The Complete FAQ Guide to Viton Rubber Sheet: A Buyer’s Handbook
A Viton rubber sheet is considered a ‘superhero’ in the world of rubber sheets. Although known for its extreme temperature resistance, it can also resist UV radiations, Ozone, and harsh chemicals.
However, a buyer can have further questions about its capabilities. This FAQ highlights everything- from its applications to Viton rubber sheet price.
Read on!
What is Viton Rubber Sheet?
Viton rubber sheet is a synthetic rubber sheet. It is the brand name given to a type of fluoroelastomer rubber. Originally, the DuPont Rubber Company developed it in the late 1950s.
Being a part of the Fluoroelastomer (FKM) family, Viton is composed of fluorocarbons that can be cross-linked with other compounds. The addition of compounds can further enhance the properties of a Viton rubber sheet.
Users from the chemical, aerospace, automotive, chemical, or oil and gas industries can equally benefit from Viton rubber properties. Hence, knowing everything about it is quintessential.
Here are the most asked questions on Google and other search engines about Viton rubber sheet. Take a closer look:
What are the uses of a Viton rubber sheet?
Viton fluoroelastomer rubber is used in highly demanding industrial works. Since Viton shows exemplary resistance, they are implemented in applications that need long-lasting and robust performance. For example, O-rings, Gaskets, and Seals.
Here is an industry-wise breakup of the uses of Fluoroelastomer (Viton) rubber sheet:
- In Automotive industries, it is used to make seals and gaskets that stay unaffected in high heat.
Additionally, Viton is also used for sealing purposes in factories where aircraft, missiles, or rockets are made. - In Chemical Processing, linings, seals, and hoses resistant to harsh chemicals are cut out of a viton rubber sheet.
- In Oil & Gas factories where the pipes are exposed to fluid and fuel, seals and gaskets are made of viton.
What are the benefits of Viton rubber?
Viton rubber is UV, Ozone, oils, fluid, and chemical resistant. However, its advantages go beyond that.
They have limited permeability to gas. Viton excels at resisting common industrial gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and methane.
Furthermore, sheets made of Viton are suitable for cleanliness (CIP) and sterilization (SIP) practices in the food processing industry.
CIP starts with rinsing the pipes involved in food processing. Here, hot water and caustic soda are used. This is where the Fluoroelastomer sheets play their part.
Similarly, it can also withstand the rigorous and repeated SIP cycles.
How long does Viton rubber last?
A premium Viton rubber sheet may last up to 10 years or more. Nevertheless, if used in highly demanding areas, its lifespan might be reduced.
Several factors affect the longevity and functionality of Viton rubber. Some of them are-
- Temperature: Continuous exposure to high temperature affects its structure.
- Chemicals: Viton rubber fails to resist the effects of some organic acids like acetic acid, acetaldehyde, acetic anhydrite, and glacial acid.
- Pressure: Constant high pressure leads to material fatigue.
- Environmental Factors: Continuous exposure to UV or Ozone degrades the material composition of Viton rubber.
However, the best way to increase the lifespan is by staying punctual with its maintenance.
How to identify Viton rubber?
Yes, it can be difficult to recognize them instantly. Especially from photographs. NBR rubber has a blackish color. On the contrary, Viton or FKM has a brownish tint. There are some other tests for ready identification:
Salt-water test: Take two beakers-. Fill one with plain water and the other with saline water. Cut a sample from the supposedly Viton rubber sheet and soak it. As a result, it will sink in both plain and saline water.
Nonetheless, this is not a foolproof method. The other way to identify a Viton rubber is by referring to the manufacturer’s test certificates. Professional testing also helps.
Is Viton better than rubber?
Viton (FKM) is also a type of rubber sheet, having a synthetic composition. Unlike natural rubber, viton rubber is more resilient and long-lasting. You can use them in mechanically stringent applications. Especially, in places where there is constant exposure to harsh chemicals, UV rays, or high temperatures.
Notably, the Viton rubber sheet price is also higher than a natural rubber sheet.
On the contrary, a natural rubber sheet is biodegradable and is easily recyclable. But, it will not retain its shape in the face of extremities nor will it perform.
What are the hazards of Viton?
Viton rubber sheets add value to businesses but that doesn’t mean there are no disadvantages of using them.
Viton (fluoroelastomer) produces toxic fumes upon burning. The specific instructions for dealing with a fluoroelastomer fire suggest the use of neoprene gloves. The firefighters are also advised to use fire protective equipment.
Its curing process also produces noxious fumes and gases.
Some users may also get skin irritation in close contact with the rubber sheets.
Nevertheless, these hazards can be easily controlled as well.
Are there any limitations to using the Viton rubber sheets?
Yes. Below are the limitations:
- First, the sheets may elude the impact of high temperatures. But it does not perform well in case of lower temperatures. Additionally, Viton’s structural composition may disintegrate at low temperatures- they go brittle.
- Second, Viton rubber sheets cannot withstand the impact of aromatic amines and cyclic ketones.
Yes, having a fluoroelastomer composition, Viton sheets are resilient to acids and alkalis. On the contrary. in contact with aromatic amines or cyclic ketones, the sheets made of Viton can swell.
The Bottomline
Viton plays a key role in a myriad of industries that perform heavy-duty applications. With its exceptional properties, these can be a profitable investment. Yet, it also has some limitations. Since the Viton rubber sheet price is high, buyers think about whether to use them.
Hence, this FAQ can be considered as a buyer’s handbook covering all the questions they often ask.
