Silicone - O-Ring & Engineered Seals Division | Parker US

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