FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) vs PE-UHMW: 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) vs PE-UHMW
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton)
Fluoroelastomer — THE high-temperature and chemical-resistant rubber. Outstanding resistance to oils, fuels, acids, and solvents at temperatures up to 200°C (short-term 230°C). Fluorine content (64-70%) determines chemical resistance. Trade names: Viton (Chemours), Tecnoflon (Solvay), Dai-El (Daikin). 5-10x more expensive than NBR. Used for aerospace fuel seals, chemical process seals, automotive fuel injector O-rings, semiconductor processing, and any seal exposed to aggressive chemicals at high temperature.
PE-UHMW
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene — the highest impact-strength thermoplastic. Molecular weight 2-6 million g/mol. Self-lubricating, extremely wear-resistant (15x better than carbon steel), and chemically inert. Used for hip/knee implant bearings, conveyor guides, dock fenders, chute liners, food processing equipment, and ballistic armor (Dyneema/Spectra fiber form).
| FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) | PE-UHMW | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 37 | ISO 11542 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) | PE-UHMW | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 8–17 | 39–48 | MPa |
| elongation | 150–350 | 250–450 | % |
| hardness_shore_a | 60–90 | — | Shore A |
Compatibility Assessment
FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) and PE-UHMW have significantly different compositions (0% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) the same as PE-UHMW?
FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) and PE-UHMW have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) with PE-UHMW?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (0% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) and PE-UHMW?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) is a Polymers grade, while PE-UHMW is a Polymers grade.
Related Comparisons
View full data for each material:
Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
All data is for reference only. Equivalents indicate similarity, not identity. Always verify against the applicable specification for safety-critical applications. materialref.com accepts no liability for decisions based on this data.