What is FKM or Viton Rubber?

Lake Erie Rubber / July 10, 2023
FKM Rubber Molded Products from Lake Erie Rubber

What is FKM or Viton Rubber?

FKM or fluorine rubber, known throughout the industry as Viton, is a fluorocarbon-based fluoroelastomer containing the monomer vinylidene fluoride. It is considered one of the best synthetic rubber materials, a broad category that includes styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM). FKM was originally developed by DuPont in the late 1950s to address the growing need for specialty materials in the aerospace industry. Viton is generally more expensive than other rubber materials like EPDM due to its highly specialized nature and performance qualities. FKM is known for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures and its fluid resistance, making it the ideal material for use in harsh or challenging environments. It is often used in the aerospace and automotive industries where exposure to high temperatures, fuel, oil, and other chemicals is common. This article will take a closer look at the different properties of FKM, or Viton, including advantages and disadvantages, and more information about the common rubber molding applications for this specialized material.

Properties of FKM (Viton)

FKM has many properties that make it a leading choice of synthetic rubber for a variety of applications that require enhanced performance in harsh environments. As with other materials, it also has its situations where it may not be the most ideal material for specific applications. It is critical to ensure your engineering or design team understands the advantages and disadvantages of FKM before choosing it for your specific project. Continue reading here to learn more about the beneficial properties of FKM and some potential performance drawbacks that may disqualify FKM as a viable material for your end rubber molding application.

Advantages

FKM is widely considered throughout the rubber molding industry as the best synthetic rubber material for specialty applications. Due to the synthetic structure, FKM can withstand harsh operating conditions while still providing ample longevity and incredible resistance to tears or abrasion. FKM offers extremely low levels of permeability and the ability to withstand exposure to a greater variety of aggressive fuels, oils, acids, gasses, hydrocarbons, and other chemicals used in high-performance industries without degrading in quality or losing beneficial properties. Components manufactured from FKM, like internal gaskets or o-rings, will not require as frequent replacement as alternative materials thus reducing service intervals and maintaining high-performance metrics for longer durations.

FKM is predominantly used in the aerospace or automotive industries thanks in part to the wide temperature operating range, from -15°F(-26°C) to 500°F(260°C), making it a suitable material for interior engine components and exterior landing gear or instrumentation panels. Considering the continual exposure to environmental conditions in these applications, Viton will maintain quality and prevent cracking thanks to the strong resistance to UV exposure, oxidation, ozone, weathering, and molds. Depending on the end use, FKM also has decent electrical properties for low-voltage or low-frequency applications.

Disadvantages

Despite being one of the best elastomers, Viton does have several drawbacks that make it unsuitable for specific applications. While it’s known for its fluid resistance and low permeability, FKM is not resistant to the varying ketones, esters, and organic acids found in the paint or textile industries. Viton can withstand extreme temperatures, but it is still affected at both ends of the spectrum. During exposure to extreme heat, FKM can produce a toxic byproduct known as hydrogen fluoride, which can cause respiratory problems. After continual exposure to low or below-freezing temperatures, FKM components can harden and lose their flexibility, making them more brittle and apt to fail during use.

All in all, FKM/Viton is still considered by many to be the best synthetic rubber material for high-performance and demanding applications, and may well be the best option for your specific needs.

Common Applications for FKM (Viton)

FKM is one of the most widely used synthetic rubbers in the world and over the last seventy years, numerous industries and sectors have found new ways to incorporate FKM into their designs as a way to reach new levels of performance and innovation. This specialty rubber is predominately used in transfer molding applications and can also be utilized to create end products through compression molding. Thanks to the incredible temperature range, fluid resistance, and durability in challenging environments, FKM is commonly found in the many internal seals, gaskets, O-rings, and other engine components that come in contact with biofuels or other extreme fuel and chemical environments. Additional rubber molding applications of FKM offered by Lake Erie Rubber include:

  • Aerospace: FKM’s resistance to high temperatures present in combustion applications, aggressive specialty fuels, and other chemicals makes it ideal for use in aircraft engines. FKM can also be used in instrumentation panels or exterior components exposed to frigid conditions and weather.
  • Automotive: Just as with aerospace, FKM’s ability to withstand harsh environments, exposure to fuels or solvents, and extended durability makes it ideal for use in various applications in the automotive industry. Gaskets, o-rings, and other seals made from FKM require replacement far less often, saving both time and money.
  • Food & Pharmaceutical: Due to its fluid resistance, FKM can be used in various packaging applications for food and pharmaceuticals. It can also withstand the high temperatures used to package food and the various oils or fats present during production.

Contact Lake Erie Rubber to Learn More About FKM

FKM is a premium synthetic rubber polymer with many benefits for specialty components or products in high-performance industries and it may be the right choice for your product. Our in-house engineers and experienced press operators are well–versed in the best applications of FKM and how to guarantee premium quality end products with the help of modernized equipment and fully integrated ISO 9001 quality management systems. If you are interested in learning more about FKM and need help determining if it is the best synthetic polymer for your upcoming project requirements, reach out to an experienced member of the Lake Erie Rubber team to get more information and receive a quote.

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