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Liquid Oxygen Resistant O-Rings

Compatibility ratings for 7 O-ring materials in Liquid Oxygen service

At a glance:A× 2B× 0C× 1D× 4— 2 of 7 materials recommended for Liquid Oxygen

Liquid Oxygen (Cryogenics) compatibility with the seven most common O-ring elastomers, rated on the standard A/B/C/D scale: A = excellent, B = good, C = fair, D = not recommended. This data also appears in our interactive chemical compatibility chart and is available machine-readable at /api/chemicals.json.

MaterialRatingGuidance
NBRDnot recommended — rapid degradation expected
FKMDnot recommended — rapid degradation expected
EPDMDnot recommended — rapid degradation expected
VMQDnot recommended — rapid degradation expected
PTFEAexcellent — recommended for continuous service
FFKMAexcellent — recommended for continuous service
HNBRCfair — conditional use, verify with testing

Why These Ratings

  • PTFE (A) — documented strengths include “Virtually all chemicals.”
  • FFKM (A) — documented strengths include “Virtually all chemicals except molten alkali metals.”

CryogenicsService: Concentration & Temperature Notes

Cryogenic service is a temperature problem more than a chemistry problem: PTFE and FFKM retain their properties at cryogenic temperatures, while standard elastomers pass their glass-transition point and turn brittle. Ratings here assume static sealing at temperature — thermal cycling between ambient and cryogenic is harder than steady state. Verify groove design across the full thermal envelope.

Recommended

Use With Caution

Avoid

  • NBR (D)
  • FKM (D)
  • EPDM (D)
  • VMQ (D)
Engineering note: ratings are general guidelines based on typical exposure conditions. Fluid concentration, temperature, pressure and exposure time can shift compatibility by a full grade or more. For critical service, validate the actual compound with ASTM D471 immersion testing before production use. Selecting across multiple chemicals? See the chemical-resistant O-ring selection guide for a material-first comparison.

Related Chemicals (Cryogenics)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Liquid Oxygen compatible with FKM (Viton) O-rings?

FKM is rated D for Liquid Oxygen: not recommended — rapid degradation expected. Ratings are general guidelines; concentration, temperature and exposure time all affect real-world compatibility, so validate critical applications with ASTM D471 immersion testing.

Is Liquid Oxygen compatible with NBR (nitrile) O-rings?

NBR is rated D for Liquid Oxygen: not recommended — rapid degradation expected. NBR is the lowest-cost elastomer, so when it earns an A or B rating it is usually the economical default; when it rates C or D, do not substitute it for a higher-rated material to save cost.

Can I use PTFE O-rings with Liquid Oxygen?

PTFE is rated A for Liquid Oxygen: excellent — recommended for continuous service. Remember that PTFE has no elastic memory — in demanding service it needs spring energization or an elastomer core (FEP/PFA encapsulation) to maintain sealing force.

What is the best O-ring material for Liquid Oxygen?

PTFE, FFKM are rated A (excellent) for Liquid Oxygen in our compatibility data and are the recommended starting point for material selection. Final selection should also account for operating temperature, pressure and whether the seal is static or dynamic.

Can I use EPDM O-rings with Liquid Oxygen?

EPDM is rated D for Liquid Oxygen: not recommended — rapid degradation expected. Always confirm the specific fluid concentration and temperature before specifying EPDM for this service.

Need O-Rings for Liquid Oxygen Service?

Send us your fluid, concentration and temperature — our engineers will confirm the right compound. MOQ 1 piece.

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