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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)

• Viton FKM → Best choice (fuel, gas, chemical resistance, high heat).
• NBR → Acceptable for low-cost hoses, seals (not long-lasting).
• EPDM / Neoprene / NR → Not suitable (swelling & breakdown in oil/fuel).

 

🔹 Automotive & Transportation (Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang, Melaka)

• Viton FKM → Used in engine seals, fuel gaskets, turbo systems (handles fuels & 250°C).
• NBR → Standard in low-temp fuel systems (budget option).
• EPDM → Best for cooling systems (water, glycol) but fails in fuel exposure.
• Neoprene → Used in belts, weather seals.
• NR → Only used for vibration mounts or tires, not sealing.

 

🔹 Chemical Processing (Shah Alam, Pasir Gudang, Penang, Kuching)

• Viton FKM → Excellent for acid tanks, reactor linings, chemical pumps.
• NBR → Limited use (weak to strong acids/solvents).
• EPDM → Good for mild chemicals, acids, water systems.
• Neoprene → Moderate resistance, not for strong chemicals.
• NR → Not recommended.

 

🔹 Aerospace & Aviation (KLIA, Subang, Kota Kinabalu, Miri)

• Viton FKM → Essential (jet fuel seals, O-rings, engine gaskets).
• NBR / EPDM / Neoprene / NR → Cannot withstand aviation fuel + altitude conditions.

 

🔹 Marine & Offshore (Lumut, Johor, Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Labuan)

• Viton FKM → Long-lasting against saltwater, oil, UV exposure.
• Neoprene → Common in marine fenders, moderate durability.
• EPDM → Excellent for weathering, but not oil resistance.
• NBR & NR → Poor – degrade in oil/marine fuels.

 

🔹 Power Generation (Manjung, Kapar, Kimanis, Bakun, Mukah)

• Viton FKM → Best for boilers, turbines, fuel seals, compressor gaskets.
• EPDM → Acceptable for steam, but weak in oil-based applications.
• NBR / Neoprene / NR → Limited roles, short service life.

 

🏆 Why Choose Viton FKM Sheets in Malaysia?

• High ROI: Though higher cost, Viton lasts 3–5x longer than NBR/EPDM in harsh conditions.
• One Material, Many Uses: Works in fuel, chemical, heat, ozone, gas sealing simultaneously.
• Trusted by Industries: Standard choice for Petronas, Shell, automotive OEMs, aerospace MROs, power plants.

⚡ 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.