Rubber Sheeting
What is Viton® Rubber?
Viton® is a premium fluoroelastomer (FKM) renowned for its exceptional resistance to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and harsh environments. Originally developed by DuPont and now trademarked by Chemours, Viton® is widely trusted across demanding industries such as automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, and chemical processing.
It is most commonly used for O-rings, seals, gaskets, and hoses, where reliable performance under stress is critical.
Key Properties & Benefits
- Chemical Resistance – outstanding resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, silicone fluids/gases, aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons, and petroleum-based products.
- High-Temperature Performance – designed to maintain its physical properties and flexibility in extreme heat, some grades can withstand temperatures of 275°C or higher.
- Durability – excellent resistance to abrasion, oxidation, weathering, and UV exposure, ensuring long service life.
- Superior Sealing Capability – retains shape and compression properties, preventing leaks and ensuring tight, reliable seals.
Common Applications
- Automotive – used for O-rings, seals, and gaskets in engines, fuel systems, and exhausts due to its heat resistance.
- Aerospace – high-performance seals, O-rings, gaskets, and moulded parts used in aircraft and aerospace equipment, where heat and chemical resistance are critical.
- Oil and Gas – components like seals, O-rings, gaskets, and hoses that withstand hydrocarbons, high pressures, and abrasive conditions.
- Chemical Processing – provides strong barrier protection for handling hazardous solvents and aggressive chemicals.
Limitations
While highly versatile, Viton® does have some limitations and is not ideally suited for use with substances like ketones, esters, and certain organic acids. It can also lose its flexibility and become hard at very low temperatures.
Grades of Viton® & FKM
We supply a variety of Viton® & FKM grades tailored to specific environments:
- Grade A is the most common, with 66% fluorine content. Commonly used in O-rings and seals. Excellent high temperature resistance up to 275°C.
- Grade B has 68.5% fluorine content and offers better fluid resistance. It has excellent high temperature resistance up to 300°C.
- Grade F has the highest fluorine content, ˜70%. Excellent fluid but reduced low-temperature flexibility.
In summary: Viton®/FKM rubber is the material of choice when chemical resistance, heat stability, and long-term sealing performance are essential.
VIEW OUR RANGE OF VITON® AND FKM RUBBER SHEETING
Rubber Material Comparison Chart
| Property / Rubber Type | Viton® / FKM | NBR (Nitrile) | EPDM | Silicone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent – resists oils, fuels, hydrocarbons, many solvents | Good – resists oils and fuels, but limited against harsh chemicals | Poor – limited oil/fuel resistance; excellent against water, steam, glycol | Moderate – resists water and some chemicals but poor with fuels & oils |
| Temperature Range | –20°C to +275/300°C (some grades higher) | –30°C to +100/120°C | –50°C to +150°C | –60°C to +200/250°C |
| Fuel & Oil Resistance | Outstanding | Good | Poor | Poor |
| Weathering & Ozone Resistance | Excellent | Fair | Excellent | Excellent |
| Compression Set (Sealing Performance) | Very Low (excellent sealing capability) | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Abrasion Resistance | High | High | Moderate | Low |
| Cost | £££ (Premium) | £ (Economical) | £ (Economical) | ££ (Mid-range) |
| Common Applications | Petrochemical, automotive, aerospace, oil & gas, chemical processing | Fuel hoses, seals, gaskets, O-rings in automotive and industrial | Outdoor applications, hoses, seals exposed to weather/water | Medical, food, electrical insulation, high/low temperature seals |