Material
Silicone (VMQ) O-Ring Material Guide
Silicone properties, wide temperature range and limitations.
Polymer
Silicone (VMQ)
Temperature range
−55 °C … +200 °C
Hardness
40–80 Shore A
Overview
Silicone offers the widest usable temperature range of the common elastomers together with outstanding ozone, UV and weather resistance, and it is physiologically inert in food and medical grades. Its weakness is mechanical: low tensile and tear strength make it a static-seal material rather than a dynamic one.
Strengths
- • Very wide temperature range, roughly −55 °C to +200 °C
- • Outstanding ozone, UV and weather resistance
- • Excellent compression-set recovery
- • Physiologically inert grades for food and medical use
Limitations
- • Low tensile, tear and abrasion strength — not for dynamic seals
- • Swells in mineral oils, fuels and aromatic solvents
- • High gas permeability
- • Allowable extrusion gap must be reduced to 40 % of the chart value
Compatible media
Hot and cold airOzone, UV & weatheringWater (moderate temperature)Food and pharmaceutical media
Media to avoid
Mineral oils & fuelsSteam & superheated waterAromatic solventsHigh-pressure gas (permeation)
Typical applications
Static seals across wide temperature swingsFood, medical and pharmaceutical equipmentLighting, electrical and oven sealsOutdoor and weather-exposed static joints
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