Facing gasket failures in high heat or harsh chemicals? Ordinary rubber seals won’t survive. You need something engineered for extreme resistance—like a Viton seal.
Viton seals are used in applications requiring superior chemical, temperature, and oil resistance—such as automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, and industrial machinery.
Let’s explore why Viton is chosen for the most demanding sealing environments.
What Is a Viton Seal?
Not sure what sets Viton apart from other rubber seals?
A Viton seal is made from FKM fluoroelastomer, a high-performance rubber compound designed to resist extreme heat, aggressive chemicals, fuels, and oils.
Viton1 (a trademark of Chemours) belongs to the fluoroelastomer2 family. It delivers excellent resistance to oxidation, solvents, and hydrocarbons, making it ideal for sealing in harsh and high-pressure environments. It’s commonly molded into O-rings, gaskets, and custom seal profiles.
What Makes Viton Special?
Trying to seal something where heat, fuels, or acids are involved?
Viton, a brand of FKM rubber, withstands aggressive chemicals, fuels, and temperatures up to 230°C, outperforming most other elastomers.
✅ Key Properties of Viton:
- Resists oils, fuels, solvents, and hydraulic fluids
- Stable from -20°C to +230°C continuous use
- Tolerates acids, ozone, and oxidizers
- Retains elasticity under heat and chemical stress
- Minimal compression set—long-lasting sealing force
Viton vs Other Rubber Seals
Confused about which rubber is best?
Compared to nitrile or EPDM, Viton offers the highest resistance to heat and chemicals3, making it ideal for critical systems.
| Property | Viton (FKM) ✅ | NBR | EPDM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil/Fuel Resistance4 | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Poor |
| Temperature Range5 | -20°C to +230°C | -35°C to +120°C | -50°C to +150°C |
| Chemical Resistance6 | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Moderate | ⚠️ Limited |
| Ozone/UV Resistance | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Poor | ✅ Excellent |
| Cost | 💲💲💲 High | 💲 Low | 💲 Low |
What Are the Disadvantages of Viton?
Even premium materials have limits.
Viton is expensive, and it doesn’t perform well in environments with polar solvents like acetone, or in low-temperature conditions below -25°C.
❌ Weaknesses Include:
- 💲 Higher cost than NBR, EPDM, or silicone7
- ❄️ Poor low-temperature flexibility8
- 🧪 Incompatible with polar solvents, ammonia, ketones, and glycol-based brake fluids9
- 💡 May require specialty adhesives or primers for bonding
When Not to Use Viton Seals?
Wondering if Viton might be overkill—or unsafe?
Avoid using Viton seals in sub-zero environments, in glycol-based brake systems, or where cost-effectiveness is a priority.
Do not use Viton when:
- Application requires flexibility below -25°C
- The medium includes polar solvents (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone)
- Brake fluid compatibility is required (DOT 3 or 4)
- UV/ozone exposure is minimal and a cheaper material would suffice
In these cases, NBR10, EPDM11, or silicone12 might be a better fit.
Common Applications of Viton Seals
Where do Viton seals13 show their strength?
Viton seals are used across industries that demand long-lasting, chemically resistant performance.
🛠️ Typical Industries and Use Cases:
| Industry | Application Examples |
|---|---|
| 🚗 Automotive | Fuel injectors14, crankshaft seals, valve covers |
| ✈️ Aerospace | Hydraulic lines15, jet fuel systems, fluid couplings |
| 🧪 Chemical Processing | Acid pumps16, valves, containment gaskets |
| 🏭 Industrial Equipment | High-temp compressors, oil pipelines, gas fittings |
| ⛽ Fuel Handling | Gasoline dispensers, biofuel lines, fuel filter gaskets |
How Long Do Viton Seals Last?
Looking for a long-term sealing solution?
Viton seals can last over 10 years in stable conditions, even longer in controlled industrial environments without chemical attack or mechanical stress.
⏳ Typical Lifespans:
| Environment | Expected Lifespan17 |
|---|---|
| Automotive engine compartment | 5–10 years |
| Chemical processing systems | 8–15 years |
| Static industrial seals | 10–20 years |
| Harsh cyclic temperature zones | 3–7 years |
Storage also matters—keep Viton seals in cool, dark, dry places to extend shelf life.
Conclusion
Viton seals are built for demanding environments involving extreme heat, chemicals, and fuels. While more expensive, their performance and durability make them the best choice for critical industrial, aerospace, and automotive sealing systems.
🧪 Need Viton seals for your high-performance systems?
Contact Julong Rubber or Request a Quote for Viton sealing products engineered for extreme conditions.
Or reach out to us directly via WhatsApp:
Explore the unique advantages of Viton seals, including their chemical resistance and durability in harsh environments. ↩
Learn about fluoroelastomers, their properties, and why they are preferred in demanding applications over other types of elastomers. ↩
Explore this link to understand why high resistance rubber seals are crucial for critical systems and their applications. ↩
Explore this link to understand the best materials for oil and fuel resistance, which is crucial for various applications. ↩
This resource will provide insights into the temperature ranges of various rubber materials, helping you choose the right one for your needs. ↩
Discover the rubber materials with superior chemical resistance to ensure durability and performance in challenging environments. ↩
Understanding the cost differences can help you make informed decisions about seal materials for your applications. ↩
Exploring low-temperature performance can guide you in selecting the right seal for extreme conditions. ↩
This resource will help you identify suitable alternatives for applications involving these substances. ↩
Explore this link to understand NBR's properties and why it's a suitable alternative to Viton in certain applications. ↩
Learn about EPDM's advantages and how it compares to Viton for various sealing needs. ↩
Discover the unique characteristics of silicone seals and their applications in different industries. ↩
Exploring the advantages of Viton seals will provide insights into their applications and benefits across multiple sectors. ↩
Understanding fuel injectors is crucial for automotive enthusiasts and professionals alike, as they play a key role in engine performance. ↩
Exploring hydraulic lines will provide insights into their critical role in aerospace systems, enhancing safety and efficiency. ↩
Learning about acid pumps is essential for those in chemical processing, as they are vital for handling corrosive substances safely. ↩
Learn about the lifespan of different types of seals to make informed decisions for your projects. ↩
