¶ Viton™
| Synonyms | Viton™ / FKM / fluoroelastomer / (CH2CF2)n(CF(CF3)CF2)n |
|---|---|
| Uses | O-rings, tip-seals (rare), vacuum seals |
| Hazards (in powdery form) |
|
¶ Viton™
¶ Common uses
Vacuum seals and o-rings. It is sometimes used as tip-seal in scroll pumps, although this is relatively rare.
¶ Safety
Viton should not be heated above 200-230°C, because it will chemically decompose, which releases toxic gases such as HF.
¶ Powder
While it is inert as a bulk solid, viton is especially dangerous in powdery form, similar to Teflon™.
The most acute hazard of viton dust is its ability to contaminate clothing, skin, and surfaces seamlessly. If one gets microscopic viton dust on their fingers or clothing and later handles a cigarette, the heat of the burning tobacco (up to 900°C) will immediately incinerate the dust, releasing the abovementioned toxig gases into the lungs directly.
While working with this chemical, one should wear the proper PPE, such as gloves and a tightly sealed N95 FFP2-mask.
¶ Viton™ tip-seals
The tip-seals of many scroll pumps tend to degrade over time due to the friction between the tip-seal and the housing. This means that by simply operating the scroll pump, it releases viton dust into the air. This is why it is adviced to either put a filter on the exhaust of the pump, or connect the exhaust to some general exhaust from the building.
When replacing a tip-seal, always wear the proper PPE and make sure to wear a coat to prevent the dust to contaminate your clothing, since this can, again, contaminate your fingers, etc.