Material Selection Guide
SILICONE (Q, MQ, VMQ, PVMQ)
Silicones have good ozone and weather resistance as well as good insulating and physiologically neutral properties. However, silicone elastomers as a group, have relatively low tensile strength, poor tear strength and little wear resistance.
Heat resistance:
- Up to approximately 204°C (400°F) special compounds up to 260°C (500°F)
Cold flexibility:
- Down to approximately -54°C (-65°F) special compounds down to -115°C (-175°F)
Chemical resistance:
- Animal and vegetable oil and grease
- High molecular weight chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons (including flame-resistant insulators, and coolant for transformers)
- Moderate water resistance
- Diluted salt solutions
- Ozone, aging and weather
Not compatible with:
- Superheated water steam over 121°C (250°F)
- Acids and alkalis
- Low molecular weight chlorinated hydrocarbons (trichloroethylene)
- Hydrocarbon based fuels
- Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene)
- Low molecular weight silicone oils