Introduction to Silicone Rubber (VMQ) O-Rings

Silicone (VMQ) o-rings are elastomers made from silicone, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. VMQ (Silicones) are a group of elastomeric materials made from silicone, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. Extreme temperature range and low temperature flexibility. They are used in the medical and food industry because they do not have any odor or taste.

Silicone o-rings have excellent heat, ozone, and corona resistance and have good dielectric stability and resistance to many oils, chemicals, and solvents. Silicone o-rings maintain the best flexible properties at low temperatures but have low tensile strength and low wear and tear resistance. VMQ is resistant to oxygen, ozone, UV light, mineral and vegetable oils, diluted salt solutions, engine and transmission oil, brake fluids (non-petroleum base), fire-resistant hydraulic fluid, and high molecular weight chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons. It offers good flexibility and compression set.

Temperature range of -60°F to 400°F with some formulations up to 450°F. Normal recommended: -60°F to 400°F (with some formulations up to 450°F). Excellent thermal stability in extreme low and high temperature environments. Excellent in dry heat and ozone applications.

Advantages: physiologically neutral properties; good insulating; excellent ozone and weather resistance; food grade compatibility; electrical insulation and compatibility. Good resistance to odorless, non-toxic substances, wide temperature range, dry heat, brake fluids, ketones, fungal growth, oxygen, animal oils, weathering and sunlight, compression set, ozone, and vegetable oils.

Silicone o-rings are suitable for use in food and beverage production lines, as well as medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing. For static applications, Silicone O-Rings offer high suitability in medical, food, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, automotive, aerospace, and electronics.

Disadvantages: Low tensile strength; poor tear strength and wear resistance. Should not be used in dynamic applications due to its low tensile strength, poor wear and tear strength. Cannot be used in acids, EP fluids, fuels, gear oils, ketones, and benzene. Incompatible for applications that come in contact with: Superheated water steam over (temperature not specified), acids and alkalis, hydrocarbon-based fuels, aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene), low molecular weight silicone oils. Not recommended for dynamic service or contact with many fuels, mineral oils, or concentrated acids.