FVMQ Rubber - Fluorosilicone Rubber
FVMQ rubber is fluorosilicone rubber produced as a result of chemical reactions involving the fluorination of methyl-silicone rubbers. Fluorosilicone rubbers are more durable than regular silicone vulcanizates and have better physico-mechanical parameters. They are more resistant to tearing, permanent deformation under compressive force, and exhibit high durability to mineral oils, fuel materials, and lubricants. FVMQ rubber also behaves durably against atmospheric factors, ozone, and ultraviolet radiation.
What does the abbreviation FVMQ stand for?
Fluorosilicone rubber is also known in the market under the trade name Silastic LS. Another name for FVMQ is fluorosilicone rubber. The name FVMQ originated from the names of chemical reactions accompanying the formation of this material. This rubber is a fluorosilicone polymer, with a base in the form of polyalloysilanes, which undergo crosslinking reactions with peroxides. Rubber mixtures with fillers are readily available on the market, which just need to be combined with crosslinking agents, i.e., peroxides. This is a type of rubber base from which the mentioned FVMQ can be obtained. The parameters of this base are:
- hardness 40 - 80 ShA,
- density 1.30 to 1.70 kg/cm3.
This rubber is an excellent complement to the silicone rubber market. Unlike most available materials, it stands out for its excellent resistance to solvents and mineral fuels. It is compared to fluorine elastomers. However, it has a distinct disadvantage that greatly limits its use. The drawback is its high material cost. However, focusing solely on the material, it presents a wide range of valuable properties for the industry, including:
- high tensile strength, reference range: Mpa 8 - 7.5,
- elongation in the range of 600% - 250%,
- permanent deformation at 175 degrees Celsius, over 70 hours is 24% - 25%,
- resistant to ozone,
- resistant to atmospheric factors,
- resistant to ultraviolet radiation,
- conditionally resistant to non-flammable hydraulic fluids such as HSD,
- resistant to diluted salt solutions and alcohols,
- no reaction to working in an environment using mineral and synthetic oils.
The temperature range is from -60 to 190 degrees Celsius, but it refers to tests conducted in air. This may mean that it may not correspond to the range applicable in other media.
FVMQ does not have resistance when exposed to:
- concentrated acids and bases,
- esters and ethers,
- aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons,
- and water vapor with a temperature above 100 degrees Celsius.
FVMQ is a universal material used in various economic sectors. It also shows chemical and biochemical neutrality. It is a material that is very easy to color - it can be produced in transparent, colored, fluorescent, textured, and glossy forms. It is also fire-resistant, and does not emit toxic combustion products when in contact with fire. An important characteristic of the material is its good dielectric conductivity. Peak values for short-term work with this rubber can even rise to 300 degrees Celsius.
This is a special type of O-rings, technical seals characterized by excellent resistance to high temperatures. O-rings made of fluorosilicone elastomer have properties similar to VMQ rubber - improved resistance to fuel and mineral oil. Compared to standard silicone, FMVQ has reduced resistance to hot air.
The temperature range in which they work well is between -60 to 230 degrees Celsius. FVMQ O-rings have much better resistance to abrasion and better physicochemical properties compared to standard silicones. Although the structure of FVMQ resembles side chains of gums based on silicones, the trifluoropeptide, methyl, and vinyl binding significantly improved the mentioned properties.