What’s the FKM/Viton® Material?
Viton® is a type of fluoroelastomer (FKM), and it’s basically the superhero of rubber materials. It’s got this incredible combo of chemical resistance, thermal stability, and durability that makes it perfect for harsh environments. It can work with fuels, oils, acids, solvents, and even extreme temperatures without breaking.
Why Viton® O-Rings Are needed?
Here’s a quick peek at some key properties of Viton® (FKM) material:
Chemical Resistance:
Fluorocarbon rubber (FKM) resists chemicals due to its high fluorine content and strong carbon-fluorine (C-F) bonds, which create a dense, chemically inert structure.
This molecular stability prevents reactions with acids, oils, solvents, and fuels, ensuring reliable performance in aggressive environments.
This makes them perfect for chemical plants, oil refineries, and anywhere else where nasty chemicals are flying around.
Higher fluorine content in FKM improves chemical and heat resistance but may reduce low-temperature flexibility. At OBT, we analyze your application needs (temperature, chemicals, mechanical stress) to select or customize the optimal FKM grade, balancing performance for your specific challenges.
Here is the properties of typical FKM material:
| Characteristic | Unit | Test method | Standard range | Typical value |
| Physical properties | ||||
| Hardness Shore A | Point | ASTM D2240 | 70±5 | 72 |
| Tensile strength | MPa | ASTM D412 | ≥10 | 14 |
| Elongation at break | % | ASTM D412 | ≥150 | 210 |
| Comprehension set 70h at 200℃ | % | ASTM D 395 | ≤25 | 23 |
| Low temperature properties Tg by DSC | ℃ | ASTM D3418 | ≤-15 | -17 |
| Fluid resistance | ASTM D471 | |||
| Volume change after 70h at 150℃ in | % | |||
| – Oil 901 | 0/+8 | 1 | ||
| – Oil 902 | 0/+8 | 1 | ||
| – Oil 903 | 0/+8 | 3 | ||
| Volume change after 70h at 150℃ in | % | |||
| – Liquid A | ||||
| – Lquid B | 0/+8 | 1 | ||
| – Liquid C | 0/+8 | 2 | ||
| 0/+8 | 4 |
Temperature Stability:
It can handle temps from -15°C to 200°C (5°F to 392°F), so they’re ideal for high-heat applications like automotive engines or chemical processing systems.
The low temperature performance of normal FKM is not as good as material like EPDM or Sillicone, there is low temperature FKM can be considerred with higher cost.
Where Do FKM O-Rings Used?
FKM O-rings are widely used in beliw applications:
Automotive Industry:
From fuel systems to engine systems, FKM O-rings are working for the application where contact with fuels, oils, methanol, exhause.
FKM seals are assembled in these components,like: sensors, fuel line quick connectors,engine oil cooling, oil filters.
Chemical Processing:
In chemical plants, Viton O-rings are the go-to for sealing against corrosive chemicals and solvents. They keep things running smoothly and safely.
Aircraft and Aviation:
When you’re dealing with aircraft engines, hydraulic systems, and fuel lines, you need seals that can handle extreme temps and high pressure.
Oil and Gas Industry:
In the world of oil and gas, Viton O-rings are sealing against hydrocarbons, acids, and caustic chemicals in valves, fittings, and pipelines. They’re tough enough for the toughest environments.
FKM O-Ring Lubricants
Lubricants can imporve the seal performance and easier assembly.Here is a some common lubricants can be used for silicone o-rings.
- Silicone-Based Greases
Compatibility: Ideal for high-temperature applications.
Function: Reduce friction and prevent seal abrasion.
- PTFE (Teflon) Sprays
Advantages: Dry lubrication for clean environments (e.g., medical devices).
- FP Lubricants
PFPE based fluid can be coated on the surface of O-RING.
Different Color Avaiable For HNBR O-Rings
- Black
- Red
- Blue
- Green
- Brown
Different color can be easily to identify if o-rings are missing installation.
Why Choose OBT for Your FKM/Viton O-Rings?
We’ve got a wide range of Viton O-rings that are designed to meet the specific needs of your industry. Whether you’re dealing with high temps, aggressive chemicals, or high-pressure systems, we’ve got the sealing solution for you.
Our team is committed to delivering products you can trust, and we’re always here to help you find the perfect fit for your technical requirements.
Let’s Elevate Your Sealing Application!
Contact us to learn more about your requirement and how we can help you achieve reliable performance in even the most demanding environments. Let’s seal the deal! 😊
Reference Reading:
How to measure the hardness: shore A,B,C,D?
How to measure the density of rubber material?
How to Evaluate the Resistance of Rubber to Oils and Other Solvents？
How to Evaluate the Low-Temperature Performance of Rubber?
How to Evaluate the Resistance of Rubber to Oils and Other Solvents？
How to choose between HNBR and AEM?
How to choose between HNBR and FKM(Viton) for O-Ring/gasket?
How choose Between FKM vs FVMQ?
When to use HNBR and Low Temperature HNBR(LT HNBR)?
Low Temperature FKM Rubber: Ideal for Automotive, Aerospace, and Chemical Processing
