Material Guide: Silicone Rubber

Our Gude To VMQ – Silicone Rubber

Silicone rubber is a high-performance elastomer that is ideal for high and low-temperature applications. VMQ’s unique structure provides material flexibility, and it is consistent over a wide range of temperatures thanks to its chemical characteristics.

What Are The Advantages Of VMQ?

There are many benefits of using VMQ. One of the main advantages of VMQ is its heat resistance. It offers outstanding high-temperature resistance, with its typical working temperature ranging from -60°C to +250°C.

The electrical properties of silicone are excellent, and it is commonly known that its resistance to weathering and ozone attack is outstanding.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Silicone Rubber?

While there are many advantages of using silicone rubber, one of the disadvantages of silicone rubber is that it is not resistant to superheated steam. The physical properties of VMQ are generally low but are retained at higher temperatures. VMQ is resistant to petroleum-based fluids and has a high gas permeability rate.

Food Quality/FDA compliant grades are available for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Room Temperature Vulcanisation (RTV) grades are also available, usually for prototypes or small batch quantities.

What Are The Typical Applications Of VMQ?

The typical applications for VMQ include the following:

• Automotive
• Food Storage
• Construction and Restoration
• Electronics
• Medical applications

What Temperatures Can Silicone Rubber Operate Under?

The typical working temperature range for VMQ is  -60°C to +250°C.

Looking for more detailed information on the different types of rubbers and polymers we work with? Then check out our material guides where you can find FAQ’s and more guides like this one detailing all you need to know. If you are looking for rubber or polymer products get in touch with DLR Elastomer today via our contact page or via LinkedIn and we can chat over your requirements.