Viton Rubber Solutions

Several factors can cause stress on polymers like rubber such as chemical exposure, moisture exposure and rapid, extreme temperature cycling. This is especially true in the automotive industry. In these situations, the polymers that make up individual components can break down or fail.

Using the correct polymer is thus extremely important. Viton, a compound developed by Chemours Performance Elastomers, has been know to be one of the leading options for o-rings in oil reservoirs and various lines in automotive systems. Is that always the case?

Like Coke or Kleenex brands, the Viton brand is the name that Chemours, formerly DuPont, uses for its range of fluorocarbon (FKM) rubber compounds. But, like with other materials manufacturers, for example Neoprene and Teflon, the word “Viton” is used to refer to a variety of actual polymers. And just like facial tissues and soft drinks, this common parlance does not mean FKM polymers are limited to one particular brand.

Rather, various FKM polymers are produced by a variety of manufacturers, may require different curing processes, and have different tolerances. For some component designs, a variant of the Chemours product may be specified in order to meet certain operating requirements or temperature ranges.

It’s crucial to ensure that the polymer you choose actually meets project requirements, including performance expectations, cost, and reliability. For this reason, your goal should specify what you need the component to do rather than relying on a brand name alone.  This can ensure that your materials perform exactly as you need them to and your project is successful.

Manifold gaskets and o-rings in lubrication systems and engines for jets and vehicles are two of the more common applications for FKM polymers and Viton rubber solutions. The driving factor is related to high-temperature cycling, where all building components have to be able to sustain performance at a wide variety of temperatures. This includes circumstances where temperatures change either quickly or often.

The benefits of FKM polymers can be compared to existing alternatives. OEMs used to use nitrile rubber in fuel systems, hoses, and grommets for the critical ability to withstand chemical corrosion and fuels. However, Viton rubber solutions are a better option for higher operating temperatures, including service limits of up to 1,000 hours at 260 degrees Celsius.

The principal difference among FKM polymers is exactly how much fluorine is included. The higher the amount (and the difference can be just one or two percent), the more chemical resistance of the final Viton rubber solution or generic polymer. You will often see ones that are cured with peroxide when used in high-fluorine compounds, and a hidden benefit of this is improved steam resistance.

While the polymer is exceptionally good at protecting against chemical contamination, things can go very wrong when those outside boundaries are breached. Hydrofluoric acid can be created if a fire occurs, and the highly corrosive solution will damage anything it touches except certain plastics. Low-temperature issues can include the hardening of the seal or gasket to the point that a leak occurs. These environmental factors play a major role when it comes to the external systems of heavy machinery.