Struggling with rubber components failing under extreme heat? Choosing the wrong material can lead to breakdowns, leaks, and expensive downtime.
The highest temperature resistant rubbers are FKM (Viton) and Silicone. FKM resists up to 250°C, while Silicone can handle continuous temperatures of 230°C and peaks up to 250°C. Special perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) can withstand temperatures as high as 327°C.
Clearly understanding the temperature limits of different rubbers helps you choose the right material for your high-heat applications. Let's explore each option and their unique properties.
What Rubber Material Has the Highest Temperature Resistance?
Frustrated by materials failing at high temperatures? Clearly knowing the top-performing rubbers ensures reliable results.
Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) have the highest temperature resistance of all rubbers, withstanding continuous service temperatures up to 327°C. These rubbers are used in extreme heat environments where other elastomers fail.
FFKM (Perfluoroelastomer) Performance
FFKM1 is often the last resort when no other elastomer can handle the temperature and chemical resistance demands. However, it is also the most expensive.
| Rubber Type | Continuous Temperature | Peak Temperature | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| FFKM ✅ | Up to 327°C | 350°C | Excellent heat & chemical resistance |
| FKM (Viton) ✅ | Up to 250°C | 275°C | High heat, oil & chemical resistance |
| Silicone ✅ | Up to 230°C | 250°C | Flexible, good temperature & UV resistance |
FFKM’s unique molecular structure provides maximum stability at high temperatures, often used in aerospace, semiconductor, and chemical processing industries.
How Does Silicone Rubber Perform in High Temperatures?
Need a high-temp rubber for flexible seals? Clearly knowing Silicone's capabilities can help.
Silicone rubber can withstand continuous temperatures of 230°C and short-term peaks up to 250°C, making it ideal for high-heat applications in HVAC, automotive, and food processing.
Silicone High-Temperature Applications
Silicone is often used for its excellent flexibility and non-reactivity at high temperatures:
| Feature | Silicone Rubber ✅ |
|---|---|
| Continuous Temp Resistance | -60°C to 230°C |
| Peak Temp Resistance | 250°C |
| Chemical Resistance | Moderate, not ideal for oils |
| Applications | Oven seals, gaskets, automotive parts |
Silicone rubber2 is popular because it remains soft and flexible even at extreme temperatures, making it perfect for dynamic seals and gaskets.
What is the Temperature Resistance of FKM (Viton)3 Rubber?
Worried about seals failing in engines or fuel systems? Clearly knowing FKM’s limits can help avoid problems.
FKM rubber (Viton) offers continuous service temperatures up to 250°C, with excellent chemical resistance to oils, fuels, and aggressive solvents, making it ideal for automotive and aerospace industries.
FKM Rubber Performance
FKM is widely used because it combines high-temperature resistance4 with chemical stability:
| Feature | FKM (Viton) Rubber ✅ |
|---|---|
| Continuous Temp Resistance | -20°C to 250°C |
| Peak Temp Resistance | 275°C |
| Chemical Resistance5 | Excellent with oils, fuels |
| Applications | Engine seals, fuel hoses, chemical plant gaskets |
FKM is a go-to material for industries that require high-temperature resistance with exposure to harsh chemicals.
Which High-Temperature Rubber is the Best for Your Application?
Confused about choosing between these materials? Clearly knowing their strengths and limits simplifies the decision.
For extreme temperatures and chemical exposure, FFKM is the best. For high heat and flexibility, Silicone is ideal. For high heat with chemical resistance, FKM (Viton) is the most cost-effective option.
Comparison Table of High-Temperature Rubbers
| Rubber Type | Continuous Temperature | Peak Temperature | Chemical Resistance | Flexibility | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FFKM ✅ | Up to 327°C | 350°C | Excellent | Moderate | Very High |
| FKM (Viton) ✅ | Up to 250°C | 275°C | Excellent | Moderate | High |
| Silicone ✅ | Up to 230°C | 250°C | Moderate | Excellent | Moderate |
Choosing the right rubber ensures longer equipment life, lower maintenance costs, and reliable performance.
Where Should You Avoid Using High-Temperature Silicone, FKM, or FFKM?
Not all rubbers are perfect in every scenario. Clearly knowing their limitations prevents costly mistakes.
Avoid silicone in oil/fuel environments, FKM in applications below -20°C, and FFKM when budget constraints are critical due to its high cost.
Applications to Avoid
| Rubber Type | Not Ideal For | Alternative Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone | Oil/fuel contact | NBR, FKM |
| FKM (Viton) | Extremely low temperatures (-40°C) | HNBR |
| FFKM | Budget-sensitive projects | FKM, Silicone |
Matching your material to the correct conditions ensures long-term reliability and value.
Conclusion
FFKM offers the highest temperature resistance up to 327°C, while Silicone and FKM provide excellent options for industrial high-temperature applications depending on flexibility, chemical resistance, and budget.
🚀 Need High-Temperature Rubber Solutions?
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Explore this link to understand FFKM's unique properties and its critical applications in high-temperature environments. ↩
Discover the performance characteristics of silicone rubber in high-temperature applications and its benefits for various industries. ↩
Learn about FKM's advantages, including its chemical resistance and high-temperature capabilities, essential for automotive and aerospace uses. ↩
Discover various materials with high-temperature resistance to make informed choices for your industrial needs. ↩
Learn about the importance of chemical resistance in material selection to ensure durability and performance in harsh environments. ↩
