Viton offers exceptional chemical resistance, high-temperature stability, and durability in demanding environments. This high-performance fluoroelastomer is a trademark of Chemours, a company that was spun off from DuPont in 2015. ASTM International, a global standards organization, classifies Viton as an FKM material. Viton isn’t the only FKM, but it’s the best known brand name.
Elasto Proxy supplies Viton materials for distribution, but we also fabricate Viton sheets and extrusions into custom seals and gaskets. In addition, we offer molded Viton parts like vibration dampeners for machinery and equipment. Keep reading to learn about Viton’s advantages, disadvantages, compatibility, applications, specifications, and design considerations.
If you’re ready to request a quote for Viton parts, please contact us.
Elasto Proxy uses MTAP to guide customers through material selection.
Viton Strengths
With its exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals, and environmental degradation, Viton offers the following advantages.
- High-Temperature Resistance: Viton remains elastic at continuous temperatures up to 204°C (399°F) and can withstand intermittent temperatures up to 316°C (601°F).
- Chemical Resistance: This FKM rubber resists a range of aggressive chemicals, including hydrocarbons, acids, and solvents.
- Low Gas Permeability: The dense molecular structure of Viton minimizes leakage and makes it ideal for sealing fuel and vacuum systems.
- Weather and Ozone Resistance: Unlike many general-purpose elastomers, Viton performs reliably under harsh outdoor conditions.
- Durability: Because this FKM material has a long service life, Viton seals and gaskets may require fewer replacements and repairs.
Viton Weaknesses
Despite its strengths, Viton has some limitations that engineers need to consider.
- Low-Temperature Performance: Viton becomes brittle below –20°C to –30°C (-4°F to -22°F). This limits its uses in cold-weather and cryogenic environments.
- Cost: This FKM is significantly more expensive than elastomers like nitrile and neoprene. It’s also more expensive than standard fluorosilicone, which resists both heat and fuels.
- Limited Resistance to Certain Chemicals: Viton does not resist all chemicals. In fact, it performs poorly when used with ketones, esters, and some amines.
- Processing Challenges: The high fluorine content of this FKM material makes molding and compounding more complex, which can increase costs.
Viton Compatibility
The table below summarizes this fluoroelastomer’s compatibility with some common chemicals and environmental conditions.
- Excellent: Minimal or no effect
- Good: Minor effect; suitable for most applications
- Fair: Noticeable effect; limited use
- Poor: Not recommended
Substance | Compatibility |
Gasoline & Diesel Fuels | Excellent |
Hydraulic Oils | Excellent |
Mineral Oils | Excellent |
Acids (Dilute) | Good |
Acids (Concentrated) | Fair |
Ketones (e.g., Acetone) | Poor |
Esters | Poor |
Water (Hot) | Good |
Steam | Fair |
Alcohols | Fair |
Ozone/UV | Excellent |
Chlorinated Solvents | Good |
Amines | Poor |
Viton Applications
Viton is used in industries where resistance to high temperature and aggressive chemicals is critical.
- Automotive and Mobile Equipment: Seals and gaskets that are exposed to diesel fuel, gasoline, or petroleum-based lubricants.
- Defense and Aerospace: Hydraulic seals and engine gaskets that need to provide long-term stability under extreme operating conditions.
- Oil & Gas: Downhole seals and packers that are exposed to hydrocarbons and high pressures.
- Industrial Equipment: Seals, gaskets, and vibration dampers for compressors, pumps, and valves.
FKM Grades and Specifications
Viton is available in three standard grades.
- A-Type: General-purpose (excellent fuel resistance.)
- B-Type: Improved resistance to acids.
- F-Type: Superior resistance to fuels containing oxygenates and aggressive chemicals.
Specialty grades are available that meet FDA, aerospace, and automotive standards.
Viton specifications vary by grade, but here are some typical values.
- Durometer Range: 55 to 90 Shore A is typical, and 75-durometer Viton is a common choice.
- Temperature Range: –20°C (-4°F) to +204°C (399°F) continuous and up to +316°C (600°F) intermittent.
- Compression Set: Viton’s low compression set promotes long-term sealing under load
- Tensile Strength: Approximately 7–12 MPa depending on formulation.
- Elongation at Break: 150–300% for flexibility during installation.
Elasto Proxy fabricates Viton seals and gaskets in low to medium volumes, including prototypes.
FKM Design Considerations
When designing seals or gaskets, consider the following before choosing Viton.
- Operating Environment: Consider exposure to temperature extremes, fuels, and chemicals. Viton excels with hydrocarbons but fails with ketones and esters.
- Cost vs. Performance: Use Viton in applications where seal failure could be catastrophic or costly. Otherwise, consider lower-cost elastomers.
- Seal Geometry: Viton’s stiffness at low temperatures may require design adjustments to maintain sealing integrity.
- Compounding Options: Custom formulations can optimize Viton’s properties but increase its costs. Examples include FKM materials with improved acid resistance or flexibility.
Ask Elasto Proxy for Viton Materials and Products
Viton is a premium sealing material for environments with high temperatures and aggressive chemicals. Its high cost and low temperature performance are limitations, but this fluoroelastomer is often recommended for critical applications. Viton isn’t the only FKM fluoroelastomer on the market, but it’s well known and has a record of success dating back to the 1950s.
Elasto Proxy can help you with material selection. Plus, we can supply you with Viton in lower minimum order quantities (MOQ) than you might find elsewhere. We’re not just a distributor, however. At our branches near Montreal, Canada and in Simpsonville, South Carolina (USA), Elasto Proxy uses water jet cutting to produce parts like Viton seals and gaskets with speed and accuracy.
Do you need this fluoroelastomer for prototypes or low-to-medium volumes? We’re ready to help.
