Viton

Description

[Chemours Company, formerly Dupont de Nemours] A registered trademark for a fluoroelastomer composed of Hexaflouropropylene vinylidene fluoride that was developed by DuPont in 1957. Viton® gasket and seal material is considered a high-performance rubber compound known for its excellent resistance to extreme heat/cold, fuels, chemicals, oils and concentrated acids/alkais. However the cost of Viton® is high, its resilience is low, impact strength is fair and tear strength is limited unless certain compositional measures are taken to improve it. Viton® 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. Fungus, mold, weather, atmospheric oxidation, and sun do not affect fluoroelastomers.

There are a few different grades of Viton based on their fluorine levels. Higher fluorine levels gives a fluoroelastomer greater chemical resistance, but its lower its cold temperature flexibility.

Viton “A” (66% fluorine) is great for applications that involve direct sun, severe weather conditions, and oxidation. This rubber gasketing material can also withstand fuels, lubricants, and oils.
Viton “B” (68% fluorine) which adds to its ability to resist both concentrated and diluted acids. Upon dry heating, Viton “B” maintains its flexibility and elastic properties. This material is suitable for power generating systems, as it resists sulfur dioxide.
Viton “GF” (70% fluorine,) allowing it to surpass both Viton “A” and “B” in chemical resistance. Due to its exceptional fluid resistance and low permeation even in extreme environments, it is designed for industries that use modern lubricants, blended chemicals, and oxygenated fuels.

Synonyms and Related Terms

FKM (ASTM's abbreviation for fluoroelastomer gaskets and seals); FPM (International abbreviation for fluoroelastomer made according to DIN/ISO);

Commercial products: Viton® [Chemours Co.]; Dyneon [3M Dyneon]; Tenoflon [Solvay]; Dai-El [Daikon Industries]; Fluorel® [Fluoroseal]

For general comparison of multiple polymer types, see Gaskets.

Applications

Case sealing
bumper on a shelf
O rings for Oddy test jars
seal for anoxic (argon) environments (projected 20 year seal)

Collection Risks

Viton Chemicals: Viton A-100 SDS
one of the only gaskets that is consistently approved for permanent use

Physical and Chemical Properties

Resistant to aliphatic, aromatic, and halogenated hydrocarbons, concentrated acids, alkalis, animal and vegetable oils.
Not resistant to ketones, low molecular weight esters (such as ethyl acetate), or nitro containing compounds.
Temperature Range: -18°F to +400°F
Pressure Limit: 800 lbs.:
Durometer Hardness: 55-90(Shore A)
Tensile Strength: 1000-1285 psi
Elongation: 200-250%
Specific Gravity: 1.88

Working Properties

3M 400 series (4952) (acrylic adhesives) can be used to adhere gaskets; has good Oddy results
dense and hard, difficult to compress → might actually force glass/acrylic outward (can work around by adapting case design)
adheres well
can adhere gasket with Dowsil 7091
can also just put in groove between glass and metal for a good seal

Forms and Sizes

Color: Black, white (might show grime over time), brown (check on other colors)
Finish: Plate, Fabric, Smooth Paper
Width: Ribbed style EPDM Sponge Rubber Seal, height of .187" x width of .375"36"
Gauge (thickness): 1/32", 1/16", 3/32", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4"
extrusions available from: Rainbow Rubber https://rainbowrubber.com/
O rings: Fisher scientific, Global O-Ring
expensive
available as a solid and as a foam
can potentially work with company to do a custom extrusion
does not come with adhesive on it

Resources and Citations

Viton Chemicals: Fluoroelastomeric Products
Atlantic Gasket Company: Viton Gaskets (Accessed April 2021)
Seal and Design: FKM Viton (Accessed April 2021)
American Seal and Packaging: Witon Gaskets (Accessed April 2021)
https://rainbowrubber.com/