Why fluorosilicone is used for aviation fuel seals

Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) is an elastomer made up from a silicone polymer chain with fluorinated side-chains. This structure provides the elastomer with a number of qualities that make it the perfect choice of material for the aviation industry.

Advantages of fluorosilicone rubber:

Fluorosilicone combines the most favourable properties of fluorocarbons and silicones. Fluorosilicone rubber properties and advantages include:

• Solvent Resistance: FVMQ elastomers have outstanding solvent resistance. It is a great choice of material for specific applications where general resistance to oxidising chemicals, aromatic and chlorinated solvent bases are required.
• Oil Resistence: Fluorosilicones offer the highest level of fuel resistence of all of the most popular elastomers. This makes it a great choice for static seals in aerospace fuel systems.
• Extreme Temperature Performance: Fluorosilicone elastomer seals have a fantastic low-temperature resistance, and can be used at low temperatures of -80 °C. As well as having a high temperature stability, perfect for aviation applications. FFKM O-Rings have a high thermal and chemical resistance which makes them ideal for chemical applications.
• Resilience: FVMQ elastomer is a resilient compound that offers low compression set characteristics. This is important because under strain the shape of the elastomer will not deform, therefore the seal force will remain intact, which reduces the risk of leaks.

Fluorosilicone rubber has dynamic properties useful for the aviation sector

fluorosilicone rubber in fuel seals

Key advancements in fluorosilicone elastomers have meant that they can meet industry needs in terms of reliability and durability in more challenging applications. FVMQ elastomers are better suited than ever to help engineers to deliver suitable and sustainable aviation innovative solutions. Fluorosilicone elastomer seals are also perfect for aviation applications, as this compound combines most of the attributes of silicone, in addition to resistance to petroleum oils and hydrocarbon fuels.

Extreme resistance of fluorosilicone elastomers

The primary use of fluorosilicone is in fuel systems at temperatures up to 220°C and in applications where the dry-heat resistance of silicone is required but the material may be exposed to petroleum oils and/or hydrocarbon fuels.

Fluorosilicone elastomer seals also offer an outstanding resistance to ozone, sunlight and weathering, which makes it the perfect compound to use within aviation. Although generally specified for aerospace use, fluorosilicone is also becoming an increasingly popular material for a wider range of sealing purposes.

When extreme temperature o-rings should be used

However, it must be noted that due to the low physical strength of fluoruosilicone and abrasion resistance, they are not recommended for dynamic sealing. For this type of seal, we would recommend TRPlast Perfluoroelastomer extreme temperature O-rings which you can find on the TRPlast Perfluoroelastomer extreme temperature o-rings page.

If you require further assistance in choosing the right type of O-ring, do not hesitate to contact one of our expert team members on +44(0)1432 268899 or fill out an online enquiry form.