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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
FKM rubber has excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, solvents, and fuels. It is resistant to hydrocarbons, aromatic and aliphatic solvents, and strong acids and bases.
Heat Resistance
FKM rubber can withstand high temperatures up to 200°C and maintain its properties. It retains its elasticity and mechanical strength at high temperatures, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
Low Compression Set
FKM rubber has a low compression set, meaning it can maintain its shape and properties even after being compressed for a long time.
High Tensile Strength and Elongation
FKM rubber has a high tensile strength and elongation, making it suitable for use in applications where resistance to mechanical stress is required.
Resistance to Ozone and Weathering
FKM rubber is resistant to ozone and weathering, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
Electrical Insulation Properties
FKM rubber has good electrical insulation properties, making it useful in electrical and electronic applications.

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
FKM rubber has excellent chemical resistance, particularly to acids, alkalis, and oils. SBR rubber is not recommended for use with oils and solvents.
Temperature Range
FKM rubber has a higher temperature range than SBR rubber. FKM can withstand temperatures up to 250°C, while SBR has a limited temperature range of -40°C to 100°C.
Weather Resistance
FKM rubber has better weathering resistance than SBR rubber, making it more suitable for outdoor applications that require good resistance to UV radiation, ozone, and other environmental factors.
Compression Set
FKM rubber has lower compression set than SBR rubber, which means it can maintain its shape better over time and under pressure.
Cost
FKM rubber is more expensive than SBR rubber, making it a less cost-effective choice for some applications.

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
FKM rubber has better chemical resistance than EPDM rubber, particularly against aggressive chemicals, fuels, and oils. EPDM rubber, on the other hand, has better resistance to acids, bases, and ozone.
Temperature Range
FKM rubber can withstand higher temperatures than EPDM rubber. FKM rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -20°C to +200°C, while EPDM rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -50°C to +150°C.
Physical Properties
FKM rubber has excellent physical properties such as high tensile strength, good tear resistance, and good compression set, while EPDM rubber has excellent elongation properties, good tear resistance, and high tensile strength.
Electrical Insulation
EPDM rubber has better electrical insulation properties than FKM rubber, making it suitable for electrical applications.
Weather Resistance
EPDM rubber has excellent weather resistance, ozone resistance, and UV resistance, while FKM rubber has good resistance to weathering and ozone degradation.
Cost
FKM rubber is generally more expensive than EPDM rubber, making it a less cost-effective option for certain applications.

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
FKM and NBR both have great resistance to chemicals, fuels, oils, and solvents, but FKM has a high electronegative electron field, and therefore, tends to perform better in all of these categories.
Temperature Range
FKM rubber can handle higher temperatures than NBR rubber. FKM rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -20°C to +250°C, while NBR rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -40°C to +120°C.
Physical Properties
FKM rubber has excellent mechanical properties such as high tensile strength, good tear resistance, and high resistance to compression set, while NBR rubber has good physical properties such as high tensile strength, good tear resistance, and high resistance to abrasion and wear.
Resistance to Environmental Factors
FKM rubber has better resistance to ozone, UV radiation, and weathering than NBR rubber.
Cost
FKM rubber is generally more expensive than NBR rubber, making it a less cost-effective option for certain applications.

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
FKM rubber is generally more expensive than NR rubber due to its superior properties and higher manufacturing costs.
Temperature Resistance
FKM rubber can withstand higher temperatures up to 200°C, while NR rubber degrades at high temperatures above 80°C.
Resistance to Oil and Fuel
FKM rubber has excellent resistance to oil and fuel, while NR rubber is susceptible to damage from these substances.
Compression Set
FKM rubber has a low compression set, which means it can maintain its shape and properties even after being compressed for a long time. NR rubber has a higher compression set, which means it can deform and lose its properties over time.
Chemical Resistance
FKM rubber has superior chemical resistance compared to NR rubber. FKM rubber can withstand exposure to a wider range of harsh chemicals, while NR rubber is vulnerable to damage from many chemicals.

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
FKM rubber has excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals, fuels, and oils, including high concentrations of acids and bases, while CR rubber has good resistance to oils, chemicals, and ozone, but is not as resistant to fuels and solvents as FKM rubber.
Temperature Range
FKM rubber can handle a wider range of temperatures than CR rubber. FKM rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -20°C to +250°C, while CR rubber can handle temperatures ranging from -40°C to +120°C.
Physical Properties
FKM rubber has excellent mechanical properties such as high tensile strength, good tear resistance, and good compression set, while CR rubber has good mechanical properties such as high tensile strength, good tear resistance, and high resistance to compression set.
Resistance to Environmental Factors
FKM rubber has better resistance to weathering, UV radiation, and ozone than CR rubber.
Cost
FKM rubber is generally more expensive than CR rubber, making it a more premium option for certain applications.

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
FKM rubber has better chemical resistance compared to MQ rubber. FKM can resist a wide range of chemicals, including acids, fuels, and oils, while MQ rubber is more limited in its chemical resistance.
Temperature Resistance
FKM rubber has better high-temperature resistance compared to MQ rubber. FKM can withstand temperatures up to 250°C, while MQ rubber can only handle temperatures up to around 200°C.
Compression Set
MQ rubber has better compression set resistance than FKM rubber. This means that MQ rubber retains its shape better after being compressed for an extended period, making it more suitable for sealing applications.
Cost
MQ rubber is generally less expensive than FKM rubber, which can make it a more cost-effective option for some applications.
Processing
MQ rubber is easier to process and handle compared to FKM rubber. MQ rubber can be easily molded and extruded, while FKM rubber requires specialized equipment for 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.