High-Performance Material Offers Alternative to PTFE: Better Properties At Lower Costs

With “98 AU 30500”, the material development experts at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies have developed a hydrolysis-resistant high-performance polyurethane that offers considerably better properties for mobile hydraulic sealing systems than conventional PTFE variants. “It’s true that PTFE materials offer high media resistance and a broad temperature range for hydraulic applications, while being low-friction and reliable,” says Dr. Jürgen Hieber. “But our 98 AU 30500 material can actually top that, as it is extremely wear-resistant and also highly media-resistant. Thanks to the optimized alignment of material and geometry, our seals made of 98 AU 30500 have low friction and very low gap extrusion, which translates into a long service life. The excellent friction and sealing performance make it possible for such seals to replace conventional PTFE seals for standard hydraulic operating conditions. It can also be used from -25 degrees to +120 degrees,” says the Materials Development Manager at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies. “The material even offers a further important advantage, namely that it makes previously unfeasible low-friction and hydrodynamically optimized sealing geometries possible in the future.”

The high-performance material also excels in terms of cost effectiveness. “Thanks to its longer service life and lower need for maintenance, it helps users reduce their operating costs. It also enables greater efficiency in hydraulic systems, which leads to improved performance,” says Martin Goerres, Manager of Engineering & Innovation at Freudenberg.

He sees many more potential applications. Initially, the material was developed primarily for mobile hydraulic applications in the construction equipment sector in regions with high humidity. But by now, customers in such industries as food and packaging are also starting to inquire about it. The market for PTFE alternatives is expected to grow.