FVMQ – Silicone rubber with high chemical resistance

What is fluorosilicone (FVMQ)?

Fluorosilicone (FVMQ, Fluoro Vinyl Methyl Silicone Rubber) is a special type of rubber. Silicone rubber, which significantly improves its chemical resistance through the introduction of fluorine groups into the polymer structure. It combines the excellent temperature flexibility of silicone rubber (VMQ) with enhanced media resistance to fuels, oils, and solvents. This makes FVMQ particularly suitable for applications where both extreme temperatures and aggressive media are present – making it a preferred material for high-stress Molded Silicone in the aerospace and chemical industries.

 

Fluorsilicone (FVMQ) has excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals and solvents, including fuels, oils, acids, and bases. It also exhibits a wide operating temperature range, typically from -60°C to +200°C, and can withstand brief exposures to even higher temperatures. FVMQ offers good mechanical properties, such as high tensile strength and elongation, and possesses excellent ozone and UV resistance. It is also known for its low gas permeability and good electrical insulating properties.

  • Very good resistance to Mineral oils, fuels, aromatics and many chemicals
  • Wide temperature application range from approx. -65 °C until +200 °C
  • Excellent low-temperature flexibility, even at very low temperatures
  • Good resistance to ozone, UV and weathering
  • Low compression set, ensures long-term sealing effect
  • Poorer tear and abrasion resistance compared to some other elastomers
  • Higher cost than standard silicones or other technical rubbers
  • Potential sustainability problems (belonging to the PFAS group, the per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances)

 

What are the possible applications and material combinations for fluorosilicone (FVMQ)?

FVMQ is often used in aerospace, automotive, defence and industrial applications where fuel and Oil resistance must be combined with a wide temperature range. Typical components are O-rings, Sealing lips, Valves, membranes and hoses in fuel systems. In Rubber-metal composite parts FVMQ is often used as a sealing or bearing component for highly stressed systems. For extremely aggressive media or even higher temperatures, FVMQ can be combined with special fillers to further improve its properties.