Frequently Asked Questions — FVMQ O-Rings
What is FVMQ fluorosilicone rubber?
FVMQ (Fluorovinyl Methyl Silicone), commonly called fluorosilicone, is produced by incorporating trifluoropropyl groups into a standard VMQ silicone backbone. This modification adds resistance to fuels and non-polar solvents while retaining the extreme temperature flexibility of silicone — a combination neither standard silicone nor FKM can match alone.
What temperature range can FVMQ o-rings handle?
FVMQ o-rings operate from −60 °C to +200 °C, matching the wide range of standard VMQ silicone. This makes fluorosilicone the material of choice wherever both low-temperature flexibility (below −40 °C) and fuel or solvent resistance are simultaneously required.
What chemicals is FVMQ resistant to?
FVMQ has good resistance to petroleum fuels (petrol, kerosene, aviation fuel, diesel), mineral oils, chlorinated solvents, ozone, and many lubricants. Compared to standard VMQ it adds fuel resistance; compared to FKM it adds cold-temperature flexibility below −20 °C. It is not suitable for steam above 120 °C or concentrated acids.
What are typical applications for FVMQ o-rings?
FVMQ o-rings are used primarily in aerospace fuel systems (jet fuel, MIL-spec hydraulic fluid), aerospace and military ground support equipment, automotive fuel delivery systems in cold climates, and any sealing application combining low temperatures (below −40 °C) with hydrocarbon fuel exposure where neither silicone nor FKM alone is adequate.