FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) vs TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): 0% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) vs TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
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.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer — bridges the gap between rubber and rigid plastics. Exceptional abrasion resistance, high elongation (300-700%), and good oil/grease resistance. Available in wide hardness range (60 Shore A to 74 Shore D). Ester-based: better oil resistance. Ether-based: better hydrolysis/microbial resistance. Major trade names: Elastollan (BASF), Desmopan/Texin (Covestro), Estane (Lubrizol). Used for seals, hoses, cable jackets, shoe soles, phone cases, wheels/rollers, and 3D printing filament.
| FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | — |
| Category | Polymers | Polymers |
| Standard | ISO 37 | ISO 527-1 |
Mechanical properties
| Property | FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | 8–17 | 30–50 | MPa |
| elongation | 150–350 | 400–700 | % |
| hardness_shore_a | 60–90 | 80–90 | Shore A |
Compatibility Assessment
FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) 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 TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)?
FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) have a 0% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) with TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)?
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 TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)?
The main differences are in the following elements: overall alloying content. FKM (Fluoroelastomer / Viton) is a Polymers grade, while TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a Polymers grade.
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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.