Viton® vs. Nitrile O-rings – Which to Choose?

Viton® vs. Nitrile O-rings – Which to Choose?

When selecting an O-ring, it's crucial to consider the materials used. Viton® and nitrile are two of the most commonly used materials, each offering unique properties, compression sets, and chemical resistances. Understanding their characteristics can help you make an informed decision for your specific application.

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Nitrile O-rings

Nitrile O-rings, also known as NBR or Buna-N, are the most frequently used O-rings on the market. They are generally the most economical option available. However, nitrile O-rings come with several chemical and environmental limitations.

Nitrile is a synthetic copolymer composed of acrylonitrile and butadiene. The percentage of acrylonitrile can affect the material's properties. For example, increasing the acrylonitrile content can expand the temperature range but decrease resistance to oil and fuel. Altering this percentage can also increase the cost of nitrile O-rings.

Moreover, nitrile O-rings can be hydrogenated (HNBR) to enhance their temperature range and resistance to oils, fuels, ozone, and harsh chemicals. However, this also increases the material's cost. For this comparison, let's assume a standard acrylonitrile content without hydrogenation.

Viton® O-rings

Viton® is a brand name for FKM or FPM material, but the material is equivalent regardless of the name. Viton® O-rings are widely used because of their high-temperature range and durability.

Viton® materials include Viton® A, Viton® B, and Viton® F, each differing in fluorine content—66%, 68%, and 70%, respectively. Viton® A is the most commonly used, but Viton® B and Viton® F are also utilized for specific applications. For this comparison, we'll assume the use of Viton® A.

Viton® vs. Nitrile – What is the Difference?

To determine which material suits your application, you need to understand the differences between nitrile and Viton® O-rings. So, what sets them apart?

Temperature

Nitrile O-rings operate within a temperature range of -35°C (-30°F) to 120°C (250°F).

Viton® O-rings have a temperature range of -20°C (-5°F) to 210°C (410°F).

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Benefits

Viton® O-rings offer greater resistance to chemicals, extreme conditions, and mold compared to nitrile. Both have good abrasion and tear resistance, but nitrile has higher resistance.

Limitations

Nitrile O-rings do not perform well in harsh chemicals or outdoor settings. Their resistance to different liquids decreases when formulated for higher or lower temperature ranges. On the other hand, Viton® O-rings should not be used with brake fluids, ketones, hot water, or in low temperatures.

Common Applications & Uses

Both Viton® and nitrile O-rings find use in various applications. Nitrile O-rings are common in hydraulics, pneumatics, and fuel systems, particularly in automotive and off-road equipment, military applications, marine devices, and aircraft fuel systems. Viton® O-rings are prevalent in automobiles, aircraft, and other mechanical devices requiring resistance to harsh chemicals.

Cost

Nitrile is generally much cheaper than Viton®. However, special formulations of nitrile can drive up the price.

Which Material Is Right for Your Application?

The best choice depends on your specific application. Both nitrile and Viton® have their pros and cons. For instance, if your operating temperature is between 0°C (32°F) and 100°C (212°F), and you use standard hydraulic oil without harsh chemicals, nitrile would be more cost-effective.

However, if your application involves higher temperatures, exposure to outdoor elements and UV, or harsher chemicals, Viton® would be the better option. A thorough review of your application will help you choose the most suitable O-ring material.

If you need assistance finding the right seal for your project, consult with an expert at Wyatt Seal. With 50 years of experience, we connect with seal manufacturers globally to offer thousands of seals, gaskets, O-rings, and specialty items for any application.

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