FKM (Viton®) vs Silicone for O-Rings and Seals

FKM (Viton®)

Silicone (VMQ, SIL)

Description
Both materials are well suited for use in the -30 to 205°C range. Silicone has an advantage in lower temperatures and Silicone has an advantage in higher temperatures. Marco offers specific compound formulations extending these ranges even futher as can be seen in the following compound comparison chart. When comparing these materials with respect to electrical current resistance, Silicone has a slight advantage. The differences in compression set resistence show that both materials are equally poor. Additionally, both materials are equally poor when considering wear resistance. Also, both materials are equally poor when comparing heat stability. Furthermore, FKM has a slight advantage when comparing short term resilience. Finally, FKM has a significant advantage when evaluating differences in permeation resilience. Both materials are resistant to ozone, compression set, vegetable oils, greases, silicone oils and brake fluids, with FKM having specific resistences to steam, solvents, broad spectrum chemical resistance, common fuels, mineral oils, aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, non-flammable hydraulic fluids, aging, strong acids, petroleum oils, acetone, halogenated hydrocarbons, di-ester lubricants, vacuum and most acids. Silicone has specific resistence to weathering and sunlight, animal oils, oxygen, fungal growth, ketones, dry heat, wide temperature range, non-toxic and odorless.
Compounds
Marco
Compound
Number
DatasheetHardness
(Shore A)
ColorLow TempHigh TempFeatures
Compound: S1000Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: OrangeLow Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: General purpose and FDA compliant Silicone per 21 CFR 177.2600   (available in nearly any color and durometer)
Compound: S1001Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: OrangeLow Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description:
Compound: S1004Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 40Color: OrangeLow Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: General purpose softer than standard Silicone to seal rough or warped glands and or low closure force applications
Compound: S1015Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: OrangeLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
600 °F
(320 °C)
Description: Higher temperature resistant Silicone
Compound: S1020Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: Clear-translucentLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Clear-Translucent and FDA compliant Silicone per 21 CFR 177.2600
Compound: S1032Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: YellowLow Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description:
Compound: S1037Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: Clear-translucentLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Medical Grade USP Class VI and FDA compliant Silicone, Platinium Cured, Clean Room Manufactured
Compound: S1043Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 50Color: OrangeLow Temp:
-105 °F
(-75 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Lower temperature resistant Silicone
Compound: S1081Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 65Color: Dark grayLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
350 °F
(180 °C)
Description: EMI RFI Shielding Nickel Coated Graphite filled Silicone, Volume Resistivity 0.10 ohm-cm
Compound: S1083Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: Clear-translucentLow Temp:
-65 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Medical Grade USP Class VI and FDA compliant Silicone, Platinium Cured, Commercial Manufactured
Compound: S1146Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: WhiteLow Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
480 °F
(250 °C)
Description: Medical Grade USP Class VI and FDA compliant Silicone, Platinium Cured, Commercial Manufactured
Compound: S1184Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: RedLow Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description:
Compound: S1206Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 80Color: Low Temp:
-75 °F
(-60 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description:
Compound: V1000Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BlackLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: General purpose, low cost & high inventory FKM
Compound: V1002Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BlackLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: AMS-R-83248 M83248/1-### PER MIL-R-83248 TY-1 CL-1, available in a UL recognized grade, compare to Parker V0747-75
Compound: V1003Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BrownLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Brown FKM Viton, improved oxidation resistance, compare to Parker V884-75
Compound: V1004Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 90Color: BlackLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: M83248/2-### PER MIL-R-83248C TY 1 CL 2, compare to Parker V0709-90
Compound: V1005Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BlackLow Temp:
-40 °F
(-40 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: M83485/1-XXX PER MIL-R-83485 GLT-type FKM Improved low temp resistance, compare to Parker VM835-75
Compound: V1007Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 90Color: BlackLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: General purpose high durometer, good in high pressure and dynamic applications, compare to Parker VA153-90
Compound: V1008Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 90Color: BrownLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description:
Compound: V1009Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 50Color: BlackLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: General purpose softer FKM, compare to Parker V0986-50
Compound: V1010Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 60Color: BlackLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: General purpose softer FKM, compare to Parker V0769-60 and Parco 9009-60
Compound: V1012Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: WhiteLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: White FKM, improved oxidation resistance, compare to Parker V1033-70
Compound: V1019Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BlackLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Internally lubricated with PTFE, reduces surface friction and sticking, similar to Parker V0848-75
Compound: V1020Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BlackLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Viton® ETP, base resistant , best chemically resistant FKM, compare to Parker V1260-75
Compound: V1033Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BlackLow Temp:
-40 °F
(-40 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Viton GFLT® recommended for Oxygenated Automotive Fuels (containing MeOH, EtOH, MTBE, etc. and Aromatic Hydrocarbon Process Fluid Chemicals. Compare to Parker V7594B
Compound: V1038Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BlackLow Temp:
-40 °F
(-40 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Viton GLT® Low temperature resistance, improved Water, Steam and Mineral Acids resistance
Compound: V1044Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 95Color: BlackLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Very hard extrusion resistant type A FKM, compare to Parker V1238-95 and Parco 9021-95
Compound: V1062Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 90Color: GreenLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description:
Compound: V1073Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BlackLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: FDA and 3A compliant
Compound: V1081Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BlackLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Viton® GF-S best value for widest chemical resistance FKM
Compound: V1082Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 90Color: BlackLow Temp:
-40 °F
(-40 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: AED and extrusion resistant GLT type FKM
Compound: V1086Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BlackLow Temp:
-55 °F
(-50 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Extended low temperature FKM, Wide chemical resistance including H2S and Oxygenated fuels, compare to Parker V1289-75
Compound: V1088Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BlackLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Viton® F material for increased solvent and general chemical resistance
Compound: V1090Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 90Color: BlackLow Temp:
-40 °F
(-40 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: AED resistant Viton GLT®, Norsok M710 and NACE TM0297 tested
Compound: V1118Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: WhiteLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: USP class VI medical grade, USDA 3A and FDA compliant
Compound: V1148Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: BlackLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Metal detectable, FDA compliant type A FKM
Compound: V1160Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 90Color: BlackLow Temp:
-50 °F
(-50 °C)
High Temp:
440 °F
(225 °C)
Description: AED resistant, Norsok M710 and NACE T0297 tested Wide chemical resistance including H2S and Oxygenated fuels.
Compound: V1165Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BlueLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description:
Compound: V1166Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: BlackLow Temp:
-60 °F
(-55 °C)
High Temp:
440 °F
(225 °C)
Description: Ultra-low temperature FKM commercial grade Wide chemical resistance including H2S and Oxygenated fuels.
Compound: V1183Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 60Color: BlackLow Temp:
-40 °F
(-40 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: Terpolymer GLT type for low temperature applications
Compound: V1190Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 75Color: BrownLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description: NSF51 compliant for food contact
Compound: V1208Datasheet: View DatasheetHardness: 70Color: BlueLow Temp:
-15 °F
(-30 °C)
High Temp:
400 °F
(205 °C)
Description:
Temperature Range Comparison
Box: Base Material Family Range
Whiskers: Specialty Compounds
General Information
Full Name
FKM:
FKM (Viton®)
Silicone:
Silicone (VMQ, SIL)
Short Name
FKM:
FKM
Silicone:
Silicone
Common Names
FKM:
FKM, FPM (Europe), Fluoropolymer, Fluoroelastomer
Silicone:
Silicone, VMQ, PVMQ
Mechanical Properties
Specialty Resistances
Brake Fluids
Brake Fluids
Compression Set
Compression Set
Greases
Greases
Ozone
Ozone
Silicone Oils
Silicone Oils
Vegetable Oils
Vegetable Oils
Most Acids
Odorless
Vacuum
Non-toxic
Di-ester Lubricants
Wide Temperature Range
Halogenated Hydrocarbons
Dry Heat
Acetone
Ketones
Petroleum Oils
Fungal Growth
Strong Acids
Oxygen
Aging
Animal Oils
Non-flammable Hydraulic Fluids
Weathering And Sunlight
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
Mineral Oils
Common Fuels
Broad Spectrum Chemical Resistance
Solvents
Steam
Specialty Resistances
FKM
Most Acids
Vacuum
Di-ester Lubricants
Halogenated Hydrocarbons
Acetone
Petroleum Oils
Strong Acids
Aging
Non-flammable Hydraulic Fluids
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
Mineral Oils
Common Fuels
Broad Spectrum Chemical Resistance
Solvents
Steam
Silicone
Odorless
Non-toxic
Wide Temperature Range
Dry Heat
Ketones
Fungal Growth
Oxygen
Animal Oils
Weathering And Sunlight
Brands
Viton®
Thermoflex®
Fluorel®
Elastosil®
Technoflon®
Silastic®
Dai-el®
Brands
FKM
Viton®
Fluorel®
Technoflon®
Dai-el®
Silicone
Thermoflex®
Elastosil®
Silastic®
Limitations
Hot Hydrofluoric
Diluted Sodium Hydroxide
Skydrol Fluids
High Gas Permeability
Low Molecular Weight Ethers
Dynamic Applications
Chlorosulfonic Acids
Alkalis
Low Molecular Weight Organic Solvents
Aromatic Mineral Oils
Low Molecular Weight Organic Acids (formic And Acetic Acids)
Concentrated Solvents
Low Molecular Weight Esters
Concentrated Acids
Polar Solvents
Hydrocarbon Fuels
Ammonia
Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Amines
Steam
Ketones
Acids
Glycol Brake Fluids (DOT 3, 4, 5.1)
Limitations
FKM
Hot Hydrofluoric
Skydrol Fluids
Low Molecular Weight Ethers
Chlorosulfonic Acids
Low Molecular Weight Organic Solvents
Low Molecular Weight Organic Acids (formic And Acetic Acids)
Low Molecular Weight Esters
Polar Solvents
Ammonia
Amines
Ketones
Glycol Brake Fluids (DOT 3, 4, 5.1)
Silicone
Diluted Sodium Hydroxide
High Gas Permeability
Dynamic Applications
Alkalis
Aromatic Mineral Oils
Concentrated Solvents
Concentrated Acids
Hydrocarbon Fuels
Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Steam
Acids