Emerging Markets Driving Demand for High Temperature Elastomers
When the challenge isn't just high heat but also extreme cold, a different class of High Temperature Elastomers rises to the occasion: the silicones. While fluorinated elastomers are known for their strength in harsh chemical environments, silicones are revered for their unparalleled temperature range and flexibility. Silicone (VMQ), and its fluorinated cousin, Fluorosilicone (FVMQ), are key members of this family, each serving a unique role in high-performance applications that require adaptability in a wide range of thermal conditions.
Silicone, a synthetic elastomer with a molecular backbone of silicon-oxygen bonds, is a truly unique material. Unlike most elastomers which are based on a carbon backbone, silicone's structure gives it exceptional thermal stability. It can withstand high temperatures, often up to 230°C (450°F) and sometimes even higher with special formulations. But what truly sets silicone apart is its low-temperature performance; it can remain flexible and functional at temperatures as low as -60°C (-75°F) or even lower, a feat few other elastomers can match. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor applications or in systems that experience wide temperature swings, such as aircraft seals that must function at both sea level and at high altitude where temperatures are frigid. Silicone also boasts excellent resistance to UV radiation and ozone, making it a durable choice for static seals and gaskets in exposed environments.
However, silicone has a significant weakness: its poor resistance to petroleum-based oils and fuels. Its molecular structure makes it susceptible to swelling and degradation when exposed to these common fluids, which severely limits its use in many industrial and automotive applications. This limitation led to the development of Fluorosilicone. As the name suggests, Fluorosilicone is a hybrid material that combines the best of both worlds. It is a silicone-based polymer that has had fluorine atoms strategically incorporated into its structure. This modification dramatically improves its resistance to oils, fuels, and solvents, while largely retaining the broad temperature range and flexibility that makes silicone so valuable.
The applications of these two materials reflect their respective strengths and weaknesses. Standard silicone is a perfect choice for seals in medical devices, food processing equipment, and electronics, where its biocompatibility, low toxicity, and lack of oil exposure are major benefits. It is also widely used for seals and gaskets in aerospace and military applications where its ability to perform in extreme thermal environments is a critical requirement. Fluorosilicone, on the other hand, is the preferred material for seals in automotive fuel systems, aircraft fuel tanks, and other applications where both extreme temperatures and hydrocarbon fluids are present. By adding fluorine, engineers created a material that could solve silicone's primary problem, creating a high-performance elastomer that is a crucial component in systems that require both thermal resilience and chemical resistance.