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Viton™ Fluoroelastomers for Sustainable Fuel Compatibility
Supporting the Transition to Sustainable Fuels
Consumers, policymakers, and manufacturers are supporting the global push toward sustainability within the automotive industry. Beyond improving fuel efficiency and lowering CO₂ emissions, the industry is rapidly adopting new and alternative sustainable fuels to meet stringent regulations and climate goals.
For OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, this transition presents material challenges, as components must resist the unique chemical and physical stresses of these alternative fuels. Chemours Viton™ fluoroelastomers (FKM) deliver the sealing performance, chemical resistance, and long-term durability needed for sustainable fuel compatibility.
Sustainable fuels are renewable-energy-derived alternative sources with reduced carbon footprints compared to existing fossil fuels. Sustainable fuel alternatives include the following:
While sustainable fuels are chemically compatible with internal combustion engines (ICEs), they often comprise higher alcohol content, aggressive contaminants, and permeation risk. These new energy challenges demand advanced fuel system sealing materials to provide long-term performance, even in the harshest of environments.
When compared to conventional elastomers, Viton™ FKM materials consistently outperform in the following key areas:
What Are Sustainable Fuels?
Sustainable fuels are renewable-energy-derived alternative sources with reduced carbon footprints compared to existing fossil fuels. Sustainable fuel alternatives include the following:
- Biofuels: Derived from plants, biomass, or waste (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel)
- E-fuels (electro-fuels): Produced using renewable electricity, hydrogen, and captured CO₂ (e.g., e-methane, e-diesel)
- Hydrogen: Burned directly in engines or used in fuel cells
Why Choose Viton™ Fluoroelastomers for Sustainable Fuels?
While sustainable fuels are chemically compatible with internal combustion engines (ICEs), they often comprise higher alcohol content, aggressive contaminants, and permeation risk. These new energy challenges demand advanced fuel system sealing materials to provide long-term performance, even in the harshest of environments.
When compared to conventional elastomers, Viton™ FKM materials consistently outperform in the following key areas:
- Outstanding biofuel and e-fuel compatibility
- Exceptional resistance to chemical exposure from ethanol, biodiesel, and synthetic fuels
- High resistance to alcohol permeation
- Maintains low evaporative emissions, despite high alcohol content in fuels
- Long-term property retention
- Able to maintain mechanical properties, such as elasticity, sealing, and durability, over extended exposure
- Excellent low-temperature sealing
- Continues to perform in cold environments as low as −32°C (−26°F)
Applications for Viton™ Fluoroelastomers in Fuel Systems
- Fuel filler neck and sender seals
- Hoses and tubes for biofuel and ethanol blends
- Gaskets and O-rings exposed to biodiesel or e-fuels
- Camlock and lock nut components in fuel delivery systems
Viton™ Fluoroelastomers’ Resistance to Biofuels and E-fuels
Chemours Proprietary Test MethodsRatings based on proper formulation. 1: Excellent, 2: Very Good, 3: Good, NR: Not Recommended
| Cure | System | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bisphenol
|
Peroxide
|
||||||
Type of Viton™ Fluoroelastomer
|
A | ||||||
| Fluid | |||||||
| Hydrocarbon automotive and aviation fues — no oxygenate or biofuel content | 1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
| Dry, unoxidized biodiesel (B100) and blends with petrodiesel | 1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
| Wet biodiesel* and petrodiesel blends | NR
|
NR
|
NR
|
1**
|
1**
|
1**
|
1**
|
| Aliphatic hydrocarbon process fluids, chemicals | 1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
| Aromatic hydrocarbon process fluids, chemicals | 2
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
| Aqueous fluids: water, steam, mineral acids (H2SO4, HNO3, HCI, etc.) | 3
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
| Methanol (methyl alcohol) | NR
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
NR
|
1
|
| Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) | 2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
| Temperature of retraction (TR-10), °C (°F) | −17
(1.4) |
−13
(8.6) |
−6
(21) |
−17
(1.4) |
−6
(21) |
−30
(−22) |
−24
(−11) |
| Static low temperature sealing (19% compression), °C (°F) | −32
(−26) |
−28
(−18) |
−23
(−9) |
−33
(−27) |
−19
(−2.2) |
−46
(−51) |
−24
(−11) |
*Wet biodiesel containing water and acid simulating wet, oxidized biodiesel
**Specific formulations only—contact Chemours
**Specific formulations only—contact Chemours
Excellent Resistance to Chemical Attack and Permeation of Ethanol
The extensive testing data below indicate that Viton™ FKM materials are capable of handling biofuel and e-fuel systems without compromising emissions or performance.
Figure 1. Volume Change in Ethanol Fuel Blends; 1,008 hours at 40°C (104°F) (weekly fuel change)
ASTM D4 71-96—Fuel testing was conducted in sealed one-liter 316 stainless steel Parr pressure vessels
Figure 2. Permeation of Fuel C/Ethanol Fuel Blends at 40°C (104°F)
SAE 2665 cup weight loss method
Figure 3. Volume Change B20 RME and B20 Wet* RME after 1008 hr at 125°C (257°F)
ASTM D4 71-96—Fuel testing was conducted in sealed one-liter 316 stainless steel Parr pressure vessels
*Wet biodiesel containing water and acid, simulating wet, oxidized biodiesel
**Special formulation from Chemours
**Special formulation from Chemours
For OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers seeking superior sustainable fuel sealing solutions, Viton™ fluoroelastomers deliver proven performance for today’s and tomorrow’s fuels. Click the link below to talk to a technical expert about selecting the right grade for your application today!
Viton™ fluoroelastomers and any associated logo are trademarks or copyrights of THE CHEMOURS COMPANY FC, LLC used with consent by ChemPoint, an authorized distributor of THE CHEMOURS COMPANY FC, LLC.
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