Enhanced thermal and mechanical performance of graphene-reinforced fluoroelastomer O-rings under extreme sour,high-pressure,high-temperature conditions
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2026
Enhanced thermal and mechanical performance of graphene-reinforced fluoroelastomer O-rings under extreme sour,high-pressure,high-temperature conditions
This study explores the use of graphene nanoparticles (GE) as reinforcement in a fluoroelastomer (FE) matrix to develop a nanocomposite (FE/GE15) for O-ring applications. The properties of the nanocomposite were evaluated using XRD (before and after aging and after very sour condensate field tests), DMA (before and after aging), compression set, scratch, and abrasion tests. Results demonstrate that GE nanoparticles significantly enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite. XRD analysis indicates all samples exhibit γ-phase crystallinity with varying degrees. Notably, FE/GE15 shows a substantial increase in crystallinity after aging and field testing under high temperature and pressure conditions, whereas pure FE’s crystallinity decreases with aging. DMA results reveal that FE/GE15 has higher storage and loss moduli across a broad temperature range compared to FE, with a lower glass transition temperature (Tg). This suggests FE/GE15 behaves like a thin film with higher surface energy interactions. The tan δ in FE/GE15 is higher in the glassy state but comparable in the rubbery state, with a lower tan δ max than FE, indicating differences in energy dissipation behavior. FE/GE15 exhibits a lower compression set than FE, indicating better elastic recovery. Scratch tests show FE/GE15 has superior scratch resistance, though both rupture at 50 N. Abrasion resistance tests reveal similar performance for FE/GE15 and FE, both outperforming standard rubber, making them suitable for O-ring applications. Field tests with mechanical seals in centrifugal pumps containing very sour condensate confirmed that O-rings made from FE/GE15 maintained long-term integrity, demonstrating the nanocomposite’s potential for demanding industrial environments.
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