Specialties & Unique Properties

  • Chemical Resistance: Outstanding resistance to oils, fuels, acids, and solvents
  • High Temp Performance: Continuous service up to 200°C (392°F)
  • Low Compression Set: Maintains seal integrity under prolonged compression
  • Weather Resistance: Excellent UV, ozone, and weather aging resistance
  • Low Gas Permeability: Effective barrier against gases and vapors
  • Flame Resistance: Self-extinguishing properties

Features & Advantages

Chemical Defense

Resists over 1,800 chemicals including aggressive fuels and lubricants

Temperature Range

-20°C to +200°C (-4°F to +392°F) continuous service

Long Service Life

3-5x longer lifespan than NBR in harsh environments

Mechanical Properties

Property Value Test Standard
Tensile Strength 10-20 MPa ASTM D412
Elongation at Break 100-300% ASTM D412
Hardness (Shore A) 65-90 ASTM D2240
Compression Set (70hrs @ 200°C) 15-25% ASTM D395
Tear Resistance 20-40 kN/m ASTM D624

Limitations & Considerations

  • Low Temperature Flexibility: Becomes stiff below -20°C (-4°F)
  • Steam/Water Resistance: Not recommended for continuous steam service
  • Polar Solvents: Poor resistance to ketones and certain esters
  • Cost: 3-5x more expensive than standard NBR O-rings
  • Special Handling: Requires specific lubricants during installation

Common Names & Grades

Standard FKM

Type A (peroxide cured)
General purpose grade

Specialty Grades

GLT (Low Temp)
GFLT (Fuel/Low Temp)
ETP (Extreme Temp)

Brand Names

Viton® (Chemours)
Fluorel™ (3M)
Dai-El™ (Daikin)

Frequently Asked Questions

FKM is the ASTM designation for fluoroelastomers. Viton® is Chemours' brand name for their FKM compounds. All Viton® is FKM, but not all FKM is Viton®.
Standard FKM has limited biodiesel resistance. Special grades like Viton® GBLT or GFLT are recommended for biodiesel applications above B20 blends.
Genuine Viton® will have proper certification documentation. Physical tests include:
  • Density ~1.8 g/cm³ (sinks in water)
  • Burn test (self-extinguishing)
  • Chemical resistance verification