Low Temperature Silicone (PVMQ) Selection Guide
Low temperature PVMQ (Phenyl Vinyl Methyl Silicone) silicone is specifically formulated to maintain excellent elasticity and mechanical properties at extremely low temperatures. This webpage outlines the various types of low temperature PVMQ silicone, discusses their advantages and disadvantages, and highlights their applications across industries, with a special focus on O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts.
The engineers and consultants here at Canyon Components take pride in finding the perfect seal to suit our customer’s needs. Contact our expert staff for assistance with any seal or application questions!
Common names include: VQM (Silicone), PVMQ Trade Name: Silastic®, Elastosil®, Thermoflex®, Wacker, DOW Corning, DOWSIL.
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Features of Low Temperature Silicone
- Superior Low Temperature Flexibility: Retains flexibility and tensile strength in environments where traditional silicones become brittle. Phenyl Methyl Silicone (PVMQ) is a formulation of silicone that greatly improves the materials low temperature capabilities; typically around -80°C (-112°F).
- Chemical Resistance: Offers excellent resistance to water, ozone, and weathering, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
- Electrical Properties: Maintains good insulating properties at low temperatures, crucial for electronic applications.
- Durability: Exhibits long-term durability, even under the stress of low temperatures, reducing the frequency of replacement for O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts.
Types of Silicone Compared
- MQ Silicone: Methyl Silicone (MQ) is a relatively simple form of silicone rubber. MQ is not frequently used to manufacture O-rings and custom rubber parts due to it's lacking mechanical properties, however it can be processed to improve its characteristics.
- VMQ Silicone: Vinyl Methyl Silicone (VMQ) is the most common form of silicone rubber. It has a versatile functional temperature range (typically around -60°C to 200°C) and good compression set, but still has mechanical limitations like poor abrasion resistance and relatively low tensile strength.
- FVMQ Silicone: Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) is as it sounds: A fluorinated silicone polymer. As with other fluorinated polymers, FVMQ's molecular structure has improved stability, lending the material improved chemical resistance over standard VMQ. Unfortunately, FVMQ also has a slightly reduced temperature range (typically around -60°C to 175°C).
- PVMQ Silicone: Phenyl Methyl Silicone (PVMQ) is a formulation of silicone that greatly improves the materials low temperature capabilities (typically around -80°C to 200°C).
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
Industrial Usage of Low Temperature PVMQ Silicone
Low temperature PVMQ silicone is invaluable for its exceptional performance in cold environments, making it a crucial material for manufacturing O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts that require high flexibility and durability at low temperatures. Despite its higher cost and some physical limitations, its unique properties make it indispensable in industries where failure due to cold conditions is not an option. The ongoing development in silicone technology continues to expand the potential applications for low temperature PVMQ silicone, broadening its usage in both existing and emerging markets.
Canyon Components strives to meet all customer service requests. Feel free to contact Canyon Components engineering and let our knowledgeable staff help you design the perfect part for your needs.
Medical Devices
Used in the manufacturing of containers and seals that must withstand cold storage conditions without compromising the seal integrity.
Automotive
Utilized in cars and trucks for components that are exposed to harsh winter climates, ensuring that seals and hoses remain flexible.
Aerospace
Essential for O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts in aircrafts and spacecrafts, where materials must perform in extreme cold without losing integrity.
Electronics
Provides critical protection for electronic components in low temperature environments, ensuring that they remain insulated and secure.
Outdoor Applications
Ideal for outdoor electrical enclosures and other installations that require robust performance in cold climates, ensuring that O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts do not fail due to low temperatures.
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
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