Silicone (VMQ) O-Rings

Silicone (VMQ) O-Rings Material Description:

Silicone (VMQ) o-rings are elastomers made from silicone, oxygen, hydrogen and carbon. Silicones are used in the medical and food industry because they do not have any odor or taste. VMQ is resistant to oxygen, ozone, UV light, mineral and vegetable oils, diluted salt solutions, engine and transmission oil, brake fluids (non petroleum base), fire resistant hydraulic fluid, high molecular weight chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons. Good flexibility and compression set. Cannot be used in acids, EP fluids, fuels, gear oils, ketones and benzene. Should not be used in dynamic applications due to it’s low tensile strength, poor wear and tear strength. Silicone O-Rings have a temp range of -60° F to 400° F. For static applications Silicone O-Rings offer high suitability in medical, food, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Excellent in dry heat and ozone applications.

Engineered Seal Products has the expertise and inventory for your silicone (VMQ) o-ring applications. For over 50 years, ESP has been the leading engineering, quality, and supply chain choice for both standard and custom sealing applications. A seal, no matter the application, has to do just that.

Also Know As:

Silastic®, Siloprene®, Rhodorsil®, Silplus®

What's The Difference Between Silicone (VMQ) & Flourosilicone (FVMQ) O-Rings?

While Flourosilicone is part of the Silicone family the biggest difference is that silicone (VMQ) offers great hot air resistance compared to Flourosilicone (FVMQ). While flourosilicone offers improved fuel and minieral oil resistance in comparison to silicone. Flourosilicone material does offer improved cold temperature performance to -100° F, its high temp limitations are 350° F.

Silicone (VMQ) Advantages:
  • Temperature range of -60° F to 400° F with some formulations up to 450° F
  • Physiologically neutral properties
  • Good insulating
  • Excellent ozone and weather resistance
  • Food grade compatibility
  • Electrical insulation and compatibility
Silicone (VMQ) Disadvantages:
  • Low tensile strength
  • Poor tear strength and wear resistance

Incompatible for applications that come in contact with:

  • Superheated water steam over
  • Acids and alkalis
  • Hydrocarbon based fuels.
  • Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene).
  • Low molecular weight silicone oils

ESP Silicone (VMQ) Compounds:

ESP Compound Number Datasheet Hardness (Shore A) Low Temp High Temp Color Features
ESP-S8000 PDF 70 +- 5 --- --- Rust FDA - 3A approved.
ESP-S8082 PDF 70 +- 5 -65 135 Rust UL Recognized

Silicone (VMQ) Material Properties


Silicone (VMQ) Material Temperature Range:

Heat Resistance: Up to 212°F (100°C) with shorter life @ 250°F (121°C)

Cold Flexibility: Depending on individual compound, between -30°F and -70°F (-34°C and -57°C).

Normal Recommended Temperature Range Normal recommended temperature range

Extended Temperature Range Extended Temperature Range for short term only


PDF O-Ring Temperature Range Chart

Abrasion Resistance Poor
Chemical Resistance Good/Excellent
Cold Resistance Excellent
Heat Resistance Excellent
Oil Resistance Fair/Good
Ozone Resistance Excellent
Tensile Strength Poor
Water/Steam Resistance Fair

Material properties & Temp ranges based on Parker o-Ring Handbook (ORD 5700) recommendations.


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ASTM D1418 Abbreviation
MQ, VMQ, PMQ, PVMQ
ESP Recommended Shelf Life
25 Years
Hardness (Shore A) Range
20 - 80

Temperature ranges will apply to the majority of media for which the material is potentially recommended. With some media however, the service temperature range may be significantly different. ALWAYS TEST UNDER ACUTAL SERVICE CONDITIONS.

ESP’s shelf life recommendation is based on the AS5316 standard and intended to be utilized by those organizations who do not already have specific recommendations for the control of elastomeric seals. It should be noted that the packaging of the elastomeric seals prior to assembly into a product is an integral part of the controlled storage procedure. It provides a positive means of product identity from the time of manufacture to the time of assembly.