Viton is the trade name for a fluoroelastomer that was developed by DuPont in 1957. This high performance gasket and seal material is an excellent selection for applications that are challenging, demanding and requires a long-lasting seal. Viton (fluoroelastomer) is often used in appliances, the automotive industry (valve stem seals, transmission seals, powertrain systems), chemical industry, fluid power industry, and the aerospace industry due to its flexibility, reliability, and its ability to perform over a wide temperature range.
Fluoroelastomer has a variety of traits that make it ideal for both low and very high-temperature and corrosive applications. It is resistant to oil, heat, and a wide variety of concentrated acids. Viton (fluoroelastomer) can stand up to compression when other elastomers may embrittle at high temperatures. It’s excellent for sealing gases and aliphatic hydrocarbon fluids. Fungus, mold, weather, atmospheric oxidation, and sun do not affect Viton (fluoroelastomer).
There are a few different grades of Viton that have various Fluorine levels. Higher fluorine levels gives a fluoroelastomer greater chemical resistance, but its low-temperature flexibility is lessened as the percentage of fluorine increases.
Each grade of fluoroelastomer has a remarkable temperature range. In dynamic applications, it can tolerate temperatures down to -10° F (-23° C). Specific formulations allow fluoroelastomer to be utilized in static applications with temperatures down to -65° F (-54° C). In continuous applications, Viton (fluoroelastomer) can endure temperatures up to 400° F (204° C) with occasionally high temperatures up to 500° F (260° C).
Fluoroelastomers go by a few different trade names depending on the specific manufacturing company. Dai-El is Daikin Industries’ name for their fluoroelastomer, while Solvay identifies their material as Tenoflon. Dyneon manufacturers a fluoroelastomer that goes by its company name (Dyneon). Fluoroelastomers are also recognized by different abbreviations. FPM is an international abbreviation for fluorelastomer according to DIN/ISO, and FKM is ASTM’s abbreviation for the gasket and seal material.
Atlantic Gasket carries a wide variety of fluoroelastomers to fit every need and every application. From rolls 1/64” to 1/4" thick and 36” to 48” wide, custom thickness, widths and shapes are available from Atlantic Gasket. We can die cut and waterjet cut gaskets to meet your exact requirements. We can also supply an adhesive backing to all grades of material. Atlantic Gasket has over 60 years of experience with fluoroelastomers and other gasket and seal materials. Contact us to learn more about our capabilities and how we can help you with your next project.