What is Viton? Material, Properties, 6 Grades and Top Uses

Today, you will learn what Viton is and its properties. We will also cover Viton grades, applications, chemical compatibility, and price. You will understand which industries use this material. After reading, you can make a better decision if viton suits your industry or products.

What is Viton Material?

What is viton rubber? Viton is a high quality synthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomer (FKM rubber) used for heavy duty automotive and industrial applications. It is designed to resist high temperatures and harsh working conditions.

Because of these properties, manufacturers use Viton to produce a wide range of products across various industries. DuPont trademarked the name Viton™ for this material. However, viton is now being produced by many other companies around the world.

What is Viton Made of?

Viton is made from long chain fluorinated hydrocarbon polymers. The exact formula can change based on its grade. But most viton types contain a combination of these monomers:

• Vinylidene fluoride (VDF or VF2)
• Hexafluoropropylene (HFP)
• Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE)
• Perfluoromethylvinylether (PMVE)

Is FKM the Same As Viton?

FKM and viton refer to the same type of core material (fluoroelastomer rubber). However, these terms have different meanings. For example: FKM is the official ASTM (American Society For Testing and Materials) short form name for fluoroelastomer. In European ISO standards, you will also notice another name for FKM, which is FPM.

On the other hand, Viton is a well-known registered trademark and brand name. It was originally created by DuPont and now owned by Chemours. In short, we can say FKM describes the type of material and viton identifies a specific brand of that material. This means all viton is FKM, but not every FKM is Viton synthetic rubber.

Viton or FKM Grades

Viton rubber is available in different grades. They are categorized based on the amount of fluorine in the polymer. For product manufacturers, distributors, or engineering teams, you should choose the right grade for each application. We prepared this table so you can compare each grade’s composition and its suitable use.

Viton Material Properties

The exceptional properties of viton is the major reason behind its popularity in manufacturing businesses around the world. Below we listed viton material specifications and its qualities.

Viton temperature resistance: Viton stays flexible at continuous temperatures up to 204°C (399°F). It can also handle temperatures as high as 316°C (601°F) but only for short periods. But you cannot treat this temperature rating as a universal limit for every Viton product. Always check the exact FKM compound, fluid, pressure, duty cycle and seal design.

Viton fuel and oil resistance: FKM or viton has excellent resistance to fuels and oils because of its strong carbon-fluorine structure. This material makes it able to resist chemical attack and fluid penetration.

Viton chemical resistance: This material is able to resist degradation, swelling and damage when exposed to many aggressive substances. However, some of its grades have poor resistance to low molecular weight esters, ethers, ketones and some amine compounds. So you should always check the grade’s compatibility with the fluid in your application.

Tensile strength: This fluoroelastomer has a tensile strength of 500 to 3000 PSI (3.4 to 20.7 MPa). It basically shows how much pulling force viton can handle before it breaks.

Abrasion resistance: This rubber has good abrasion resistance, so it can resist surface wear caused by rubbing, friction or regular contact with other materials.

Aging resistance: Viton has exceptional ability to retain physical properties and strength over time even if you expose it to heat or chemicals.

Viton hardness: Hardness is firmness of viton (FKM) rubber and its resistance to dents or indentation. For viton, it ranges between 50 to 95 Shore A. For general sealing applications, 70 to 75 Shore A is the most commonly used hardness.

Low compression set: Viton can maintain its original shape and sealing performance after long periods of compression. It means, if you squeeze it or keep it under heavy load, it will return to its original shape and can resist permanent deformation.

Viton elongation: Viton has an elongation of around 100% to 500% based on the grade and formulation. Keep in mind, higher elongation allows the rubber to handle more movement.

Viton tear strength: Viton (FKM) rubber mostly has a tear strength around 100 pli. This range can increase or decrease (between 90 to 160 pli) based on the specific compound and hardness grade. But overall, it has fair to good resistance to tearing as compared to many other elastomers.

Viton Rubber Shelf Life

Shelf life is the length of time a viton material can be stored under suitable conditions to keep its useful properties and performance. Under ideal storage environments like cool and dry, viton rubber (FKM) can remain usable for up to 20 years. However, ISO 2230:2026 recommends an inspection after 10 years to check the material’s condition before you use it.

Viton Compatibility To Different Chemicals

Viton has strong resistance to many oils, fuels, acids and other chemicals. But this is also a fact that it does not work well with every chemical. Therefore, you need to check chemical compatibility before you order viton for your products manufacturing. We make this table for your understanding about viton performance with different substances.

Applications of Viton

In 2025, the Viton rubber market was worth USD 1.9422 billion. According to reports, it is expected to reach USD 3 billion by 2035. This high demand for viton material is due to its wide range of applications in several sectors. If you are an OEM manufacturer, product engineer or purchasing manager, you can see this section to know viton uses in different industries.

Aerospace

For aerospace systems, you need materials that can work in extreme conditions without losing their performance. Viton can perform well in high temperature and harsh environments.

That’s why it is a suitable material for modern aircraft systems. It can also handle degradation better than many non fluorinated elastomers. Hence, you can use it in spacecraft and satellite parts. The following components of aircraft and missiles are made of viton.

• O-rings and manifold gaskets
•  Aircraft engine seals
• Tire valve stem seals
• Siphon hose for hot engine lubricants
• Coated fabric covers for jet engine exhausts between flights
• Firewall seals
• Abrasion resistant coatings for braided/sheathed ignition cables
• Clips for jet engine wiring harnesses

Automotive

Automotive manufacturers use viton in applications that face high temperatures, fuels, oils and chemicals. ASTM D2000 provides a classification system for rubber materials and performance requirements and certain FKM compounds can meet its HK requirements. So, you can find it in parts that belong to the vehicle engine, transmission and fuel system.

• Crankshaft seals
• Valve stem seals
• Transmission seals
• Air intake manifold gaskets
• Veneered fuel hoses
• In-tank fuel hoses and tubing
• Pump seals and diaphragms
• Filter caps and filter seals
• Fuel sender seals
• Gaskets for valve covers and oil pans
• Fuel injector viton O-rings
• Accelerator pump cups

What is viton seal? A Viton seal is a sealing part made from FKM. It is used to prevent fluids and gases from leaking between two surfaces. For example: viton O-rings (type of seal) in fuel injectors stop fuel leaks between the injector and the fuel rail.

Chemical Processing

Viton rubber has high resistance to aggressive acids and harsh solvents, so companies use it to seal chemical process equipment. Further, you can use these seals for a pumping station that handles more than 80 different solvents, oils or chemicals. In addition, linings made of FKM also reduce heat and corrosion problems in valves.

Viton hoses are widely used to transfer solvents and reactive petrochemicals between processing and distribution facilities. You can also apply Viton coatings to equipment surfaces that come into direct contact with corrosive chemicals. Below are further uses of viton in the chemical sector.

• Process equipment enclosures
• Processing rolls
• Flange gaskets
• Transfer equipment linings
• Gaskets and housed connectors

Pharmaceutical Industry

The parts made from FKM are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for sterile processing equipment and drug manufacturing systems. Viton seals and gaskets are ideal to use in reactors, mixers or pumps to prevent leaks. They can also handle contact with harsh active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Viton hoses are used in fluid transfer and drug delivery systems to carry solvents and reagents. FKM/Viton parts that meet FDA and USP Class VI requirements are used in following pharmaceutical applications.

• Diaphragms
• Valve seats
• Pump seals
• Tubing
• Hose assemblies
• Viton lined components

Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Viton is a non-conductive material and can handle high heat and strong solvents better than many standard rubbers. These qualities make it a useful choice for many electrical and electronic parts.

You can use this fluoroelastomer in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) mainly for sealing, protection or special insulation components. Below are viton made items and their uses.

• Gaskets and O-rings to seal electrical housings
• Sealing rings to prevent leaks in liquid-cooled electronics
• Jacketing for high-voltage cables and charging components
• Molded mounts and pads used for heavy electrical equipment

Food and Beverage Industry

In the food industry, you can use this rubber in the manufacturing of parts that need high temperature stability and resistance to fats, oils or cleaning chemicals. For direct food contact, you should only choose FDA-compliant food-grade Viton or FKM. Viton-made seals, gaskets and O-rings used in following setups. 

• Dairy processing lines
• Brewing systems
• Soft drink processing lines
• Beverage filling machines
• Liquid transfer systems
• Mixer, blenders and pumps
• Ingredient handling systems
• Oil processing equipment

Viton Rubber Price Per KG

If you are a rubber molder, manufacturer, or distributor, you can purchase Viton compound (raw synthetic elastomer) in metric units (KG). If we talk about the estimated wholesale price of viton per kilogram, it ranges between $10 to $50. The exact rate can vary based on the viton grade, fluorine content, compound formulation and your order quantity.

RONTEIX Products Made From Viton

Located in China, RONTEIX is a professional manufacturer and supplier of industrial and automotive hoses. We use FKM viton rubber that has passed multiple ASTM and SAE tests to manufacture our premium-quality hoses which we listed below.

• Oil cooler hoses
• Fuel hoses
• Turbocharge hose
• Aircraft fuel hoses
• EV battery cooling hose
• Hydraulic hoses
• Chemical hoses

Final Words

So Viton is a high-performance FKM rubber. That is why products made from this material offer exceptional performance, long service life, as well as strong resistance to harsh operating conditions.

You can order viton/FKM finished products from RONTEIX, including fuel hose, oil hose & hydraulic hose. Contact us now to get premium automotive and industrial hose items at factory prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is nitrile the same as Viton?

No, nitrile (NBR) and Viton (FKM) are different types of synthetic rubber. You should choose nitrile for general oil and fuel applications and Viton for more applications that involve high heat or aggressive chemicals.

Is Viton PTFE?

Absolutely not! Viton (FKM) and PTFE are totally different materials. Viton is a fluoroelastomer rubber (FKM), but PTFE is a fluoropolymer plastic.

What is the difference between Genuine Viton and Faux Viton?

Genuine viton is a branded high-performance fluoroelastomer (FKM). It is made with virgin polymer from The Chemours Company. However, generic or faux viton refers to other FKM materials or rubber compounds sold as alternatives to genuine Viton.

Does Viton absorb water?

Viton (FKM) can absorb a very small amount of water, but the amount remains extremely low. Standard viton has hydrophobic properties, which means it repels water. Viton water absorption generally stays around 0.1% of its weight at room temperature and 50% relative humidity.

What are the trade names of Viton rubber?

Many manufacturers also produce FKM under different brand & trade names. These include:

• Tecnoflon
• Dai-El
• Fluonox
• Elaftor
• Fluorel
• Dyneon