Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 % | B | C | |
| 100 % | C | – |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of Viton (FPM) to Phenol is concentration-dependent. Across the 2 tested concentrations (10 %, 100 %), the 20 °C rating ranges from B at lower concentrations to C at higher ones. This means engineers must verify which concentration their process actually involves before relying on a single rating. 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
Phenol is commonly encountered in cosmetics production and cleaning. Viton (FPM) (Fluoroelastomer (FKM/FPM)) is an elastomer typically used for seals, O-rings, hoses and flexible connections. The compatibility between these two is therefore an important consideration for engineers and procurement teams selecting containment, transfer, or processing equipment.
Practical recommendation
Viton (FPM) has limited resistance to Phenol 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, PMP, PP, ECTFE/ETFE offer significantly better resistance and are rated A.
Did you know?
Fluoroelastomer (FKM/FPM) was first developed in the 1950s and remains one of the most widely used elastomers in chemical handling equipment.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for 100 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE B, PP A, PMP A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium 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.