FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) vs Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) vs Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)
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.
Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)
Silicone rubber (VMQ = Vinyl Methyl Polysiloxane) — THE extreme-temperature elastomer. Usable from -60°C to +230°C continuous (short-term +300°C). Excellent UV/ozone/weathering resistance. Biocompatible (FDA, USP Class VI). Low compression set. Electrically insulating. Lower tensile/tear strength than organic rubbers. Used for seals/gaskets, medical tubing/implants, food-grade components, baby products, automotive ignition boots, and LED/lighting encapsulation.
| FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) | Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 37 | ISO 37 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) | Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 8–17 | 6–12 | MPa |
| elongation | 150–350 | 200–600 | % |
| hardness_shore_a | 60–90 | 30–80 | Shore A |
Compatibility Assessment
FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) and Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) 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 Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)?
FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) and Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) with Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)?
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 Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) is a Polymers grade, while Silicone Rubber (VMQ/HTV) is a Polymers grade.
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.