Comparison of properties between fluororubber (FKM) and silicone (VMQ)

Fluoroelastomer (FKM) and silicone (VMQ) are two polymer materials with significantly different properties and applications. Each of them performs uniquely in different industries and environments. Below is a comparison of their respective features.

Material composition

Fluorine rubber (FKM): Fluorine rubber is a fluorinated hydrocarbon polymer, mainly composed of fluorine, carbon, hydrogen and other elements, and has stable chemical properties.

Silica gel (VMQ): Silica gel is a polymer with silicon-oxygen as the main chain, containing silicon, oxygen, carbon and hydrogen elements. Its structure is Si-O chain, which has good flexibility and heat resistance.

Temperature resistance

Fluorine rubber (FKM):

Applicable temperature range: -20°C to +250°C (some high-performance FKM can reach +300°C).

It has good high temperature resistance and is suitable for high temperature industrial environments.

Silicone (VMQ):

Applicable temperature range: -50°C to +200°C (some special silica gel can reach +250°C).

Excellent low temperature resistance, suitable for low temperature environments.

chemical resistance

Fluorine rubber (FKM):

Excellent resistance to a wide range of chemicals (such as oils, fuels, solvents, chemically corrosive liquids, etc.).

It can be used as a high-performance sealing material and is widely used in petroleum, chemical and other industries.

Silicone (VMQ):

Good resistance to water, gases and many chemicals, but poor resistance to certain solvents such as oils and fats.

It is more suitable for use in food, medicine and other environments that require good cleaning performance.

Mechanical properties

Fluorine rubber (FKM):

It has high tensile strength and wear resistance and can withstand large mechanical stress.

Harder, relatively low elasticity, suitable for high-pressure environments.

Silicone (VMQ):

It has good elasticity and flexibility and can remain soft in a wide temperature range.

Compression and tear resistance are relatively good.

Processing characteristics

Fluorine rubber (FKM):

The processing is difficult and requires high temperature and pressure conditions, so it is usually used for vulcanized finished products and the cost is relatively high.

Silicone (VMQ):

The processing is relatively simple and can be formed by various methods (such as molding, extrusion, injection molding, etc.) with low cost.

Application areas

Fluorine rubber (FKM):

It is widely used in petroleum, chemical, aerospace, automobile and other industries, and is mainly used for high-performance sealing materials such as seals, gaskets, and O-rings.

Silicone (VMQ):

It is commonly used in the fields of food, medicine, consumer goods and electronic products, and is used in sealing rings, isolation gaskets, thermal pads, etc.

biocompatibility

Fluorine rubber (FKM):

Generally not suitable for direct use in medical devices, some treated fluoroelastomers can be used in specific industrial applications. Silicone (VMQ):

It has good biocompatibility and is widely used in medical devices, food contact materials, etc.

Summarize

Fluorine rubber (FKM) and silicone (VMQ) each have their own unique advantages and application scenarios. Selecting the appropriate material depends on factors such as the specific working environment, temperature range, chemical media, and cost. For applications that require high temperature resistance and chemical resistance, fluoroelastomer is a better choice; while for low-temperature environments and applications that require biocompatibility, silicone is more suitable.

Comparison table

The following is a comparison table of properties of fluororubber (FKM) and silicone (VMQ):

Characteristic classification: Fluorine rubber (FKM) Silicone (VMQ)

Material composition - Fluorinated hydrocarbon polymer - Polymer with silica as the main chain

- Main elements: fluorine, carbon, hydrogen - Main elements: silicon, oxygen, carbon, hydrogen

Temperature resistance - Applicable temperature range: -20°C to +250°C - Applicable temperature range: -50°C to +200°C

- High performance FKM up to +300°C - Special silicone up to +250°C

Chemical resistance - Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, solvents, chemically corrosive liquids, etc. - Good resistance to water and gases, but poor resistance to certain solvents (such as oils and fats)

Mechanical Properties - High tensile strength and wear resistance - Good elasticity and flexibility

- Harder and relatively less elastic - Better resistance to compression and tearing

Processing characteristics - Difficult to process, requiring high temperature and pressure - Relatively simple to process, low cost

Application areas - Petroleum, chemical, aerospace, automotive and other industries - Food, medicine, consumer goods, electronic products, etc.

- High-performance sealing materials such as seals, gaskets, and O-rings - Seals, isolation gaskets, thermal pads, etc.

Biocompatibility - Generally not suitable for direct use in medical devices - Good biocompatibility

Through this comparison table, you can clearly see the advantages and differences between fluororubber and silicone in different characteristics and application scenarios.

Conclusion

Understanding the characteristics of fluororubber (FKM) and silicone (VMQ) and the differences in their application fields can help us make more scientific and reasonable decisions when actually selecting materials. Whether high temperature resistance and chemical resistance are pursued, or excellent biocompatibility and flexibility are required, both materials can play an important role in their respective fields. The right choice not only improves the performance of the product, but also ensures its safety and reliability during use.

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