A Comprehensive Guide to Fluorosilicone Seals

Fluorosilicone or FVMQ is a premium and durable elastomer that has found applications in numerous industries. Some popular trade names for FVMQ are Silastic FSR, FE, FSE and Elastosil.

It is quite similar to silicone rubber (VMQ) and offers excellent mechanical properties, temperature resistance, and chemical resistance. Due to these benefits, FVMQ seals and o-rings are the ideal option for various important and critical applications.

A Brief Overview about the Mechanical Properties of FVMQ

FVMQ seals are ideal for both low and high temperature environments and have a functional temperature range of -60° C to + 200° C. It exhibits a mechanical hardness of 45-80 Shore A.

Some of the other vital characteristics include:

• Oil and fuel resistant
• Solvent resistant
• Ozone, air and sunlight resistant
• Great resilience properties and excellent compression set
• Ideal for exposure to aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons
• Ideal for use with mineral oils, petroleum and jet fuel

In the aerospace and automobile military industry, FVMQ is needed due to its  high modulus and temperature resistance properties in extruded shapes, o-rings and molded parts. When FVMQ is put under pressure and compressed, it can quickly retain its shape and bounce back, which are important and needed qualities for the aviation and automobile  industry. It’s resistance to fuel and oil make it an excellent option for the automotive and aviation industry.

What are the Common Applications of FVMQ?

Fluorosilicone is used in a variety of applications in the aerospace and automotive industries. These applications include:

• Low outgassing applications
• Electrical housing seals
• Aviation fuel systems
• Engine gaskets
• Tank seals and fuel pumps
• Automobile fuel emission control systems

What are the Limitations of FVMQ?

FVMQ has certain limitations due to which they are unsuitable for specific environments. Listed below are its few limitations:

• High friction characteristics
• Prone to brake fluids, ketones and hydrazine
• Poor abrasion resistance

Due to these limitations, FVMQ is ideal only for static applications and not dynamic ones. Also, since it isn’t chemically compatible with  brake fluids, ketones and hydrazine, it should not be exposed to these chemicals.

In conclusion, FVMQ is a strong elastomer and has mechanical properties and temperature stability that are similar to VMQ. However, when you compare it with standard VMQ, FVMQ displays good resistance to fuels, solvents, and mineral oil. If you are interested to know more about FVMQ seals, then feel free to connect with Harkesh Rubber. We can help you select and design the appropriate rubber material for your gasket, o-ring, or seal applications.