°C.
-

Stainless Steel (SS 316, SS 304)
- Features :
-
Good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.
Cost-effective for moderate conditions.
Vulnerable to chlorides and extreme acids. - Applications :
-
General-purpose seals in water, oils, and mild chemicals.
HVAC systems and marine equipment.
-
Temperature Range:-50°C to 400°C.

Operating Condition |
Recommended Material |
High abrasion (slurries, solids) |
Silicon Carbide, Tungsten Carbide |
Strong acids/alkalis |
PTFE, Silicon Carbide |
High temperature (>300°C) |
Silicon Carbide, Special Alloys |
Food/pharmaceutical contact |
PTFE, EPDM, Carbon Graphite |
Low-cost, general-purpose |
Stainless Steel, NBR |
Temperature & Pressure: Material performance degrades beyond rated limits.
Cost vs. Lifespan: Harder materials (e.g., SiC) have higher upfront costs but longer service life.
Pairing: Combine materials (e.g., SiC vs. Carbon) to optimize wear resistance.


