Dow Fluorosilicone

Updated: 2026-09-11

Overview

Dow Fluorosilicone is a high-performance elastomer developed by Dow Inc., blending silicone's flexibility with fluoropolymer's chemical resistance. As a specialty material, it bridges the gap between conventional silicones and perfluoroelastomers, offering cost-effective performance for demanding applications. The material is particularly valued in industries requiring both wide temperature operation and resistance to aggressive fluids like jet fuels, oils, and hydraulic fluids. Its formulation can be customized for specific hardness, tensile strength, and compression set requirements.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Dow Fluorosilicone exhibits outstanding thermal stability, maintaining elasticity from -60°C to +230°C continuously, with short-term resistance up to 250°C. Unlike standard silicones, it demonstrates excellent resistance to non-polar solvents and hydrocarbon fuels due to its incorporated fluorinated groups. The material typically shows a tensile strength of 5-10 MPa and elongation at break of 150-400%, depending on formulation. Its low compression set (often <20% after 22 hours at 175°C) makes it ideal for permanent sealing applications. Electrical properties include volume resistivity >10^14 ohm-cm and dielectric strength >20 kV/mm.

Main Applications

In aerospace, Dow Fluorosilicone is extensively used for fuel system O-rings, gaskets, and vibration dampeners, where it withstands jet fuel exposure across extreme temperature ranges. Automotive applications include fuel injector seals, turbocharger hoses, and transmission components. The chemical processing industry utilizes fluorosilicone for seals in pumps and valves handling aggressive media. Emerging applications include medical device components requiring repeated sterilization and semiconductor manufacturing equipment seals. Its UV stability also enables some outdoor uses where conventional rubbers would degrade.

Safety and Storage

While generally non-toxic in cured form, uncured fluorosilicone compounds may contain processing aids that require proper ventilation during manufacturing. Finished products are biologically inert and meet FDA requirements for certain food contact applications when properly formulated. Storage should maintain materials below 30°C in original packaging to prevent premature crosslinking. Shelf life typically exceeds 12 months when protected from moisture and contaminants. Disposal should follow local regulations for silicone-based materials, with incineration potentially releasing hydrogen fluoride requiring proper scrubbing.

B2B Procurement Guide

Industrial buyers should specify application requirements including continuous service temperature, media exposure (type/concentration), pressure conditions, and dynamic vs. static use. Standard grades are available in Shore A hardness from 40 to 80, with custom formulations possible for specialized needs. Lead times vary from stock availability to several weeks for custom compounds. Minimum order quantities typically start at 25kg for standard grades. Quality certifications often include ISO 9001, with aerospace grades meeting AS9100. Technical datasheets should be requested for specific property comparisons between grades.