Fluoroelastomers (FKM) / FKM Viton

What is FKM?

Fluroelastomer or FKM is a class of synthetic rubber designed for very high temperature operation. FKM provides extraordinary levels of resistance to chemicals, heat and oil, while providing useful service life above 200°C. FKM are not a single entity but a family of fluoropolymer rubbers. Fluoroelastomers or FKM (sometimes also referred to as FKM Viton) can be classified by their fluorine content, 66%, 68%, & 70% respectively. This means that FKM rubber having higher fluorine content, have increasing fluids resistance derived from increasing fluorine levels.

FKM Viton

Viton® is a registered trademark for fluroelastomer by DuPont Performance Elastomers L.L.C. This fluoroelastomer- FKM Viton- was introduced in 1957 to meet the requirements in the aerospace industry for a high-performance elastomer. The use of Viton® has spread quickly to many other industries, including the automotive, appliance and chemical industries, fluid power. Viton® is the most specified fluoroelastomer, well known for its excellent heat resistance, excellent resistance to aggressive fuels and chemicals. This popular FKM Viton fluroelastomer has worldwide ISO 9000 and ISO/TS 16949 registration.

To get a better idea on Fluroelastomers, check out our articles

FKM (Fluoroelastomers) for sealing
FFKM Performance and Application

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Properties of Fluoroelastomers (FKM)

• Fluoroelastomers have excellent resistance to chemical attack by oxidation, by acids and by fuels.
• They also have good oil resistance.
• They have limited resistance to steam, methanol, hot water, and other highly polar fluids.
• The outstanding heat stability and excellent oil resistance are due to the high ratio of fluorine to hydrogen, the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond, and the absence of unsaturation.
• The latest FKM polymers have a much broader fluids resistance profile than standard fluoroelastomers.
• They are able to withstand strong bases and ketones as well as aromatic hydrocarbons, oils, acids, and steam.
• Peroxide cured fluoroelastomers have inherently better water, steam, and acid resistance.

FKM Applications

FKM provides premium, long-term reliability even in harsh environments. A list of its applications is given below:

• Aerospace: O-ring seals in fuels, lubricants, Valve stem seals, Fuel hoses, Fuel Injector O-rings, In tank and quick connect, Flue duct exp. Joints, Valve liners, Roll covers, Sheet stock/cut gaskets etc.
• Automotive: Shaft seals, Check valve balls, Diaphragms, Military flare binders, Electrical connectors, Tire valve stem seals, Clips for jet engines, Lathe cut gaskets etc.
• Industrial: Hydraulic o-ring seals and hydraulic systems, Manifold gaskets, Fuel tank bladders, Firewall seals, Engine lube siphon hose fuel system seals, Gaskets (valve & manifold) etc.

Conclusion
FKM is of high value in use as a class of synthetic rubber which provides extraordinary levels of resistance to chemicals, oil and heat. This type of rubber can be fabricated into seals, o-rings, and hoses for a variety of high performance applications in the automotive, aerospace, and petrochemical industries.

Other Types of Synthetic Rubber