Silicone rubber MVQ - silicone rubber VMQ
MVQ (Methyl Vinyl Silicone) is a special type of silicone rubber that is durable and resistant to harsh environmental conditions. It is composed of organosiloxane polymers, which are built from silicon and oxygen atoms. This makes the rubber more resilient than other siloxanes, which are liquid at room temperature. Silicone rubber is resistant to deformation under high pressure, has insulating properties, and is resistant to the effects of oxygen and ozone. Additionally, it has good gas permeability.
What is silicone rubber VMQ and MVQ?
MVQ silicone rubbers, also known as VMGI or VMQ, are flexible and compressible materials - also known as silicone rubber. They retain their properties even at high temperatures. They are resistant to twisting, crushing, and breaking. They also exhibit high resistance to aging, which is important in variable temperature conditions and during prolonged use. They can operate in temperatures ranging from -60 to 180 degrees Celsius, and temporarily even up to 250 degrees Celsius. MVQ rubber (Methyl Vinyl Silicon) is resistant to infrared and ultraviolet radiation and is not damaged when in contact with steam. In the food industry, it is valued for its physiological harmlessness, which is why it is approved for contact with food according to the regulations of the European Union. It has a smooth, hygienic surface and is resistant to the action of many chemicals. It is used in various branches of industry.
Silicone rubber is also known as:
- VMQ Silastic silicone
- Silicone
- Wacker - Silicone rubber
- Silastomer
Temperature range of silicone rubber
This range includes resistance to both low and high temperatures. The technical range of safe use of this silicone is temperatures: -60 to +200°C, occasionally at 250 degrees Celsius.
The rubber performs well in variable temperature conditions, i.e., -45 to +250°C. Some workplaces even indicate that it is resistant to extreme temperatures up to +300 degrees Celsius. Red rubber sheets can be produced in factory rolls with a height of 1200 mm, and upon request of the customer, they can be of various lengths, but not less than 1 meter.
Red silicone rubber
Red silicone rubber is a special type made of technical silicone rubber, which is commonly used for rolled sheets. The sheets can be solid or porous. This type of rubber is also used in the production of hoses, cords, and profiled seals. In the chemical, construction, agricultural, and automotive industries, red silicone rubber is used to manufacture technical seals.
Application of VMQ and MVQ material
Silicone rubber, simply known as "silicone," is a very resistant type of rubber. Materials produced based on it are resistant to air, oxygen, water up to 100 degrees Celsius, alcohols, greases, and petroleum oils. It also shows resistance to hydraulic fluids (containing glycol). Silicone insulates electricity. In the food industry, an important feature is also its lack of transferring odors and tastes. It is also fire-resistant, but its most common use is in contact with food articles.
Silicone VMQ is used for the production of products such as:
- Silicone sheets
- Silicone gaskets
- Silicone O-rings
- Silicone hoses
- Solid silicone cords
- Porous silicone cords
Silicone VMQ is usually used as a static seal. There is a wide range of colors available in the market:
- Red
- White
- Transparent
Food-grade Silicone - Silicone and FDA Certification for Pharmaceuticals and Food Products
Many people, especially in Poland, are not aware that materials in contact with food should be certified for this purpose. This also applies to articles such as rubber seals dedicated to food contact. Silicone rubber is a rubber compound that meets compliance requirements.
FDA Certificate for Silicone Rubber
The FDA certificate is a certification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirming a rubber material's ability to be in contact with food. The standard is very strict due to the confirmation of suitability for drinking water and physical contact with the skin.
Silicone Rubber for Seals
Silicone products, due to their properties, are commonly used for sealing and gasket production. They are flexible, resistant to high temperatures, ozone, and radiation, effectively sealing and isolating even in difficult conditions. However, silicone is prone to wear and tear and may tear, so silicone gaskets work best in static applications. They are also popular in the medical and food industries because they do not absorb flavor or odor. Silicone gaskets have high resistance to cyclic bending, retain electrical conductivity, and are resistant to atmospheric conditions (e.g., oxygen, ozone) and UVA and UVB radiation. They are also resistant to biological attacks, such as fungi. Silicone gaskets are characterized by resistance to:
- Hot air
- Ozone
- UV radiation (UVA and UVB ultraviolet light)
- Oxygen exposure
- Biological attacks, including fungi However, they have limited resistance to: - Concentrated acids and bases - Esters and ethers - Aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons - Water vapor above 100°C - Wear and tear and dynamic loads, which can lead to material tearing
Transparent Silicone Rubber
It is a versatile and flexible material, valued for work in unfavorable and extreme temperature conditions. It is chemically neutral and a strong polymer. Transparent silicone rubber is resistant to ozone and oxidation. It performs well under ultraviolet and infrared radiation, corona and ionizing discharges. It remains stable against moisture, stress, and long-term storage and use. Its thermal resistance ranges from +60 to up to 250 degrees Celsius. A growing trend is observed in the use of products made from transparent silicone rubbers worldwide.
Transparent rubbers are widely used in the food industry, especially in refrigerators and dryers. The industry also uses them due to their elasticity. Such sheets must have the approval of the Polish National Institute of Hygiene (PZH) and comply with the standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Good transparent silicone rubber should be manufactured in accordance with the ISO 9001:2009 Quality Management System, using the latest technologies. This ensures long-term use and meets customer expectations.
Transparent silicone rubber can be produced according to the customer's special order. Trimmed using modern plotters helps maintain the excellent quality of the rubber and the shape specified in the order. The rubber remains transparent; however, above a certain thickness, it may become milky
Clear silicone is used in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, winemaking, distilleries, and electronics.