Choosing the wrong rubber material for chemical sealing can lead to expensive failures, hazardous leaks, and downtime. Knowing whether EPDM or Viton (FKM) provides superior chemical resistance is essential for industrial procurement professionals like myself.
Viton (FKM) has superior overall chemical resistance compared to EPDM, especially against oils, fuels, hydrocarbons, and aggressive solvents. EPDM excels with water-based chemicals, steam, and diluted acids.
As a rubber gasket manufacturer at Julong Rubber, I've guided numerous buyers on selecting between EPDM and Viton. Let’s explore their chemical resistance and applications in detail.
EPDM1 Chemical Compatibility Table:
| Chemical Category | EPDM Compatibility | Example Chemicals |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Water & Steam | Excellent | Hot water, Steam |
| ✅ Diluted Acids & Alkalis | Excellent | Acetic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide |
| ✅ Alcohols | Good | Ethanol, Methanol |
| ✅ Glycol-based Fluids | Excellent | Ethylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol |
| ❌ Hydrocarbons, Oils & Fuels | Poor | Gasoline, Diesel, Mineral Oils |
🛠️ Industry Application Insights:
- HVAC: Gaskets and seals for steam pipes and glycol coolant systems.
- Water Treatment: NSF-approved seals for potable water systems.
- Outdoor Applications: Weather-resistant seals for construction and automotive.
What Chemicals Is Viton (FKM)2 Compatible With?
Selecting a material without adequate chemical resistance3 can result in hazardous leaks. Viton is often chosen for its superior chemical resilience.
Viton (FKM) has outstanding resistance to oils, fuels, hydrocarbons, strong acids, aromatic solvents, and elevated temperatures, outperforming EPDM in aggressive chemical environments.
Viton (FKM) Chemical Compatibility Table:
| Chemical Category | Viton Compatibility | Example Chemicals |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Oils, Fuels & Hydrocarbons | Excellent | Diesel, Gasoline, Jet Fuel |
| ✅ Aromatic & Aliphatic Solvents | Excellent | Toluene, Benzene, Hexane |
| ✅ Strong Acids | Very Good | Hydrochloric Acid, Sulfuric Acid |
| ✅ Chemicals at High Temp. | Excellent | Aggressive chemical processing |
| ❌ Hot Water & Steam | Limited | High-temperature steam |
🛠️ Industry Application Insights:
- Automotive & Aerospace: Fuel lines, engine seals, turbocharger systems.
- Chemical & Petrochemical: Seals for aggressive chemical processing equipment.
- Industrial Machinery: High-performance hydraulic systems with demanding chemicals.
Comparison: EPDM vs. Viton (FKM)
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help industrial procurement officers quickly understand differences in chemical compatibility.
| Property | EPDM Rubber | Viton (FKM) Rubber |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Water & Steam Resistance | Excellent | Limited |
| ✅ Oil & Fuel Resistance | Poor | Excellent |
| ✅ Diluted Acid & Alkali Resistance | Excellent | Good to Excellent |
| ✅ Aromatic Solvent Resistance | Poor | Excellent |
| ✅ Temperature Range | -40°C to +150°C | -20°C to +230°C |
| ✅ Weather & Ozone Resistance | Excellent | Very Good |
| ✅ Cost | Economical | Premium |
When Should You Choose EPDM?
EPDM is a highly cost-effective choice when dealing with specific chemical environments.
Choose EPDM when sealing water-based chemicals, hot water, steam, glycol solutions, or outdoor environments requiring excellent weather resistance.
✅ Typical Applications for EPDM:
- HVAC equipment seals
- Potable water systems
- Outdoor gaskets (UV, ozone resistant)
When Should You Choose Viton (FKM)?
Viton is the premium solution for chemically aggressive and high-temperature environments.
Choose Viton (FKM) for sealing oils, fuels, solvents, hydrocarbons, and strong acids in automotive, aerospace, and chemical processing applications.
✅ Typical Applications for Viton:
- Automotive fuel and oil seals
- Aerospace engine seals
- Petrochemical and aggressive chemical processing seals
Why Is Viton (FKM) More Expensive Than EPDM?
Material cost is crucial in procurement decisions. Viton’s higher price is justified by its superior performance in demanding environments.
✅ Factors Affecting Viton’s Price:
- Specialized fluorinated polymers used in manufacturing.
- Complex curing processes.
- Strict industry compliance requirements (Aerospace, FDA, ASTM).
How to Select Between EPDM and Viton for Your Application?
When choosing between EPDM and Viton, carefully consider these factors:
✅ Procurement Checklist :
| Selection Factor | Best Choice | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Water/Steam Exposure | EPDM | Superior resistance |
| ✅ Fuel/Oil/Chemical Exposure | Viton (FKM) | Best chemical resistance |
| ✅ Temperature Requirements | Viton (FKM) | Higher temperature capacity |
| ✅ Outdoor/Weather Exposure | EPDM | Exceptional ozone and UV resistance |
| ✅ Budget Constraints | EPDM | More economical |
Conclusion
Viton provides superior overall chemical resistance compared to EPDM, particularly for fuels, oils, solvents, and high-temperature applications. EPDM remains the top choice for water-based systems, steam, and outdoor conditions.
📞 Need Custom EPDM or Viton Seals? Get in Touch!
At Julong Rubber, we manufacture precision EPDM and Viton gaskets tailored to your application. Receive expert advice, competitive pricing, and quick delivery.
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✅ OEM/ODM Solutions
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📧 Contact Kelly at Julong Rubber
Email: info@rubberandseal.com
🌐 Website: www.rubberandseal.com
Discover the various industrial applications of EPDM, which highlight its effectiveness in specific environments and help in material selection. ↩
Explore this link to understand the extensive chemical compatibility of Viton, crucial for selecting the right material for demanding applications. ↩
Learn about the importance of chemical resistance in material selection, ensuring safety and efficiency in industrial processes. ↩
