FAQ EPDM or Viton - VARIBOX (2024)

FAQs

FAQ EPDM or Viton - VARIBOX? ›

Unlike EPDM, Viton has good resistance to oils, fuels, lubricants, and most mineral acids. It is resistant to most chemicals, but not too for example Acetic acid, Ammonia, Caustic soda, Formic acid, and Potassium hydroxide.

In fact, Viton offers near-universal chemical resistance for sealing applications for oils, fuels, and mineral acids. It's also exceptionally strong and durable. EPDM's performance in low temperatures makes it a better choice over Viton in cold environments.

Do not use Viton with acetone, esters, amines, organic acids, acetic acid, MEK, ethyl acetate, highly polar chemicals, etc. Viton is generally serviceable in dynamic applications to temperatures of -18 to -23 °C.

Temperature - Viton® temperature resistance ranges from -20^°C to 210^°C, while EPDM temperature resistance ranges from -45^°C to 145^° This means that both are excellent for extreme temperatures, but EPDM has a slight edge in colder temperatures, while Viton® is better for heat resistance at higher temperatures.

Viton is a synthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomer that is used in O-rings and other molded or extruded products. It offers the best fluid resistance of any commercial rubber. At high temperatures, Viton retains good mechanical properties compared to other elastomers.

The disadvantages of EPDM rubber include relatively poor resistance to petroleum-based fuels, most oils and non-polar solvents. Given these characteristics, EPDM is not a suitable material for petro-chemical applications. It should be noted that the inert nature of EPDM also makes it difficult to adhere to.

One of the biggest disadvantages of EPDM roofing is its vulnerability to high temperatures. Over time, the rubber membrane can shrink, stretch, or crack if exposed to extreme heat for long periods. This can lead to leaks and compromise the overall effectiveness and longevity of the roof.

In general, strong bases such as sodium hydrox- ide at relatively high concentrations will degrade Viton.

Reglin THA 3000 Viton adhesive system is a premium bonding cement made up of THA 3000 Adhesive and its specifically designed accelerator. THA 3000 Viton adhesive system will achieve excellent adhesion when bonding Viton rubber to Viton rubber, Viton rubber to steel and Viton to fabric.

Viton seals and o-rings can produce a dangerous by-product when exposed to high heat or fire. Some o-rings are made with a product called Viton which is a fluoroelastomer used for many years in the making of seals. It has excellent properties to resist corrosion or deteriora- tion especially in fuel system connections.

Is Viton same as EPDM? ›

With a low permeability to a wide range of range of substances, Viton resists degradation and corrosion from more chemicals and fluids than EPDM, but EPDM performs much better in low temperatures than Viton and also tends to be cheaper.

EPDM Results

At 100°C, the EPDM sample had shrunk by 17% to 48mm. A surprising result considering that the datasheet indicated the temperature limit was 130°C. At 125°C the shrinkage continued but this time it was more severe, showing a 52% decrease from its original size to 28mm.

The process of installing EPDM roofing in cold weather is largely the same, however ensuring the temperature is above 5°c is essential. The primary consideration when installing EPDM in winter should be safety, and extra time should be allotted to eliminate any hazards which could result in accident/injury.

Fluoroelastomer, FKM, FPM, and Viton® are all different names for the same synthetic rubber material family.

Cold—Viton is generally serviceable in dynamic applications down to –18 to –23°C (0 to –10°F), although special formulations permit its use in static applications down to –54°C (–65°F). Also, Viton has proven to be satisfactory for static seals used under conditions approaching absolute zero.

Viton® is a specific brand of Fluorocarbon (FKM) and is a registered trademark of The Chemours Company. This synthetic rubber polymer is commonly used in o-ring applications for aircraft engines, automotive fuel handling systems and other applications requiring high temperatures and low compression set.

EPDM rubber sheets are known for their superior resistance to damaging environmental factors whereas Viton is best known for its superior high temperature resistance. Both rubber materials offer excellent protective properties and tear strength, allowing them to withstand heavy impacts and abrasions.