Selecting inappropriate rubber for aerospace applications can compromise safety, durability, and performance, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes.
The primary rubbers used in aerospace are Fluorocarbon (FKM/Viton), Silicone Rubber (VMQ), EPDM, Nitrile (NBR), and Fluorosilicone (FVMQ). These materials offer critical properties such as high temperature, chemical resistance, and durability required for aerospace applications.
Julong Rubber have supplied specialized rubber products to the aerospace sector, and I understand the stringent requirements that procurement officers face. Let's dive deeper into each rubber material's properties and applications.
What are the Main Types of Rubber Used in Aerospace?
Using unsuitable rubber in aerospace can result in material degradation under harsh conditions, risking both safety and expensive equipment damage.
The primary rubbers in aerospace applications include Fluorocarbon (FKM), Silicone Rubber (VMQ), EPDM, and Nitrile (NBR). Each rubber has unique strengths and applications.
🛠️ Aerospace Rubber Types & Applications
| Rubber Type | Main Applications in Aerospace |
|---|---|
| ✅ FKM (Viton®) | Fuel system seals, O-rings, gaskets |
| ✅ Silicone Rubber1 | High-temperature seals, window seals, electrical insulation |
| ✅ EPDM Rubber | Weather stripping, ozone-resistant seals |
| ✅ NBR (Nitrile) | Hydraulic system seals, oil-resistant seals |
| ✅ FFKM (Perfluoroelastomer) | Extreme chemical-resistant seals (e.g., jet engines) |
| ✅ Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) | Fuel, oil, and solvent-resistant seals |
Comparison of Aerospace Rubber Materials
For industrial buyers, comparing the technical properties is crucial for making the correct choice.
| Property | FKM (Viton) | Silicone (VMQ) | EPDM | Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) | FFKM (Perfluoroelastomer) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range (°C) | -20 to +230 | -60 to +230 | -40 to +150 | -55 to +260 | -55 to +330 |
| Fuel/Oil Resistance | Excellent | Poor | Poor | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Ozone/Weather Resistance | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Good (Polar) | Good | Outstanding |
| Low-Temperature Flexibility | Moderate | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cost | High | Moderate | Low | High | Very High |
Why is FKM (Viton®) Preferred in Aerospace Fuel Systems?
FKM (Viton)2 is highly valued in aerospace fuel systems due to its exceptional chemical and thermal resistance.
FKM resists aggressive fuels, oils, and high-temperature environments, making it ideal for fuel seals, O-rings, and hoses within aircraft engines and hydraulic systems.
✅ FKM in Aerospace Applications:
- Fuel tank seals
- Engine fuel system gaskets
- Hydraulic seals and o-rings
🛠️ Industry Insight:
In my experience, procurement officers prefer FKM due to its reliability under demanding conditions and its compliance with aerospace standards (e.g., AMS7276, AMS7287).
Why is Silicone Rubber Used in Aerospace?
Silicone rubber (VMQ) is chosen for aerospace applications because of its outstanding thermal stability and flexibility at low temperatures.
Silicone rubber maintains flexibility from extreme cold (-60°C) to high heat (+230°C), making it ideal for cabin door seals, electrical insulation, and vibration damping in aerospace.
✅ Benefits of Silicone Rubber in Aerospace:
- Excellent low-temperature flexibility
- High thermal stability
- Good insulating properties (electrical systems, wiring insulation)
🛠️ Real-World Example:
We supply silicone seals used in aircraft cabin doors, maintaining flexibility even at cruising altitudes with temperatures dropping below -50°C.
How to Choose the Right Aerospace Rubber Material?
As a procurement professional, you must select materials based on precise requirements: chemical exposure, temperature extremes, hardness specifications, and industry standards.
Key considerations are chemical compatibility, temperature resistance, aerospace certifications3, hardness specifications, and budget.
🛠️ Selection Criteria Table
| Selection Factor | Ideal Material |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-Temperature Exposure | FKM, Fluorosilicone, Silicone |
| ✅ Fuel/Oil Resistance | FKM, Fluorosilicone |
| ✅ Low-Temperature Flexibility | Silicone, Fluorosilicone |
| ✅ Ozone & Weather Exposure | EPDM, Silicone |
| ✅ Extreme Chemical Resistance | FFKM |
| ✅ Cost Efficiency | EPDM, Silicone (for moderate conditions) |
| ✅ Compliance & Certifications | FKM, Silicone (AMS standards) |
How to Choose Rubber for Aerospace Applications?
Before deciding on a rubber material for aerospace applications, consider the following checklist:
✅ Identify the chemicals or fluids involved
✅ Determine maximum and minimum temperature requirements
✅ Verify aerospace certification requirements (AMS, MIL specs)
✅ Evaluate hardness and mechanical properties needed (Shore A scale)
✅ Assess long-term performance vs. budget
Conclusion
FKM (Viton), silicone, fluorosilicone, and perfluoroelastomers are the primary rubber materials used in aerospace due to their exceptional chemical resistance, wide temperature ranges, and high reliability.
📞 Need Aerospace-Grade Rubber Products? Contact Julong Rubber Now!
At Julong Rubber, we manufacture high-quality, aerospace-certified rubber seals, gaskets, and custom solutions tailored to your specifications.
✅ Aerospace-Grade Certifications (AMS, MIL standards)
✅ Custom OEM/ODM Solutions
✅ Free Technical Support & Samples
📧 Kelly
Email: info@rubberandseal.com
Website: www.rubberandseal.com
Learn about the unique properties of Silicone Rubber that make it ideal for aerospace, especially in extreme temperatures and flexibility. ↩
Explore the advantages of FKM in aerospace, including its chemical resistance and thermal stability, crucial for safety and performance. ↩
Understanding aerospace certifications is vital for compliance and safety in aerospace applications; explore the standards that matter. ↩
