Saltar al contenido
PTI LATAMExplorar Portal
🇲🇽 Español🇺🇸 English🇧🇷 Português
Materiales

Viton

The DuPont (now Chemours) trademark for FKM fluoroelastomer — the most widely specified high-performance sealing material for demanding chemical and temperature environments. Viton provides exceptional resistance to mineral oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids, aromatic solvents, concentrated acids, and many other aggressive chemicals. Temperature range: -20 to +200°C continuous (specialty grades to +230°C). Properties: hardness 60-90 Shore A, tensile 10-17 MPa, excellent compression set at high temperature, very low gas permeability. ASTM D2000 classification: HK. Major Viton grades: A (standard, 66% fluorine — general chemical resistance), B (68% fluorine — better fuel resistance), F (highest fluorine — best chemical resistance), GLT/GFLT (improved low-temperature to -40°C), ETP/Extreme (base-resistant, competes with Aflas). Limitations: poor resistance to amines, ketones, esters, and hot water/steam; poor low-temperature flexibility (standard grade); high cost ($20-80/kg). Applications: O-rings and seals for oil/gas, chemical processing, automotive fuel systems, aerospace, and semiconductor. Competitors: Dai-el (Daikin), Tecnoflon (Solvay), Dyneon (3M).

What you need to know

  • The DuPont (now Chemours) trademark for FKM fluoroelastomer — the most widely specified high-performance sealing material for demanding chemical and temperature environments.
  • Viton provides exceptional resistance to mineral oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids, aromatic solvents, concentrated acids, and many other aggressive chemicals.
  • Temperature range: -20 to +200°C continuous (specialty grades to +230°C).
  • Properties: hardness 60-90 Shore A, tensile 10-17 MPa, excellent compression set at high temperature, very low gas permeability.
  • ASTM D2000 classification: HK.

Full definition

Viton is a proprietary trademark for a type of fluoroelastomer (FKM) developed by DuPont, now under Chemours. It is recognized as one of the most durable elastomer materials available, particularly suited for applications that involve exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Viton exhibits exceptional resistance to a wide range of substances, including mineral oils, various fuels, hydraulic fluids, aromatic solvents, and concentrated acids. This versatility makes it a favored choice in industries such as oil and gas, automotive, aerospace, and chemical processing, where the integrity of seals and O-rings is crucial. With a temperature resistance ranging from -20°C to +200°C in continuous use, and specialty grades able to withstand temperatures up to +230°C, Viton is designed to maintain performance under challenging conditions.

The mechanical properties of Viton are also noteworthy. It typically has a hardness ranging from 60 to 90 Shore A, and a tensile strength between 10 and 17 MPa, which contributes to its durability and reliability. Additionally, it has excellent compression set resistance at high temperatures and demonstrates very low gas permeability, which is critical in applications where seal integrity is paramount. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) classifies Viton under D2000 as HK, indicating its suitability for high-temperature and high-performance applications.

Despite its many advantages, Viton does have limitations. It exhibits poor resistance to amines, ketones, esters, and prolonged exposure to hot water or steam can compromise its effectiveness. Standard grades may also struggle with low-temperature flexibility, which could hinder performance in colder environments. Furthermore, the cost of Viton can be a significant factor, typically ranging from $20 to $80 per kilogram, making it a premium choice among elastomers. Major grades of Viton include A, B, F, GLT/GFLT, and ETP/Extreme, each tailored for specific performance requirements and chemical exposures.

What you need to know

  • Viton is a high-performance fluoroelastomer with exceptional chemical resistance, suitable for demanding environments.
  • Temperature range: -20°C to +200°C, with some grades capable of withstanding up to +230°C.
  • Mechanical properties include hardness of 60-90 Shore A and tensile strength of 10-17 MPa.
  • ASTM D2000 classification: HK, indicating suitability for high-performance applications.
  • Common applications include O-rings and seals in oil/gas, automotive, aerospace, and semiconductor industries.

Industrial applications

  • 1Used in O-rings for oil and gas exploration equipment where exposure to aggressive fluids is common.
  • 2Seals in automotive fuel systems to prevent leaks and withstand exposure to high temperatures.
  • 3Components in aerospace applications, ensuring reliability in extreme environments.
  • 4Sealing solutions for chemical processing equipment that handle aggressive chemicals.
  • 5Used in semiconductor manufacturing to ensure cleanroom compatibility and resistance to chemicals.

Common mistakes

  • ✕Using standard Viton grades in applications involving amines or ketones, leading to material failure.
  • ✕Overlooking the low-temperature flexibility limitations, resulting in seal performance issues in cold environments.
  • ✕Failing to consider the high cost when budgeting for materials, potentially leading to cost overruns.
  • ✕Assuming all Viton grades have the same chemical resistance properties without evaluating specific grade characteristics.
💡

Pro tip

Always select the appropriate Viton grade based on the specific chemicals and temperature ranges of your application to ensure optimal performance.

Technical standards

  • ASTM D2000 - Standard Classification System for Rubber Products in Automotive Applications
  • ASTM D412 - Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers Tension

Suppliers of industrial materials in Mexico

AguascalientesVer Hule Industrial
Ciudad JuárezVer Hule Industrial
Ciudad de MéxicoVer Hule Industrial
GuadalajaraVer Hule Industrial
Cotiza en tu ciudad

Applicable standards

ASTM D2000
Back to glossary