Fluorosilicone Sponge Gaskets | Fluid Resistant

Fluorosilicone sponge gaskets, blue

In the short time I have been at NEDC, I have been witness to the increasing demands of the aerospace, and military applications that we service. Some of the common topics that we discuss in applications are the fluids & temperatures that the application may be witness to. That discussion oftentimes leads into fluid resistance, especially to aggressive fuels that are commonplace in such applications. When we learn of fuels being present, a common material that is often considered is fluorosilicone rubber. When low  compression force is also required, fluorosilicone sponge is often utilized.

What is Fluorosilicone Sponge (FVMQ)?

Fluorosilicone sponge is simply fluorosilicone rubber expanded to be a cellular material. It is a closed-cell material meaning it has a few properties including low water absorption, and more compression required than other sponges. When expanded, fluorosilicone now has both the great fluid resistance, and ease of compression without significant pressure. Fluorosilicone sponge is similiar to silicone sponge in a lot of ways. Some similarities with silicone sponge include high temperature resistance, great weatherability, low compression set, and low water absorption. The difference is, fluorosilicone sponge is fluorinated making it much more resistant to fluids/fuels than basic silicone rubber materials.  As you may or may not know, fluorosilicone sponge is not easily manufactured – there is a few specialized manufacturers that make it:

How is Fluorosilicone Sponge Made?

Fluorosilicone Sponge is usually made through a similiar process of silicone sponge. These materials are compounded with blowing agents, and are made into a play-doo like consistency.

Is there such thing as Fluorosilicone Foam?

There is no such thing as fluorosilicone foam. Some customers call fluorosilicone sponge fluorosilicone foam, however, its best recognized as fluorosilicone sponge.

Fluorosilicone Sponge Gasketing Products

Properties of Fluorosilicone Sponge Gaskets/Pads

-Lightweight/Flexible

-Low Compression Set(25% max)

-Fuel Resistance

-Resistant to Extreme Temperatures, (typical -85 to 400F)

-UV/Ozone resistant gasketing

-Low closing/compression force for gasketing

fuel resistant gaskt application

Availability/More Information of Fluorosilicone Sponge Gasketing

Fluorosilicone sponge is available in gauges ranging from .032” to .250” in thickness. The standard color of fluorosilicone sponge is blue. Norseal R10490 Fluorosilicone Sponge comes with a fabric finish, well BELLOFOAM comes with a skived finish. Anytime something thicker is required, plys of sponge may be necessary. In addition, NEDC fabricates fluorosilicone sponge extrusions into bonded o-ring stock. NEDC commonly applies acrylic/silicone PSAs to different sponge products. These materials can be die-cut or waterjet-cut in custom shapes with NEDC’s assortment of machines. For more information on fluorosilicone sponge, or if you believe you may have an application that necessitates this material, please contact sales@nedc.com.

Norseal® is a registered trademark of Saint Gobain.

BELLOFOAM™ is a trademark of Marsh Bellofram.

Norseal® R10490 Datasheet Download

BELLOFOAM™ 7748 Closed Cell Fluorosilicone Sponge from Marsh Bellofram Datasheet Download