How to glue Fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ-Rubber)
How to glue Fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ-Rubber)
Fluorosilicone rubber is known for its resistance to fuels and usability in extreme temperature environments. The siloxane-based backbone results in a polymer with excellent UV, ozone, and heat resistance. The polarity of the fluorosilicone rubber results in very good resistance to non-polar solvents such as aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, commonly used in fuels. Compared to silicone rubbers, the primary advantage of fluorosilicones is their extraordinary resistance to non-polar solvents, which would normally cause severe swelling of PMVQ rubbers.
Typical applications of FVMQ (fluorosilicone rubber) include O-rings, gaskets, shaft seals, molded products, and industrial hoses, as well as insulation of wires and cables in the electronics industry.
The surface tension of FVMQ (Fluorosilicone rubber) typically ranges from 20 to 25 dyn/cm.
FVMQ, also known as fluorosilicone rubber, is available under various trade names on the market. Some of these include FE, FSE, and LS. Each of these trade names represents unique product specifications and properties, tailored for specific application needs and industrial requirements.
Bonding
Clean and degrease the surfaces thoroughly with a suitable cleaner, such as a non-aggressive cleaning fluid, to remove any contamination that may prevent good adhesion.
Bonding FVMQ (fluorosilicone rubber) can be challenging due to the material’s characteristic properties. Therefore, it is often recommended to surface-treat FVMQ parts to improve adhesion. This may include using a primer or corona/plasma treatment.
Select an adhesive specifically designed to bond with FVMQ.
- Cyanoacrylate adhesives typically have difficulty bonding to low surface energy materials such as FVMQ unless a special primer is used. Choose a cyanoacrylate adhesive compatible with silicone or rubber. Cyanoacrylate cures very quickly.
- Silicone-based adhesives are specially designed to bond well to silicones, including fluorosilicones like FVMQ. Silicone-based adhesives typically have some flexibility, which can accommodate FVMQ’s elastic properties. This reduces the risk of adhesive failure during material movements or stretches.
- UV-curable adhesives normally require UV light to penetrate the adhesive to initiate the curing process. This can be difficult to achieve if FVMQ is thick or not transparent to UV light. UV-curable adhesives cure quickly under UV light.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the FVMQ adhesive.
After curing, perform necessary tests to ensure the bonding meets the required strength and performance specifications.
Manufacturers
These are specific trade names used by different manufacturers for their FVMQ (fluorosilicone rubber) products:
Shinetsu Chemical Company produces FVMQ under the trade name FE.
General Electric (GE) offers FVMQ as FSE.
Dow Corning (now Dow Silicones) produces FVMQ under the trade name LS.
Contact us
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