1. Introduction
VMQ/SILICONE and FVMQ are two elastomeric materials widely used across various industrial sectors, from automotive seals to aerospace equipment, where they play crucial roles. However, selecting the right material for different environmental conditions is not always straightforward. For instance, in automotive engines, certain seals need to withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures, oil, and chemical corrosion. In such demanding conditions, FVMQ often outperforms VMQ/SILICONE. Yet, for standard household appliances, VMQ/SILICONE may be more than adequate. This brings up a key question: how can we choose the most suitable material based on different application needs? Next, we will explore the key factors that influence this decision.
2. Performance Comparison: VMQ vs. FVMQ
1. Temperature Resistance:
– FVMQ: Maximum operating temperature of 200°C, low-temperature resistance down to -80°C.
– VMQ: Maximum operating temperature of 250°C, low-temperature resistance ranging from -70°C to -120°C.
VMQ performs better at high temperatures, while both perform similarly under low temperatures, though VMQ has a broader low-temperature range.
2. Stability and Chemical Resistance:
– FVMQ: Exhibits excellent resistance to fuels, oxygen, oils, and chemical solvents, especially in chemical solvents and fuel oils.
– VMQ: Shows good resistance to oxygen and chemicals but is less resistant to solvents compared to FVMQ.
FVMQ outperforms VMQ in chemical solvent, fuel oil, and combustion stability.
3. Mechanical Properties: Elasticity, Hardness, and Abrasion Resistance:
– FVMQ: Has good elasticity, a hardness range of 50-80 Shore A, with relatively weak abrasion resistance.
– VMQ: Also has excellent elasticity, with a wider hardness range of 30-90 Shore A, and slightly weaker abrasion resistance.
Both materials have similar elasticity, but VMQ offers a broader range of hardness options. In terms of abrasion resistance, both perform moderately, with FVMQ slightly better than VMQ.
4. Aging Resistance:
– FVMQ:Exhibits excellent aging, ozone, and oxygen resistance.
– VMQ: Also shows strong aging resistance, particularly under exposure to heat, oxygen, and ozone.
Both materials have excellent aging resistance, suitable for applications requiring long-term exposure to harsh environments.
3. Application Scenario Analysis
1. Performance in Different Applications:
VMQ and FVMQ each have unique advantages in their respective fields of application. VMQ is widely used in scenarios requiring long-term high-temperature, low-temperature, and good electrical insulation, such as insulation layers for wires and cables, seals, and food-grade and medical-grade seals. Due to its non-toxic and odorless properties, VMQ is also often used in applications that come into contact with food and the human body.
FVMQ, on the other hand, is particularly suitable for sealing and protective components in extreme environments, especially in the aerospace and automotive industries. It can maintain elasticity and stability for long periods when exposed to fuel oils, lubricants, hydraulic oils, and other oil products, making it ideal for aircraft fuel systems, oil tank seals, and automotive oil seals, diaphragms, etc.
2. Case Studies:
– VMQ (Silicone Rubber):
– Food and Medical Equipment Industry:
In food processing equipment, VMQ seals are widely used due to their high-temperature resistance, non-toxicity, and odorless properties. They can work long-term in steam environments without affecting the taste or safety of the food. For example, in high-temperature baking equipment, VMQ seals can work for extended periods at 200°C without significant performance degradation.
– Medical Equipment:
In medical devices like respiratory masks and catheters, VMQ is the material of choice due to its biocompatibility and resistance to disinfection. It can withstand repeated high-temperature disinfection treatments while maintaining softness and sealing properties.
– Electronics Industry:
In the electronics industry, VMQ is used to make insulating materials, such as high-temperature cable sheaths. Its heat resistance and excellent electrical insulation make it perform well in high-temperature electrical environments. For instance, the VMQ insulation layer in electrical equipment can operate at 250°C, ensuring the normal operation of the equipment.
– FVMQ (Fluorosilicone Rubber):
– Aerospace Industry:
FVMQ is extensively used in the aerospace industry. For example, in an aircraft’s fuel system, FVMQ seals can maintain good sealing performance under extreme temperature variations (-60°C to 200°C), resist fuel oil corrosion, and prevent fuel leakage. A typical case is a certain model of passenger aircraft fuel system, where FVMQ seals have maintained excellent elasticity and oil resistance after long-term use, avoiding material aging and fuel leakage problems that could occur with conventional rubber.
– Automotive Industry:
In automotive manufacturing, FVMQ is used to make various critical seals, such as engine oil seals and fuel system seals. FVMQ can effectively resist the high temperatures and chemical erosion of engine lubricating oil, extending the lifespan of seals. In high-performance racing cars, FVMQ is often used as an oil seal material due to its oil resistance and high-temperature resistance, ensuring the normal
operation of the engine.
– Oil and Chemical Industry:
In the oil and chemical industries, FVMQ is used in oil pipelines and chemical containers that require sealing and protective components to resist chemical corrosion and maintain stable performance at high temperatures. For example, in a chemical plant’s reactor system, FVMQ seals provide excellent sealing performance and chemical resistance, maintaining the system’s tightness during chemical reactions and avoiding safety issues such as leaks.
4. Cost
1. Cost Comparison:
– VMQ: VMQ is generally more cost-effective and is available in various formulations to suit different budgets and performance requirements.
– FVMQ: Due to its specialized performance characteristics, FVMQ is typically more expensive, with costs driven by its unique resistance properties and use in high-performance applications.
5. Selection Recommendations
1. Recommendations Based on Application Needs:
– Choose VMQ if:
– You require high-temperature resistance in applications like electrical insulation or food-grade materials.
– Cost is a significant factor, and the environment doesn’t demand high chemical or oil resistance.
– Choose FVMQ if:
– Your application involves exposure to harsh chemicals, fuels, or extreme temperatures.
– You need a material that can maintain performance in aerospace or automotive environments.
6. Conclusion
Jingteng Seiko—a leader in the fluid control industry—offers tailored solutions for automotive, medical, food, and other sectors. We uphold the highest standards in material selection and precision craftsmanship, ensuring every product undergoes rigorous testing before delivery. With a commitment to 100% reliability, Jingteng Precision ensures your equipment operates efficiently and effectively.
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