Fluorosilicone Elastomers
(Fluorovinylmethylsiloxane Rubber)
Properties and Applications
Fluorosilicone rubber (FSR) or fluorovinylmethylsiloxane rubbers (FVMQ) are very resilient high-performance elastomers. The most common FSR is a copolymer of (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)methyldimethoxysilane and vinylmethyl-dimethoxysilane. It has many of the attributes of silicone rubbers. For example, it offers excellent chemical resistance to dilute acids, alkalines, and non-polar fluids and outstanding low temperature flexibility as well as good UV and heat resistance. However, it has only fair resistance to polar fluids such as ketones, amines, and aldehydes.
Fluorosilicones are (compression) molded into a multitude of elastomeric products using methods similar to other thermoset compounds. Typical parts include diaphragms, hoses, O-rings, gaskets, and seals used in the aircraft, automotive and general industries. They are often a good choice for static seals that have to resist fuels, oils, and diester based lubricants as well as low and high temperatures.