Low Temperature Silicone (PVMQ) Selection Guide
Low temperature PVMQ (Phenyl Vinyl Methyl Silicone) silicone is specifically formulated to maintain excellent elasticity and mechanical properties at extremely low temperatures. This webpage outlines the various types of low temperature PVMQ silicone, discusses their advantages and disadvantages, and highlights their applications across industries, with a special focus on O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts.
The engineers and consultants here at Canyon Components take pride in finding the perfect seal to suit our customer’s needs. Contact our expert staff for assistance with any seal or application questions!
Common names include: VQM (Silicone), PVMQ Trade Name: Silastic®, Elastosil®, Thermoflex®, Wacker, DOW Corning, DOWSIL.
Low temperature PVMQ silicone O-rings from Canyon Components, designed for flexible and reliable sealing in extreme cold environments.
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Low Temperature Silicone Materials Available
This table shows many of our standard materials and links out to our O-ring store. Get in touch with us if you need a custom gasket, custom molded part, or non-standard geometry!
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Features of Low Temperature Silicone
- Superior Low Temperature Flexibility: Retains flexibility and tensile strength in environments where traditional silicones become brittle. Phenyl Methyl Silicone (PVMQ) is a formulation of silicone that greatly improves the materials low temperature capabilities; typically around -80°C (-112°F).
- Chemical Resistance: Offers excellent resistance to water, ozone, and weathering, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
- Electrical Properties: Maintains good insulating properties at low temperatures, crucial for electronic applications.
- Durability: Exhibits long-term durability, even under the stress of low temperatures, reducing the frequency of replacement for O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts.
Types of Silicone Compared
- MQ Silicone: Methyl Silicone (MQ) is a relatively simple form of silicone rubber. MQ is not frequently used to manufacture O-rings and custom rubber parts due to it's lacking mechanical properties, however it can be processed to improve its characteristics.
- VMQ Silicone: Vinyl Methyl Silicone (VMQ) is the most common form of silicone rubber. It has a versatile functional temperature range (typically around -60°C to 200°C) and good compression set, but still has mechanical limitations like poor abrasion resistance and relatively low tensile strength.
- FVMQ Silicone: Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) is as it sounds: A fluorinated silicone polymer. As with other fluorinated polymers, FVMQ's molecular structure has improved stability, lending the material improved chemical resistance over standard VMQ. Unfortunately, FVMQ also has a slightly reduced temperature range (typically around -60°C to 175°C).
- PVMQ Silicone: Phenyl Methyl Silicone (PVMQ) is a formulation of silicone that greatly improves the materials low temperature capabilities (typically around -80°C to 200°C).
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
Industrial Usage of Low Temperature PVMQ Silicone
Low temperature PVMQ silicone is invaluable for its exceptional performance in cold environments, making it a crucial material for manufacturing O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts that require high flexibility and durability at low temperatures. Despite its higher cost and some physical limitations, its unique properties make it indispensable in industries where failure due to cold conditions is not an option. The ongoing development in silicone technology continues to expand the potential applications for low temperature PVMQ silicone, broadening its usage in both existing and emerging markets.
Canyon Components strives to meet all customer service requests. Feel free to contact Canyon Components engineering and let our knowledgeable staff help you design the perfect part for your needs.
Medical Devices
Used in the manufacturing of containers and seals that must withstand cold storage conditions without compromising the seal integrity.
Automotive
Utilized in cars and trucks for components that are exposed to harsh winter climates, ensuring that seals and hoses remain flexible.
Aerospace
Essential for O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts in aircrafts and spacecrafts, where materials must perform in extreme cold without losing integrity.
Electronics
Provides critical protection for electronic components in low temperature environments, ensuring that they remain insulated and secure.
Outdoor Applications
Ideal for outdoor electrical enclosures and other installations that require robust performance in cold climates, ensuring that O-rings, gaskets, and custom parts do not fail due to low temperatures.
Please consult a Canyon Components Engineer about your specific application and we will use our decades of experience to formulate a solution that fits your need.
All Other Silicone Types Available
Silicone PVMQ & VMQ O-Rings & Custom Parts | Flexible High-Performance
Canyon Components supplies silicone O-rings and custom parts made from VMQ and PVMQ for high-performance sealing in medical, aerospace, food-grade, and industrial applications. Silicone O-rings offer excellent flexibility, temperature resistance, and biocompatibility for critical environments.
Silicone O-ring High Temperature | Heat-Resistant, Flexible Elastomer
Canyon Components offers high temperature silicone O-rings and custom parts designed to withstand continuous exposure up to 600°F. Ideal for aerospace, automotive, food-grade, and industrial sealing where thermal stability and long-term reliability are critical.
Silicone O-Ring Low Temperature PVMQ | Flexible, Cold-Resistant O-ring
Canyon Components supplies low temperature PVMQ silicone O-rings and custom parts engineered for extreme cold, maintaining sealing flexibility down to -112°F. Ideal for aerospace, cryogenic, and industrial applications requiring durable, cold-resistant silicone performance.
Silicone O-Ring Platinum Cured
Canyon Components provides platinum cured silicone O-rings and custom parts designed for medical, pharmaceutical, food-grade, and high-purity sealing applications. These O-rings offer superior biocompatibility, thermal resistance, and low-extractable performance for critical environments.
Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) O-Rings | Precision Custom Rubber Parts
Canyon Components supplies liquid silicone rubber (LSR) O-rings and custom rubber parts manufactured for precision, durability, and versatility. Ideal for medical, automotive, and consumer applications, LSR offers biocompatibility, flexibility, and high-performance sealing. Available in Kalrez®, Canrez®, Chemraz®, Parker®, FFKM, FKM, EPDM, silicone, and NBR materials. Oring, O'ring, O ring
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