Types of Silicone

Types of Silicone: MQ, VMQ, PMQ & FVMQ – what does it all mean?

Silicone is used in a wide selection of industries, including Food & Drink, Pharmaceutical to Aerospace. It presents low toxicity, excellent flexibility, resistance to oxygen, UV, ozone and microbial growth.

Silicone as a sealing material has one of the greatest scopes of working temperatures. A Standard Silicone O Ring is capable of operating in temperatures between -60°C to +230°C, while specific compounds can be formulated to withstand temperatures between -100°C and +300°C.

MQ – Methyl Silicone

The simplest silicone compound. It comprises repeating units of oxygen, which provides remarkable resistance to UV, ozone, and the overall weathering. This type of Silicone is not frequently used due to its poor elastomeric properties, however, it is used as a foundation and then processed to increase productivity.

VMQ – Vinyl Methyl Silicone

VMQ has an excellent temperature scope and a superior compression set than the MQ. It is, however, not suitable in certain applications due to its poor tensile strength.

PMQ – Phenyl Methyl Silicone (aka PVMQ)

PMQ silicone operates at nearly a 100°C lower than the parallel MQ silicone.

FVMQ – Fluorosilicone

Fluorine is added to the molecules making stronger bonds. In turn, fewer chemical reactions happen, which means it increases its resistance to chemicals. The properties of FVMQ are very similar to those of VMQ.

M Barnwell Services can off a range of Silicone seals. For more information contact a member of the team.

E & OE. M Barnwell Services endeavour to make sure that all content is correct. The information has been gathered from manufacturing partners.