Silicone (VMQ)

Silicones are a group of elastomeric materials made from silicone, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. Extreme temperature range and low temperature flexibility are characteristics of silicone compounds. As a group, silicones have poor tensile strength, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance. Special compounds have been developed with exceptional heat and compression set resistance. High strength compounds have also been made, but their strength does not compare to conventional rubber. Silicones possess excellent resistance to extreme temperatures -50°C to + 232°C (-58°F to +450°F). Some special compounds resist even higher temperatures. Retention of properties of silicone at high temperature is superior to most other elastic materials.

Silicone compounds are very clean and are used in many food and medical applications because they do not impart odor or taste. Silicone compounds are not recommended for dynamic O-ring sealing applications due to relatively low tear strength and high coefficient of friction. Silicone is resistant to hot air, ozone, UV radiation, engine and transmission oils, animal and vegetable fats and oils, and brake fluids. VMQ also has low resistance to mineral oils. Silicone can be compounded to be electrically resistant, conductive, or flame retardant. Many silicone compounds have a higher than normal mold shrinkage. Therefore production molds for silicone products are often different than molds for nitrile.