Gaskets play a vital role in various industries, from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals and beyond, where maintaining a seal is critical. Among the diverse types of gaskets available, two primary curing methods stand out: platinum cured and peroxide cured. While both serve similar purposes, their compositions and characteristics differ significantly, impacting their applications and performance. We’ll help you make informed decisions for your specific needs.
1. Curing Process:
- Platinum Cured Gaskets: In platinum curing, platinum catalysts initiate the cross-linking reaction in the polymer chains. This process produces gaskets with exceptional purity and minimal risk of by-products or extractables.
- Peroxide Cured Gaskets: Peroxide curing involves the use of organic peroxides as catalysts to induce cross-linking. Unlike platinum curing, this method can introduce by-products during the curing process, which might require post-curing treatments to remove residual materials.
2. Purity and Contamination:
- Platinum Cured Gaskets: These gaskets are renowned for their high purity, making them ideal for applications requiring minimal risk of contamination. They are often favored in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food processing where product integrity is paramount.
- Peroxide Cured Gaskets: While peroxide cured gaskets offer excellent performance, they may carry a slightly higher risk of contamination due to the by-products generated during curing. However, advancements in manufacturing techniques have minimized this concern in many cases.
3. Physical Properties:
- Platinum Cured Gaskets: Typically, platinum cured gaskets exhibit superior mechanical properties, such as tear strength, elongation, and resilience. They are also less prone to shrinkage over time, ensuring a more durable and long-lasting seal.
- Peroxide Cured Gaskets: Although peroxide cured gaskets may not match the mechanical properties of their platinum cured counterparts, they still offer excellent flexibility and temperature resistance. Their performance can vary based on the specific formulation and curing conditions.
4. Applications:
- Platinum Cured Gaskets: Due to their high purity and superior properties, platinum cured gaskets find extensive use in critical applications such as medical devices, pharmaceutical, and cleanroom environments. They are also favored for applications requiring biocompatibility and FDA compliance.
- Peroxide Cured Gaskets: These gaskets are suitable for a wide range of applications, including automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment, and consumer products. While they may not be as well-suited for ultra-sensitive applications, they provide reliable sealing solutions in many industries.
5. Cost Considerations:
- Platinum Cured Gaskets: The high purity and specialized manufacturing process of platinum cured gaskets often result in higher production costs compared to peroxide cured options. However, the investment may be justified for applications where purity and performance are paramount.
- Peroxide Cured Gaskets: Generally, peroxide cured gaskets are more cost-effective due to simpler manufacturing processes and lower material costs. They offer a balance between performance and affordability, making them suitable for various industrial applications.
Both platinum cured gaskets and peroxide cured gaskets have their unique strengths and applications. Choosing the right type depends on factors such as purity requirements, mechanical properties, regulatory compliance, and budget constraints. By understanding the differences, you can make informed decisions to ensure optimal sealing performance in your specific application. Whether you prioritize purity for critical environments or seek a cost-effective solution without compromising performance, there’s a gasket option tailored to meet your needs.
Sanitary Fittings offers a wide range of sanitary gaskets in different styles, compositions, and colors. Shop all sanitary gaskets now. We also have more gasket information available on our blog.