The Volatile Products Evolved from Fluoroelastomer Compounds during Curing

Abstract

Abstract The data show that hydrogen fluoride is not a major component of the gases evolved during any stage of the cure. During the press cure the major components are CO2 and H2O. Temperature and mold openings can have a significant effect on the weight loss during press cure. During the postcure the major components are H2O and CO2, while the rest of the components result primarily from the curing agents. No fluorocarbon breakdown products were detected. A variety of factors can affect the nature of the products evolved from fluoroelastomer compounds during curing. Since the physiological effects of many of these compounds are not known, it is recommended that adequate ventilation always be used when curing fluoroelastomers.