Viton FKM Sheets vs NBR, EPDM, Neoprene & Natural Rubber (Malaysia Market)
Industrial buyers in Malaysia often compare Fluoroelastomer Viton FKM Sheets with NBR (Nitrile), EPDM, Neoprene, and Natural Rubber (NR). Each has strengths, but Viton FKM remains the premium choice for high-performance sealing, chemical, and temperature resistance.
Technical Performance Comparison
Property / Material |
Viton FKM |
NBR (Nitrile) |
EPDM |
Neoprene (CR) |
Natural Rubber (NR) |
Temperature Range |
-20°C to +250°C (peaks 300°C) |
-30°C to +100°C |
-40°C to +120°C |
-30°C to +110°C |
-50°C to +80°C |
Chemical Resistance |
Excellent – resists hydrocarbons, solvents, acids, aggressive fuels |
Fair – resists oils & fuels but weak to solvents/acids |
Good – resists mild acids, alkalis, water, steam |
Moderate – resists mild chemicals, weak to solvents |
Poor – weak to oils, solvents, and acids |
Fuel & Oil Resistance |
Outstanding – petrol, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel |
Good – resists oils & fuels, but not aggressive hydrocarbons |
Poor – swells in oils/fuels |
Moderate – limited oil resistance |
Poor – quickly degrades in oil |
Weather & Ozone Resistance |
Excellent – ozone, UV, tropical climate resistant |
Poor – cracks in ozone & sunlight |
Excellent – best for outdoor use |
Good – fair UV & weathering resistance |
Limited – moderate weathering |
Gas Permeability |
Very Low – great sealing for gases |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Moderate |
High (porous, leaks gases) |
Tensile Strength |
High – excellent durability |
Moderate |
High |
Moderate |
Very High (best elasticity) |
Durability / Lifespan |
10–15 years (industrial use) |
3–5 years |
5–8 years |
5–7 years |
2–4 years |
Relative Cost |
$$$ Premium |
$ Low |
$$ Medium |
$$ Medium |
$ Low |
In-Depth Industry-Specific Comparison
Oil & Gas (Malaysia – Pengerang, Kerteh, Labuan, Bintulu, Miri)
Automotive & Transportation (Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Melaka)
Chemical Processing (Shah Alam, Pasir Gudang, Penang, Kuching)
Aerospace & Aviation (KLIA, Subang, Kota Kinabalu, Miri)
Marine & Offshore (Lumut, Johor, Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Labuan)
Power Generation (Manjung, Kapar, Kimanis, Bakun, Mukah)
Why Choose Viton FKM Sheets in Malaysia?
Conclusion:
If you need fuel, chemical, and heat resistance → choose Viton FKM.
If you only need budget oil resistance → NBR is enough.
For water & outdoor weathering → EPDM is suitable.
For marine medium-duty uses → Neoprene works.
For general-purpose & shock absorption → Natural Rubber fits.