NBR vs EPDM vs FKM vs PTFE: Which Seal Material Do You Need

2026-07-265 min readTechnical Guides

Seal material comparison by temperature range, media compatibility and service life, with clear guidance for water, steam and oil applications.

NBR for general water and air

NBR (nitrile) covers -5 C to 80 C and works well with water, air and light oil. It is the standard choice for general purpose solenoid valves and offers a good balance of cost and durability.

EPDM for hot water

EPDM handles up to 150 C and resists hot water, steam at low pressure and many cleaning chemicals. It is not suitable for mineral oil or fuel.

FKM for oil and fuel

FKM (Viton) covers -10 C to 120 C and resists diesel, hydraulic oil, lubricants and many chemicals. Choose FKM whenever the medium contains mineral oil.

PTFE for saturated steam

PTFE handles up to 180 C and is chemically inert, making it the standard seal for saturated steam valves. It requires a piston structure rather than a diaphragm in most designs.

Quick decision rule

Cold water and air: NBR. Hot water: EPDM. Oil and fuel: FKM. Steam: PTFE. If two media appear in one line, select the seal rated for the more aggressive medium and higher temperature.

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