What is VMQ and FVMQ, Silicone rubber?
Silicone rubber (VMQ and FVMQ) is a highly versatile elastomer that can be used in many diverse sectors. Industrial grades of silicone rubber are generally based on polydimethylsiloxanes, partially substituted with other organic groups such as alkyl, vinyl or phenyl which regulate respectively the processability, reticulation and resistance to low temperatures. In the special case of fluoro-silicone rubber, one of the two methyl groups is substituted by a trifluoropropyl group. This unique feature results in a better resistance to fuels, solvents and to non-polar oils, as well as in an improvement of the compound performance at low temperatures. The incorporation of reinforcing fillers – typically precipitated or amorphous-ventilated silica – yields the formulations the hardness and the mechanical properties suitable for a static or dynamic application.
Properties of Silicone rubber and Fluoro-silicone (VMQ & FVMQ)
Thanks to a unique combination of chemical-physical properties, silicone rubber compounds possess remarkable characteristics:
- A wide temperature application depending on the grade from -150°C to +250°C with peaks up to +300°C
- Flexibility, resilience and steady sealing properties at a wide range of temperatures
- Excellent resistant to atmospheric agents such as rain, snow, humidity, sunlight and UV light
- Long-lasting and excellent insulating properties
- Natural resistance to fire and toxic-free combustion products
- Wide hardness range (from 20 to 90 ShA)
- Easy to color (from transparent to opaque and from fluorescent to textured or glittered)
- Chemical and biochemical inertia
Material processing
Silicone rubber compounds are also versatile when considering the transformation possible per extrusion and reticulation (in hot air, microwave, salt bath and steam), calendaring or coating, per compression or injection molding. Silicone rubber compounds reticulation can occur via radical reticulation by using peroxides or via catalyst reticulation by using organometallic complex of platinum. In particular, this second type of reticulation yields odorless and flavorless articles suitable for contact with potable water, food or for the manufacturing of medical appliances.
What is VMQ & FVMQ rubber typically used for?
Typical applications for silicone rubber (VMQ and FVMQ) compounds
- Kitchen molds and other tools
- Hoses for water
- Gaskets for the automotive sector
- Turbo charge hoses
- Wire and cables insulation and sheeting
- Connectors
- High voltage insulators
- Sport and leisure items such as watch straps, diving masks and snorkels
- Fashion items
- Bio-medical devices
- Gaskets and seals for domestic appliances
Rubber Application Matrix
HEXPOL’s rubber compounds can be used in a variety of different applications. Download our Application Matrix to see which compounds can fit your application.
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