what is gasket

A gasket is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two or more mating surfaces, generally to prevent leakage from or into the joined objects while under compression. It is commonly made from materials such as rubber, plastic, metal, cork, felt, neoprene, nitrile rubber, fiberglass, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon), or a plastic polymer. Gaskets can come in various forms, including sheet gaskets, solid material gaskets, spiral wound gaskets, double jacketed gaskets, and Kammprofile gaskets. They are used in a wide range of applications, including in cars, trains, planes, boats, electrical equipment, pumps, and many more industrial and household settings. Gaskets are essential for creating a pressure-tight seal and protecting the contents inside the seal. They are also designed to fill irregularities and deformities between surfaces, and they must be manufactured from materials that are easily deformed and adequately fill any irregularities. Gaskets are commonly used in food processing plants to ensure proper sanitation and safety, and they are resistant to specific environments such as extreme heat or chemical reactions.