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FKM Rubber
FKM rubber (fluoroelastomer rubber), also known as Viton, is a type of synthetic rubber that is characterized by its high resistance to heat, chemicals, and fuels. Some of the key properties of FKM rubber include:
Chemical Resistance
Heat Resistance
Low Compression Set
High Tensile Strength and Elongation
Resistance to Ozone and Weathering
Electrical Insulation Properties
Pros:
- Excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including fuels and solvents
- High temperature resistance up to 200°C
- Low compression set, meaning it can maintain its shape and properties over time
- High tensile strength and elongation, making it suitable for use in mechanical applications
- Resistance to ozone and weathering
- Good electrical insulation properties
Cons:
- More expensive than some other types of rubber
- Poor low-temperature flexibility compared to some other rubbers
- Not recommended for use with hot water or steam applications
- Can be difficult to process and fabricate
- Some types of FKM rubber may be vulnerable to attack by certain chemicals
FKM (Viton) vs. SBR
Chemical Resistance
Temperature Range
Weather Resistance
Compression Set
Cost
FKM rubber is a better choice for applications that require excellent chemical resistance, temperature resistance, and weathering resistance, as well as low compression set. SBR rubber is a better choice for applications that require good mechanical properties at a lower cost.
FKM (Viton) vs. EPDM
Chemical Resistance
Temperature Range
Physical Properties
Electrical Insulation
Weather Resistance
Cost
FKM rubber is more suitable for applications that require excellent chemical resistance, high temperature resistance, and good physical properties, while EPDM rubber is more suitable for applications that require good weather resistance, electrical insulation, and moderate temperature range.
FKM (Viton) vs. NBR (Nitrile)
Chemical Resistance
Temperature Range
Physical Properties
Resistance to Environmental Factors
Cost
FKM rubber is more suitable for applications that require excellent resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and environmental factors such as ozone and UV radiation, while NBR rubber is more suitable for applications that require good resistance to oils, solvents, and low temperatures. Cost and availability may also be factors in deciding which material to use.
FKM (Viton) vs. NR (Natural)
Price
Temperature Resistance
Resistance to Oil and Fuel
Compression Set
Chemical Resistance
NR rubber and FKM rubber have different properties and are used in different applications. NR rubber is widely used for its elasticity, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance, while FKM rubber is used for its chemical resistance, temperature resistance, and low compression set.
FKM (Viton) vs. CR (Neoprene)
Chemical Resistance
Temperature Range
Physical Properties
Resistance to Environmental Factors
Cost
FKM rubber is more suitable for applications that require excellent resistance to chemicals, fuels, and oils, and where a wide range of temperatures may be encountered, while CR rubber is more suitable for applications that require good resistance to oils, chemicals, and ozone, and where lower temperatures may be encountered.
FKM vs. MQ (Silicone)
Chemical Resistance
Temperature Resistance
Compression Set
Cost
Processing
FKM rubber is more suitable for high-temperature and chemical-resistant applications, while MQ rubber is more suitable for sealing applications where compression set resistance is important. Additionally, MQ rubber may be a more cost-effective option for some applications and is easier to process and handle compared to FKM rubber.