Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| anhydrous | C* | – |
* estimated rating, given in the source without a temperature
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
Viton (FPM) has limited resistance (C) to Hydrogen Fluoride at anhydrous at 20 °C. This indicates that the chemical has a noticeable effect on the material, which may include visible swelling, softening, or a measurable loss of tensile strength. Use is generally limited to short-term or intermittent contact where full structural integrity is not required. The rating remains stable between 20 °C and 50 °C, which means this material can also handle moderately elevated process temperatures without additional risk.
Application context
Hydrogen Fluoride is commonly encountered in chemical storage and water treatment. Viton (FPM) (Fluoroelastomer (FKM/FPM)) is an elastomer typically used for seals, O-rings, hoses and flexible connections. Because Hydrogen Fluoride is classified as corrosive, the choice of containment material is especially critical to prevent leaks, equipment damage, and safety hazards.
Practical recommendation
Viton (FPM) has limited resistance to Hydrogen Fluoride and should only be used for short-term or intermittent contact at ambient temperature. The C rating means the material undergoes noticeable changes — swelling, loss of strength, or surface degradation — that make it unsuitable for permanent installations. For prolonged or continuous exposure, FEP, PTFE offer significantly better resistance and are rated A.
Did you know?
In industrial practice, Viton (FPM) components exposed to Hydrogen Fluoride are typically inspected for swelling, discoloration, or loss of mechanical strength as early indicators of chemical attack.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for anhydrous, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- PP B
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, FEP A
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 very good resistance
- B good resistance
- C limited resistance
- D not resistant
- – no data
- K no general statement possible
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.