MFQ

MFQ – often referred to as FVMQ (fluorinated vinyl methyl silicone rubber) – is a fluorinated silicone elastomer material. It combines the wide temperature range and cold flexibility of silicone (VMQ) with significantly better resistance to fuels, oils and certain hydrocarbons. MFQ thus closes the gap between classic silicone elastomers and oil-resistant fluorinated rubbers (FKM).

Properties of MFQ / FVMQ

Fluoro-silicone rubbers have similar basic properties to conventional silicones (VMQ) in many respects:

• Good temperature range of typically approx. -55 °C to +180 °C
• Very good low-temperature behaviour with high elasticity even well below 0 °C
• Good ageing and weather resistance, ozone and UV stable
• Good electrical insulation
• Excellent gas and temperature change resistance in many applications

Compared to standard silicone (VMQ), MFQ also offers:

• Significantly better resistance to aromatic mineral oils (e.g. ASTM oil No. 3)
• increased resistance to fuels (petrol, kerosene, aviation turbine fuels, natural gas components)
• improved compatibility with various hydrocarbons such as benzene and toluene

The mechanical properties (tensile strength, tear resistance, abrasion) are usually slightly lower than those of classic technical elastomers such as NBR or FKM. MFQ is therefore less suitable for highly dynamic, heavy-duty applications, but rather for media-critical sealing tasks at demanding temperatures.

Media resistance and operating temperature

Typical for MFQ / FVMQ:

• very good resistance to fuels, hydrogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons
• good resistance to many engine and transmission oils, especially those with aromatic components
• good resistance to ozone, weathering and oxygen
• Limited resistance to hot water and steam – other elastomers (e.g. EPDM) are often used for this purpose

The usual temperature range is:

• -55 °C to +180 °C (depending on the compound and application)

Special qualities may slightly shift this range in the upper or lower range; the specific material data provided by the manufacturer is always decisive.

Typical applications of MFQ

Fluorosilicone rubber is used wherever fuel and oil resistance must be combined with very good low-temperature behaviour – especially in safety-relevant components:

• Seals and O-rings in fuel systems (petrol, kerosene, jet fuel)
• Seals and moulded parts in natural gas systems and Fördersystemen for natural gas and gaseous hydrocarbons
• Components in aerospace, such as seals in engine and fuel systems, valves or control valves
• Seals and moulded elements in automotive applications where low temperatures, fuel contact and weather exposure coincide

The combination of a wide operating temperature range, good cold flexibility and improved media resistance to fuels and aromatic oils, MFQ/FVMQ is a specialised material for demanding sealing applications – especially where silicone alone is not sufficient, but a classic fluorinated rubber would be too stiff or not sufficiently cold-flexible.

Disposal

According to the “Regulation on the European Waste Catalogue (AVV)”, the waste product from MFQ can be classified according to Chapter 7 “Wastes from organic chemical processes” and the waste code 07 02 17. This waste code stands for waste classified as non-hazardous.

They can therefore be disposed of in normal household quantities with normal household waste. Please use the container provided by your public waste disposal authority for residual waste as the appropriate disposal container.

Synonyms: Silicone, HTV , VMQ , FVMQ