Buna-N (NBR) vs Silicone vs FKM (Viton®) vs EPDM (EPR) for O-Rings and Seals
Buna-N (NBR, Nitrile, Buna) | Silicone (VMQ, SIL) | FKM (Viton®) | EPDM (EP, EPR, Ethylene-Propylene Rubber) |
Web Description | Buna-N: Nitrile rubber materials are the most commonly used general purpose o-ring material because of relative low cost, good mechanical properties, and performance with many basic oils, fuels, and lubricants. Not recommended for use with UV, ozone, steam, harsh fuels or chemicals. Nitrile materials can be formulated to enhance specific physical and chemical resistances like color, durometer hardness, internal lubrication, steam, ozone, high and low temperature performance. | Silicone: Silicone materials have excellent thermal stability in extreme low and high temperature environments. Silicones have good broad spectrum chemical resistance and are physiologically neutral making them ideal for many food, pharma, and medical applications. Not recommended for dynamic service or for contact with many fuels, mineral oils, or concentrated acids. Silicone can be formulated in a variety colors, durometer hardnesses and variations designed for use in a wide range of demanding specialty applications like medical and EMI shielding. | FKM: Fluorocarbon compounds are widely used in chemical, aerospace, and industrial applications. These materials offer excellent chemcial and high temperature resistance. Not recommended for use with steam, amines, or polar solvents. Specialty FKM types and formulations are available for improved low temperature and chemical resistance as well as colors, durometer hardness, food and medical grade, high pressure and explosive decompression resistance. | EPDM: Ethylene-Propylene rubber materials are characterized by excellent chemical, steam and thermal resistance for a relative low cost. Often used in food, water, beverage and agricultural systems, hydraulic, braking, steam applications. Not recomended for use with most oils and fuels. |
| Compounds |
|---|
| Marco Compound Number | Datasheet | Hardness (Shore A) | Color | Low Temp | High Temp | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compound: B1000 | Datasheet:  | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -30 °F (-35 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: Lowest cost highest inventory general purpose commodity NBR compound. Compare to Parker N1470-70 and N0674-70 and Parco 4200-70 and 4900-70. Available in nearly any color and hardness. | |
| Compound: B1001 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 90 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -30 °F (-35 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: General purpose, higher pressure applications. Compare to Parker N0552-90 and N1490-90 and Parco 4200-90 and 4900-90. | |
| Compound: B1002 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -30 °F (-35 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: FDA compliant per 21 CFR 177.2600. Compare to Parker N0508-75 and N1069-70. | |
| Compound: B1005 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 90 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -30 °F (-35 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: FDA compliant, higher hardness. | |
| Compound: B1006 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 50 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -30 °F (-35 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: General purpose, lower hardness for lower closure force applications. FDA compliant and alternative colors available. Compare to Parker N0299-50. | |
| Compound: B1010 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 80 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -30 °F (-35 °C) | High Temp: 225 °F (110 °C) | Description: General purpose, higher hardness. Compare to Parker N0368-80. | |
| Compound: B1011 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -30 °F (-35 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: Internally lubricated with PTFE to reduce friction. Silicone oil and Moly (MOS2) internal lubricants available. Alternative hardness and colors also available. | |
| Compound: B1017 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -35 °F (-40 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: UL 157 listed for several approved uses. | |
| Compound: B1039 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: White | Low Temp: -30 °F (-35 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: | |
| Compound: B1058 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -30 °F (-35 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: NSF 61 certified for drinking water applications. | |
| Compound: B1063 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 95 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -30 °F (-35 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: Very high hardness for extreme pressure applications. | |
| Compound: B1083 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 275 °F (135 °C) | Description: Improved lower and higher temperature resistance and improved oil resistance at higher temperature. Compare to Parker N0794-75 and M83461 and Parco 4367-70. | |
| Compound: B1105 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -30 °F (-35 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: Metal detectable for contamination detection sensors. FDA compliant per 21 CFR 177.2600. Formulated for food contact and life science applications. Additional colors available. | |
| Compound: B1115 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Blue | Low Temp: -40 °F (-40 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: | |
| Compound: B1122 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -30 °F (-35 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: NSF 51 certified for food contact. | |
| Compound: M1000 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 275 °F (135 °C) | Description: Mil Spec (Military specification) AMS-P-25732, MS28775-### per MIL-P-25732C-(1). | |
| Compound: M1001 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 75 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 275 °F (135 °C) | Description: Mil Spec (Military specification) AMS-P-83461, M83461/1-### per MIL-P-83461B#3. Improved low temperature resistance and hydraulic fluid resistance. | |
| Compound: M1002 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 65 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: Mil Spec (Military specification) MS29513-###, MS29512-##, AMS-P-5315B. | |
| Compound: M1004 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 90 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 275 °F (135 °C) | Description: Mil Spec (Military specification) MS28778, AMS-P-5510C. | |
| Compound: M1005 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 65 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -70 °F (-60 °C) | High Temp: 200 °F (95 °C) | Description: Mil Spec (Military specification) AMS7271, AS3578. | |
| Compound: E1000 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 300 °F (150 °C) | Description: Peroxide cured for improved aging, thermal and chemical stability. NSF61 compliant for drinking water applications and FDA compliant per 21 CFR 177.2600. Compare to Parker E1549-70 and Parco 5323-70. | |
| Compound: E1001 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 80 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 300 °F (150 °C) | Description: | |
| Compound: E1005 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 265 °F (130 °C) | Description: General purpose sulfur cured EPDM. Low cost compound with large stocked inventory. Alternative hardness and color options available. Compare to Parker E0603-70. | |
| Compound: E1055 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 300 °F (150 °C) | Description: Peroxide cured for improved aging, thermal, and chemical stability. Large stocked inventory. Alternative hardness and color options available. | |
| Compound: E1069 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 250 °F (125 °C) | Description: NSF61 compliant for drinking water applications. Internally lubricated with Struktol. | |
| Compound: E1071 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 75 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -50 °F (-50 °C) | High Temp: 260 °F (130 °C) | Description: Conductive silver plated nickel filler for EMI / RFI shielding applications. Compare to Parker Chomerics E6434. | |
| Compound: E1074 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Off-white | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 300 °F (150 °C) | Description: USP Class VI, 3A-Dairy, USDA, and FDA compliant. | |
| Compound: E1077 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 75 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -25 °F (-30 °C) | High Temp: 215 °F (100 °C) | Description: Conductive nickel plated graphite filler for EMI / RFI shielding applications. Compare to Parker Chomerics E6306. | |
| Compound: E1087 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 80 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 300 °F (150 °C) | Description: Compounded to have an extemely high tensile strength. Peroxide cured for improved aging, thermal, and chemical stability. | |
| Compound: E1097 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 300 °F (150 °C) | Description: Peroxide cured, NSF61, 3A-Dairy, USDA, and FDA compliant. Improved chloramine resistance. | |
| Compound: E1100 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Tan | Low Temp: -50 °F (-50 °C) | High Temp: 270 °F (135 °C) | Description: Silver & Aluminum filled EPDM for conductivity, and EMI & RFI Shielding. | |
| Compound: E1118 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 75 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -45 °F (-45 °C) | High Temp: 300 °F (150 °C) | Description: Nuclear safe, improved radiation resistance, low extractables. Compare to James Walker Shieldseal 663. | |
| Compound: E1121 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 90 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -60 °F (-50 °C) | High Temp: 550 °F (290 °C) | Description: Y267 cured for greatly improved steam resistance. High hardness compound with excellent Explosive Decompression (ED) resistance. Compare to Parker e0962-90. | |
| Compound: E1130 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 300 °F (150 °C) | Description: NSF51 compliant for food contact. | |
| Compound: S1000 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Orange | Low 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: S1001 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Orange | Low Temp: -75 °F (-60 °C) | High Temp: 400 °F (205 °C) | Description: | |
| Compound: S1004 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 40 | Color: Orange | Low 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: S1015 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Orange | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 600 °F (320 °C) | Description: Higher temperature resistant Silicone | |
| Compound: S1020 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Clear-translucent | Low Temp: -65 °F (-55 °C) | High Temp: 400 °F (205 °C) | Description: Clear-Translucent and FDA compliant Silicone per 21 CFR 177.2600 | |
| Compound: S1032 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Yellow | Low Temp: -75 °F (-60 °C) | High Temp: 400 °F (205 °C) | Description: | |
| Compound: S1037 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Clear-translucent | Low 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: S1043 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 50 | Color: Orange | Low Temp: -105 °F (-75 °C) | High Temp: 400 °F (205 °C) | Description: Lower temperature resistant Silicone | |
| Compound: S1081 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 65 | Color: Dark gray | Low 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: S1083 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Clear-translucent | Low 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: S1146 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: White | Low 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: S1184 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 70 | Color: Red | Low Temp: -75 °F (-60 °C) | High Temp: 400 °F (205 °C) | Description: | |
| Compound: V1000 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 75 | Color: Black | Low Temp: -15 °F (-30 °C) | High Temp: 400 °F (205 °C) | Description: General purpose, low cost & high inventory FKM | |
| Compound: V1002 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 75 | Color: Black | Low 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: V1003 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 75 | Color: Brown | Low Temp: -15 °F (-30 °C) | High Temp: 400 °F (205 °C) | Description: Brown FKM Viton, improved oxidation resistance, compare to Parker V884-75 | |
| Compound: V1004 | Datasheet: | Hardness: 90 | Color: Black | Low 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 |
| Temperature Range Comparison |
|---|
Box: Base Material Family Range
Whiskers: Specialty Compounds
| General Information | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Full Name | Buna-N: Buna-N (NBR, Nitrile, Buna) | Silicone: Silicone (VMQ, SIL) | FKM: FKM (Viton®) | EPDM: EPDM (EP, EPR, Ethylene-Propylene Rubber) |
Short Name | Buna-N: Buna-N | Silicone: Silicone | FKM: FKM | EPDM: EPDM |
Common Names | Buna-N: Buna-N, Nitrile, NBR, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber | Silicone: Silicone, VMQ, PVMQ | FKM: FKM, FPM (Europe), Fluoropolymer, Fluoroelastomer | EPDM: EPDM, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber |
| Mechanical Properties |
|---|
| Specialty Resistances | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Greases | Greases | Greases | Greases | |
Silicone Oils | Silicone Oils | Silicone Oils | Silicone Oils | |
Alcohols | Odorless | Most Acids | Steam <300ºF | |
Di-ester Lubricants | Non-toxic | Vacuum | Some Acids | |
Ethylene Glycol Fluids | Wide Temperature Range | Halogenated Hydrocarbons | Cleaning Agents | |
Petroleum Oils | Dry Heat | Acetone | Glycol Brake Fluids (DOT 3, 4, 5.1) | |
Water | Brake Fluids | Strong Acids | Phosphate Ester Hydraulic Fluids | |
Hydraulic Fluids | Ketones | Aging | Bases | |
Diluted Alkalies | Fungal Growth | Non-flammable Hydraulic Fluids | Steam | |
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons | Oxygen | Chlorinated Hydrocarbons | Brake Fluids | |
Vegetable Oils | Animal Oils | Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Ketones | |
Mineral Oils | Weathering And Sunlight | Broad Spectrum Chemical Resistance | Weathering And Sunlight | |
Common Fuels | Compression Set | Steam | Acids | |
Solvents | Ozone | Brake Fluids | ||
Acids | Vegetable Oils | Compression Set | ||
Ozone | ||||
Di-ester Lubricants | ||||
Petroleum Oils | ||||
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons | ||||
Vegetable Oils | ||||
Mineral Oils | ||||
Common Fuels | ||||
Solvents |
| Specialty Resistances | |
|---|---|
| Buna-N | Alcohols Di-ester Lubricants Ethylene Glycol Fluids Petroleum Oils Water Hydraulic Fluids Diluted Alkalies Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Vegetable Oils Mineral Oils Common Fuels Solvents Acids |
| Silicone | Odorless Non-toxic Wide Temperature Range Dry Heat Brake Fluids Ketones Fungal Growth Oxygen Animal Oils Weathering And Sunlight Compression Set Ozone Vegetable Oils |
| FKM | Most Acids Vacuum Halogenated Hydrocarbons Acetone Strong Acids Aging Non-flammable Hydraulic Fluids Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Aromatic Hydrocarbons Broad Spectrum Chemical Resistance Steam Brake Fluids Compression Set Ozone Di-ester Lubricants Petroleum Oils Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Vegetable Oils Mineral Oils Common Fuels Solvents |
| EPDM | Steam <300ºF Some Acids Cleaning Agents Glycol Brake Fluids (DOT 3, 4, 5.1) Phosphate Ester Hydraulic Fluids Bases Steam Brake Fluids Ketones Weathering And Sunlight Acids |
| Brands | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nipol® | Thermoflex® | Viton® | ||
Elastosil® | Fluorel® | |||
Silastic® | Technoflon® | |||
Dai-el® |
| Brands | |
|---|---|
| Buna-N | Nipol® |
| Silicone | Thermoflex® Elastosil® Silastic® |
| FKM | Viton® Fluorel® Technoflon® Dai-el® |
| EPDM |
| Limitations | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
UV Light | Diluted Sodium Hydroxide | Hot Hydrofluoric | Kerosene | |
Aldehydes | High Gas Permeability | Skydrol Fluids | Non-polar Solvents | |
Aromatic Fuels | Dynamic Applications | Low Molecular Weight Ethers | Halogenated Solvents | |
Esters | Alkalis | Chlorosulfonic Acids | Petroleum Oils | |
Polar Solvents | Aromatic Mineral Oils | Low Molecular Weight Organic Solvents | Aliphatic Hydrocarbons | |
Ketones | Concentrated Solvents | Low Molecular Weight Organic Acids (formic And Acetic Acids) | Mineral Oils | |
Glycol Brake Fluids (DOT 3, 4, 5.1) | Concentrated Acids | Low Molecular Weight Esters | Common Fuels | |
Weathering And Sunlight | Hydrocarbon Fuels | Ammonia | Alternative Fuels | |
Non-flammable Hydraulic Fluids | Steam | Amines | Concentrated Acids | |
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons | Acids | Polar Solvents | Aromatic Hydrocarbons | |
Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Aromatic Hydrocarbons | Ketones | ||
Glycol Brake Fluids (DOT 3, 4, 5.1) |
| Limitations | |
|---|---|
| Buna-N | UV Light Aldehydes Aromatic Fuels Esters Polar Solvents Ketones Glycol Brake Fluids (DOT 3, 4, 5.1) Weathering And Sunlight Non-flammable Hydraulic Fluids Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
| Silicone | Diluted Sodium Hydroxide High Gas Permeability Dynamic Applications Alkalis Aromatic Mineral Oils Concentrated Solvents Concentrated Acids Hydrocarbon Fuels Steam Acids Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
| 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 Ammonia Amines Polar Solvents Ketones Glycol Brake Fluids (DOT 3, 4, 5.1) |
| EPDM | Kerosene Non-polar Solvents Halogenated Solvents Petroleum Oils Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Mineral Oils Common Fuels Alternative Fuels Concentrated Acids Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
