Viton, also known as fluoroelastomer, is a type of synthetic rubber. It is often used in industrial applications requiring resistance to extreme temperatures and harsh chemicals. Despite its robust properties, Viton is commonly mistaken for plastic due to its durable and high-performance nature.
Viton is a synthetic rubber, not a plastic, and is primarily used in demanding applications where resistance to chemicals and heat is needed.
Understanding what Viton is, how it behaves, and its applications can help you choose the right material for your project. Let's explore Viton’s composition and characteristics further.
What is Viton Made Of?
Viton is a fluoroelastomer, which means it is composed of polymers that contain fluorine atoms. The fluorine gives Viton its excellent resistance to high temperatures, oils, fuels, acids, and solvents, making it stand out from other types of rubber.
Viton is made from polymers containing fluorine atoms, which give it superior chemical and heat resistance compared to standard rubber.
Composition and Structure of Viton
Viton is created through the polymerization of a monomer called vinylidene fluoride (VDF), along with other chemicals like hexafluoropropylene (HFP) and tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). These materials form a highly stable polymer structure, resulting in an elastomer that can withstand extreme conditions without losing its shape or properties. The presence of fluorine in the polymer chain significantly improves Viton’s resistance to a wide range of chemicals, oils, and high temperatures.
While Viton has a rubber-like flexibility, its performance characteristics, such as heat resistance and chemical resistance, are far superior to many other types of rubber. This is why Viton is often used in industrial settings where high-performance materials are essential.
Is Viton a Rubber or a Plastic?
Viton is technically a rubber due to its elastic properties, which allow it to stretch and return to its original shape. However, its properties closely resemble those of plastics in terms of chemical resistance, high-temperature tolerance, and durability. This is why some might confuse it with plastic. In essence, Viton is a specialized rubber that offers plastic-like performance in certain applications.
Viton is a rubber, though it shares some characteristics with plastic due to its superior durability and resistance to extreme conditions.
Rubber vs. Plastic: Key Differences
While both rubber and plastic are polymers, there are key differences between them:
| Feature | Rubber | Plastic |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Can be natural (from rubber trees) or synthetic (from petroleum) | Mostly synthetic, derived from natural gas or crude oil |
| Elasticity | Highly elastic, returns to original shape after stretching | Generally less elastic; some plastics can be flexible but not truly elastic |
| Heat Resistance | Varies; some synthetic rubbers are heat-resistant | Generally more heat-resistant, especially thermosetting plastics |
| Durability | Highly durable and resistant to wear | Varies widely; some plastics are highly durable, while others are not |
| Environmental Impact | Biodegradable if natural; synthetic types are less so | Typically non-biodegradable; recycling is possible but not always efficient |
| Applications | Vehicle tires, footwear, industrial seals | Containers, electronics, furniture |
| Cost | Generally more expensive due to manufacturing/extraction processes | Usually cheaper and more cost-effective |
- Rubber is known for its elasticity1 and durability, making it ideal for applications requiring flexibility and resilience, such as tires and seals.
- Plastic is versatile and cost-effective, widely used in various products but raises environmental concerns due to its non-biodegradable nature.
Viton2, being a rubber, has the elasticity1 required for sealing, gaskets, and O-rings, while also offering the resistance to heat, chemicals, and oils typically seen in plastic materials.
Common Applications of Viton2
Given its superior performance in extreme conditions, Viton is used in various industries that demand high performance from materials. It is often used in sealing applications, including gaskets, O-rings, and hoses, where exposure to heat, oils, fuels, and chemicals is a concern.
Viton’s elasticity1 and chemical resistance make it ideal for high-performance sealing applications in industries like automotive, aerospace, and chemical processing.
Where is Viton Used?
Viton is used in a variety of industries and applications due to its resistance to high temperatures, harsh chemicals, and various fluids. Key applications include:
- Aerospace: Aircraft engine seals and other critical aerospace components.
- Automotive: Fuel system seals, gaskets, and O-rings.
- Chemical Processing: Seals and gaskets for chemical processing equipment, tubing, and hoses for chemical transfer.
- Oil and Gas: Seals, gaskets, and other components in drilling and production equipment, tubing and hoses for oil and gas transfer.
- Pharmaceutical: Seals and gaskets, tubing and hoses in drug delivery systems, and applications requiring sterile processing.
- Food Processing: Gaskets and seals for food processing equipment.
- General Manufacturing: Sealing components requiring resistance to abrasion, fuels, greases, oils, and solvents.
- Medical Industry: Components used in peristaltic pumps, particularly those requiring frequent sterilization.
- Military: Sheet and stripping, cap seals, custom extrusions and molded parts, tubing and hoses, fabricated gaskets, and t-seals.
| Industry | Application |
|---|---|
| Aerospace | Aircraft Engine Seals, Critical Aerospace Components |
| Automotive | Fuel System Seals, Gaskets, O-Rings |
| Chemical Processing | Seals & Gaskets for Equipment, Tubing & Hoses for Chemical Transfer |
| Oil & Gas | Seals, Gaskets & Components in Drilling/Production, Tubing & Hoses for Transfer |
| Pharmaceutical | Seals & Gaskets, Tubing & Hoses in Drug Delivery Systems, Sterile Processing Applications |
| Food Processing | Gaskets & Seals for Food Processing Equipment |
| General Manufacturing | Sealing Components (abrasion, fuel, grease, oil, solvent resistance) |
| Medical | Components in Peristaltic Pumps (frequent sterilization) |
| Military | Sheet & Stripping, Cap Seals, Custom Extrusions/Molded Parts, Tubing & Hoses, Fabricated Gaskets, T-Seals |
Conclusion
To summarize, Viton is a synthetic rubber, not a plastic. Its unique polymer composition gives it exceptional properties that are similar to plastic in some respects but maintains the essential elasticity of rubber. Understanding this distinction helps in selecting the right material for your sealing and gasketing needs.
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