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Viton (FPM) and Calcium Hypochlorite: Chemical Resistance

Fluoroelastomer (FKM/FPM)

Rating

Concentration20 °C50 °CRemark
aqueousBC
saturatedBC

Material comparison at 20 °C

Calcium Hypochlorite: Material comparison at 20 °CViton (FPM): B (highlighted); ECTFE/ETFE: A; FEP: A; HDPE: A; LDPE: A; Nylon (PA): A.ECTFE/ETFE: AFEP: AHDPE: ALDPE: ANylon (PA): APMP: AAcetal (POM): APP: APolysulfone: APTFE: APVDF: ASAN: AEPDM: BViton (FPM): BFPMPolystyrene: BPVC Rigid: BSS 316: BPolycarbonate: CPETG: CPVC Flexible: CSS 304: CAluminium: DNBR: DSilicone: –
A very good resistanceB good resistanceC limited resistanceD not resistantno data
Each bar is one material. Taller bars indicate better resistance. The highlighted bar is the current material.

Resistance overview

Viton (FPM) maintains a consistent rating of B across all 2 tested concentrations (aqueous, saturated) of Calcium Hypochlorite at 20 °C. The fact that the rating does not change with concentration within the tested range simplifies material selection, though the boundary conditions beyond this range remain untested. However, at 50 °C the resistance rating drops, indicating that temperature must be factored into the design. For heated applications, additional testing under actual service conditions is strongly recommended.

Application context

Calcium Hypochlorite is commonly encountered in waste treatment and bleaching. Viton (FPM) (Fluoroelastomer (FKM/FPM)) is an elastomer typically used for seals, O-rings, hoses and flexible connections. Because Calcium Hypochlorite is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.

Practical recommendation

Viton (FPM) is suitable for use with Calcium Hypochlorite under normal conditions, but some minor effects on the material are expected over time. Periodic monitoring for swelling, softening, or weight change is recommended, especially for long-service components. Avoid prolonged exposure at elevated temperatures, as the resistance decreases further at 50 °C. For safety-critical or long-life applications, consider HDPE, LDPE, Nylon (PA) instead, which are rated A for this chemical.

Did you know?

The ratings shown here apply to pure Calcium Hypochlorite in contact with the base elastomer. In real-world applications, additives, pigments, and fillers in the material can shift resistance in either direction.

Materials rated A or B at 20 °C

Based on the row for saturated, 20 °C.

Thermoplastics
HDPE A, PP A, PVC Rigid B, LDPE A, Nylon (PA) A, Acetal (POM) A, Polystyrene B, Polysulfone A, PMP A, SAN A
Fluoropolymers
PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
Elastomers
EPDM B
Metals
SS 316 B

About Viton (FPM)

Fluoroelastomer (Viton, FKM/FPM) resists fuels, oils and many acids. Ketones, esters, amines and hot water or steam attack it.

Rating scale

A rating marked * is an estimate in the source, not a test result. An estimate is given as one value without a temperature.

About this data

The ratings come from the chemical resistance list published by Bürkle GmbH, which compiled them from raw-material manufacturers’ data. They describe laboratory tests on the raw material at 20 °C and 50 °C.

A finished part also sees pressure, mechanical stress, welds and mixtures that a laboratory test does not. Treat the rating as a first filter and test under your own conditions before relying on it.