Which item has shelf life of 20 years?

• A. O-ring
• B. Viton O-ring
• C. V-ring
• D. Gasket

Answer: (B)

Shelf life for elastomer seals is all about how well the material resists aging and degradation over time. Viton is a fluorocarbon elastomer, known for excellent chemical resistance and stability at higher temperatures. Because of that stability, when Viton O-rings are stored properly (sealed, cool, dry, away from ozone and UV exposure), they tend to maintain their elasticity and sealing performance for a much longer period than many other elastomer materials.

That combination of long-term aging resistance and the right storage conditions makes a Viton O-ring the best candidate for a 20-year shelf life. Other items listed—an O-ring without specifying material, a V-ring, or a gasket—do not have the same proven long-term stability across common storage environments, so they’re not typically associated with a 20-year shelf life.