What is Viton Rubber? Properties, Applications and Benefits

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.

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.

Read our full blog post and find out what happens when Viton Fluoroelastomer Rubber is compared with other popular elastomeric materials.