Compressed Fiber Sheets

Composition and Characteristics

Compressed Fiber Gaskets are cut from sheets formed by vulcanization under pressure, on large-diameter rolls. These sheets contain either mineral or synthetic fibers, plus a combination of elastomers. Because of the relative low cost in combination with good performance, these materials are widely used to fabricate industrial gaskets. Compressed Fiber Gaskets cover a wide spectrum of applications.

Their main characteristics are:

• High resistance to seating stress.
• Low creep relaxation.
• Wide range of operating temperatures and pressures.
• Resistance to an extensive range of chemical products.

Fibers:
Fibers provide the structural function which results in the good mechanical characteristics of compressed fiber gaskets.

Elastomers:
The choice of elastomers, vulcanized under pressure with fibers, determines the chemical resistance of compressed gaskets. They also provide good flexibility and elastic properties. 

Surface Finish

The different styles of Teadit® compressed gasket sheets are manufactured with two surface finishes, all of them Teadit® branded.

Graphite or Anti-stick:
Reduces adherence to the flange; mainly used where gaskets are frequently being replaced.

Physical Characteristics

Standardization organizations have issued several standards to assure product consistency and uniformity, as well as to compare products from different manufacturers.

Compressibility and Recovery:
Compressibility and Recovery are evaluated according the ASTM F36 – 99 Standard Test Method for Compressibility and Recovery of Gasket Materials. The compressibility is the thickness reduction while the material is compressed by a load of 5000 psi (34.5 MPa). It is expressed as percentage of the original thickness. Recovery is the increase in thickness after the load has been removed. It is expressed as percentage of the compressed thickness. Compressibility indicates the capacity of the material to flow and fill up flange imperfections. Gaskets with higher compressibility are easier to seat. Recovery indicates the capacity of the material to resist pressure and temperature changes

Sealability:
Sealability is measured according the ASTM F37 – 06 Standard Test Method for Sealability of gasket materials. It indicates the sealing performance under controlled conditions with Isooctane at 14.7 psi (0.101 MPa) and a seating stress from 125 psi (0.86 MPa) to 4000 psi (27.58 MPa).