The first FKM Fluor-elastomer found its way into the market in the 50s when there was need for high performance sealings in the aerospace industry. In that time FKM was developed by the company ‘Dupont’ and was brought to market under the trademark Viton®. The latest fluor-elastomers provide
FPM is the international abbreviation according to DIN/ISO, whereas FKM is the short form for the fluoroelastomer category according to the American standard ASTM. Viton® is the registered trade mark of DuPont Performance Elastomers, as is Tecnoflon® for Solvay Specialty Polymers, Dyneon™ for 3M Dyneon and DAI-EL™ for polymers supplied by Daikin.
The chemical resistance and high temperature stability is due to the bulkiness of the fluorine atoms, shielding the polymer backbone and carbon-fluor bond from attack, and the high bonding energy of the carbon-fluor bond.
The origin of FPM/FKM Viton®
The first FKM fluoroelastomer found its way into the market in the 50s when there was need for high performance sealings in the aerospace industry. In that time FKM was developed by the company Dupont Performance Elastomers and was brought to market under the trademark Viton®. Nowadays, multiple company’s manufacture FKM and FPM fluoroelastomers.
Viton®, also known as FKM and FPM whereby FPM is the international name according to DIN/ISO, whereas FKM the short form is for the fluoroelastomer category according to the American standard ASTM.
Viton® is the registered trade mark of DuPont Performance Elastomers, as is Tecnoflon® for Solvay Specialty Polymers, Dyneon™ for 3M Dyneon and DAI-EL™ for polymers from Daikin. All these are brands for FPM/FKM polymers and all stand for one singe base material, which is fluoroelastomer.
What is Viton®?
This fluoroelastomer is used in multiple situations where O-rings need to be resistant to high temperatures and chemical attacks. The FPM/FKM Viton® sealing rings are often used in the aerospace, the automotive and other mechanical equipment requiring maximum resistance to high temperatures and all kinds of chemicals, fluids and other media.
What is Viton® used for?
- O-rings
- Gaskets
- Seals
- Tubing
- Suitable for various industrial applications
The advantages of Viton®
- Better able to withstand high temperature, while retaining its mechanical properties and its resistance to oil, chemicals and other fluids.
- Depending on the grade the working temperature range is considered to be -26°C to +205°/230°C (-15°F to +400°/440°F).
- It will take even higher temperatures if the working period is shorter.
- Shockproof and resilient
- Good chemical resistance
- It has a high density
- Sustainable
The downside of Viton®
- Not resistant to superheated steam, low temperatures, polar solvents, brake fluids containing glycol and low molecular organic acids.
On this page we offer our range of 80 Shore A O-Rings. Search for your specific O ring by using the filters on the left of the page or take your time and browse our wide range of our products. When you can not find the product you are looking for in our 80 Shore A made from FKM, please send us a Direct Enquiry. Together we can discuss the specifications and find the right product for you.
