What is Viton Rubber? Properties, Applications, and Benefits

Discover the properties, applications and benefits of Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber and explore how it compares with other elastomeric materials.

What is Viton?

Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber is a world renowned high-performance material used in professional industries due to its exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and fluids. The material is suitable for applications that require long-lasting and robust seals, gaskets and O-rings. Developed by DuPont in the late 1950’s, Viton is part of the Fluoroelastomer (FKM) family, which comprises synthetic rubbers based on fluorocarbons that can be cross-linked with various co-agents to produce materials with specialized properties.

Whether you’re in the automotive, aerospace, chemical, pharmaceutical or oil and gas industry, understanding the properties, applications and benefits of Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber is essential to choosing the right material for your specific needs. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Viton and explore its unique properties, versatility and ability to perform in the harshest of environments.

Why use Viton?

Viton rubber is a type of Fluoroelastomer that has a highly unique molecular structure and composition. Manufactured from a combination of hexafluoropropylene (HFP) and vinylidene fluoride (VDF), resulting in material with exceptional chemical resistance, high-temperature stability, and excellent mechanical properties. Here are some of the key properties of Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber.

• High temperature resistance – has the ability to withstand continuous high temperatures up to 204°C, or intermittent exposures of up to 315°C without losing its shape or breaking down.
• Chemical resistance – excellent resistance to chemical attack by oxidation, acids, oils, fuels and petrochemicals.
• Low compression set – highly resilient and maintains its shape even after repeated compressions. Due to the low compression set of 62% (70°C for 22 hours) it can return to its original shape quickly and effectively.
• Tensile strength – offers a high tensile strength of 7 MPA, meaning Viton Fluoroelastomer rubber is highly flexible and can withstand stretching without breaking.
• Tear Resistance – the material has a tear resistance of 20 kg/cm and can be used for applications that involve exposure to sharp edges or rough surfaces.
• Abrasion Resistance – resistant to abrasion and friction with the ability to withstand wear and tear over long periods of time.

What is Viton used for?

Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber is a highly versatile material with unique properties that make it suitable for a wide range of industries and applications. Its exceptional performance in extreme temperatures, resistance to chemicals and fluids combined with its low compression set and good mechanical properties, make it a reliable and durable option for rubber gaskets, seals, O-rings and other critical components.

By understanding the full range of uses and applications for Viton, you can fully appreciate its value and potential in your industry or specific application. Below are some of the most common applications of Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber:

Aerospace Industry

Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber is used in aircraft engine seals and other critical aerospace components due to its excellent resistance to high temperatures, harsh chemicals and its low compression set.

Automotive Industry

The automotive industry uses Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber for a range of applications including fuel system seals, gasket and O-Rings. The materials ability to resist fuels, petro chemicals and oils makes it extremely popular within this sector.

Chemical Industry

Viton’s exceptional chemical, acid and corrosive fluid resistance make it an ideal material for use within the industry. Commonly found in seals and gaskets for chemical processing equipment, as well as for tubing and hoses in chemical transfer applications.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Viton Fluoroelastomer rubber is also used in the pharmaceutical industry for seals and gaskets, as well as for tubing and hoses in drug delivery systems. Its chemical resistance and low compression set make it an ideal material for use in sterile processing and other critical applications.

Oil and Gas Industry

Within the Oil and Gas industry, Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber is one of the most commonly used elastomeric materials. This is due to the rubber’s high temperature and chemical resistance, making it suitable for seals, gaskets and other components used in drilling and production equipment, as well as tubing and hoses in oil and gas transfer applications.

Benefits of Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber

As one of the most versatile and high performance materials on the market, Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber offers a broad spectrum of benefits not found with other elastomers. Next, we will explore the key benefits of using Viton for your project:

Long lasting performance

• Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber is renowned for its exceptional durability, making it an ideal choice for applications that demand long-lasting performance.
• It boasts high resistance to wear and tear, which reduces the likelihood of failure and need for frequent replacement, ultimately reducing the overall cost of ownership.

Resistance to extreme environments

• Viton exhibits exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures, both high and low (-20°C to +250°C), making it suitable for use in environments with extreme temperature ranges across many different professional sectors.
• Additionally, its resistance to a wide range of chemicals including acids, fuels, solvents and oils, make it a number one choice for applications where there is likely exposure to harsh chemicals.

Reduced maintenance costs

• Viton’s outstanding durability and resistance to wear and tear contribute to lower maintenance costs as it requires a less frequent replacement or repair.
• The materials low compression set means that it maintains its shape and performance overtime, reducing the need for maintenance.

Comparing Viton to Other Rubber Materials: Pros and Cons

When selecting a rubber material for your project, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each elastomer, allowing you to make an informed decision on the most appropriate for your application. This section will compare Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber to other commonly used rubber materials including PTFE, Silicone, EPDM and Nitrile.

Which is better, Viton or PTFE?

Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber and PTFE are two very different materials, each offering unique properties. Viton is a synthetic rubber that excels in high temperature or chemical resistance applications, whilst PTFE is a fluoropolymer with a very low coefficient, exceptional chemical resistance and non-stick capabilities.

If your application requires a seal, gasket or O-ring with an extreme temperature range and good chemical resistance, we recommend using Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber. However, if your project demands a low-friction, non-stick material with exceptional chemical resistance that still holds a good temperature range, PTFE may be more suitable.

Which is better, Viton or Silicone?

Viton Fluoroelastomer and Silicone are both popular elastomeric materials, often used where a high-temperature solution is required. While they share some similarities, they also have notable differences, understanding said differences allows you to select the most appropriate rubber for your project.

Viton Fluoroelastomer offers a resistance to higher temperatures (+250°C) and chemicals such as oils, fuels and acids, making it better suited for harsher industry environments. Silicone, on the other hand, could be deemed as more versatile, with a wider operating temperature range (-60°C to 230°C), electrical resistance properties and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certification, meaning certain Silicone materials can be used for FDA regulated Food and Pharmaceutical applications.

Which is better, Viton or EPDM?

Although Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) are both synthetic elastomers, they both hold unique properties and suitability for intended usage. As we have established, Viton is commonly used where high-temperature and chemical resistance is paramount. EPDM however is renowned for its ability to operate at low temperatures, electrical insulation properties and weather resistance.

 

Determining the most appropriate between the two would depend on the specific project requirements. For outdoor use, exposure to weathering or low temperatures we would recommend the low cost solution of EPDM. For applications demanding seals, gaskets or O-rings used at high temperatures or with harsh chemicals, Viton Fluoroelastomer rubber would be the more suitable choice.

Which is better, Viton or Nitrile?

Viton Fluoroelastomer and Nitrile (also known as NBR) are both elastomers frequently used in the automotive and oil and gas industries, offering good resistance to fuels, oils and chemicals. Viton has the capabilities to operate under a higher temperature and also with a wider variety of harsh chemicals. Meanwhile, Nitrile is far more cost-effective and still offers good resistance to oil, fuel and other petroleum base fluids.

If the application demands a material that can operate at high temperatures, we would recommend utilizing Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber. For projects requiring an affordable solution with chemical resistance, Nitrile would be suitable. Nitrile is frequently used for fuel tanks, hoses and automotive seals whilst Viton for pumps, valves and high temperature engine seals.

Where can you buy Viton Rubber?

Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber Sheet

We stock and supply Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber sheet and rolls in 70° Shore A Hardness, a range of thicknesses from 1mm to 10mm thick (other thicknesses available upon request) and in standard sheet sizes measuring 1200mm wide. Visit our online shop to purchase the high-performance material in any length from 1 metre to a full 10 metre roll.

Viton Fluoroelastomer Cut Rubber Strip

As part of our expansive manufacturing services, we offer Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber in cut rubber strip form. Precision cut using our innovative cut rubber stripping machine with high tolerances, unbeatable lead times and highly competitive prices. The specialist material is available in thicknesses from 1mm to 10mm and in any width from 12mm – 50mm wide via our online shop.

Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber Gaskets, Seals and O-Rings

If you require a standard or bespoke Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber gasket, seal or O-Ring to be manufactured, please contact us for assistance. Our Viton components are manufactured using our industry expertise, state-of-the-art manufacturing machinery and techniques. This gives our customers confidence they will receive a high quality result produced efficiently at competitive prices.