Evaluation of Fluorosilicone – Silicone Elastomer Blend for Aeronautical Fuel System

Abstract

Elastomer blends based on fluorosilicone and silicone rubber have been investigated as a seal for aeronautical fuel system. Fluorosilicone seals are widely used as a prospective candidate in the aeronautical fuel system due to its notable resistance to aircraft turbine fuel (ATF) as well as its service in wide temperature applications. However, the FVMQ is relatively inferior in strength and high in cost compared to other ATF resistant elastomers. The drawbacks of FVMQ can be improved by blending with a High Consistent Rubber (HCR) such as vinyl methyl silicone (VMQ), which enhances the strength and reduces the cost. In the present work, an attempt has been made to study the properties and optimization of FVMQ-VMQ blend ratio by varying VMQ content. Blends were prepared in two-roll rubber mixing mill, cured and characterized for rheological, mechanical, physical, ageing and low temperature brittleness resistance. Furthermore, the effects of various aeronautical fluids such as ATF, lubricating and hydraulic oil on blends were also analysed. This paper reports the preface analysis of the properties of FVMQ-VMQ blend as a futuristic seal for the aeronautical fuel system.