Fluorosilicones for Aviation and Defense Applications – Fuel Resistance
Our NuSil® brand of fluorosilicones has an established track record of providing resistance from degradation during prolonged fuel and solvent exposure.
Decrease aircraft downtime in aerospace industry where failure is not an option
Fuel and common solvents on aircraft can degrade materials, leading to additional maintenance, unplanned downtime or catastrophic failure. This unique challenge leads aviation and defense manufacturers to often choose fluorosilicones for their engineered resistance to degradation from exposure to hydrocarbons and temperature extremes.
NuSil sets the standard for fluorosilicone performance and purity
- Formulated to maintain dimensional shape, integrity, and function when exposed to hydrocarbons for superior stability compared to other materials
- Broad portfolio of custom and standard solutions, including adhesives, sealants, coatings, sheeting, molding materials, gels and foams
- Strong regulatory support and proven history: AS9100 and ISO 9001 certified; compliant with applicable requirements; and expertise built on a flight heritage of more than 40 years.
Making the right choice for fuel- and solvent-resistant fluorosilicones
There are many options when using a fluorosilicone as there are many forms and cure chemistries available. This versatility makes fluorosilicones ideal for diverse applications such as O-rings, gaskets, seals, molded parts, coatings, gap fillers, adhesives, sealants, potting and encapsulation. Alongside standard products, NuSil silicones can be customized for specific requirements.
Understanding the needs and constraints of an application can help clarify which fluorosilicone option is best. Here are some considerations when selecting the right fluorosilicone for your application:
High performance material for extreme conditions and specialized applications
Designed for mission-critical applications, fluorosilicones provide superior resistance to harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures and high altitudes, owing to their low volatility. Their ability to be customized with functional fillers enables specific electrical properties crucial for aerospace and defense systems. Furthermore, fluorosilicones can be color-matched to meet federal standards (FED-STD-595), ensuring consistency in regulated environments where uniformity is essential.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Fluorosilicone is a specialized silicone material that combines the benefits of traditional silicone with superior chemical resistance and durability in harsh environments. It is widely used in the defense, aviation, and automotive sector, as well as industrial applications where materials are exposed to fuel, oil, jet fuels, and solvents.
Unlike standard silicone, fluorosilicone offers excellent protection against aggressive chemicals, ensuring long-term performance in high-stress environments. With its ability to withstand extreme temperatures, high temperatures, and resistance of compression set, it is a preferred choice for critical performance applications.
Fluorosilicone is available in multiple forms, depending on its intended use:
- Coatings: Tunable and easily applied coatings that offer superior protection against high temperature environments and fuel exposure.
- Adhesives: Strong fluorosilicone adhesives that provide aggressive bonding to a wide variety of substrates capable of withstanding extreme weathering and temperatures.
- Sealants: Fluorosilicone solutions that offer protection for electronics and critical components in the most extreme environments.
- Elastomers: Moldable liquid fluorosilicone that can enable advanced technology through intricate molded parts.
- Gels: Low viscosity fluorosilicone solutions that provide excellent electrical insulation properties in potting and filling applications.
- Foams: Lightweight fluorosilicone solutions that offer dampening and cushioning.
Each type of fluorosilicone is designed to offer a combination of flexibility, high performance, and chemical resistance, making fluorosilicone a versatile choice for various industrial sectors.
While both fluorosilicone and silicone exhibit temperature resistance and flexibility, their main differences include:
- Chemical Resistance – Fluorosilicone offers excellent resistance to hydrocarbon fuel, oil, jet fuels, oil, and solvents, making it ideal for aviation, defense, and industry applications.
- Temperature Performance – Both materials withstand high temperatures, but fluorosilicone better retains its integrity under the highest temperature environments.
- Flexibility – Standard silicone rubber is more flexible at extremely low temperatures but lacks the chemical resistance required for certain extreme conditions.
Fluorosilicone is extensively used in the defense sectors due to its exceptional chemical resistance and high performance under extreme temperatures. Some key applications include:
- Aircraft fuel system seals – Swell resistance to hydrocarbon fuels, oil, and jet fuels, preventing leaks and degradation.
- Gaskets and O-rings – Used in defense vehicles, ensuring airtight and chemical-resistant sealing.
- Protective coatings – Applied to aviation surfaces and components for added durability and resistance to temperature and weather.
With its ability to withstand aggressive chemicals and maintain its properties in demanding environments, fluorosilicone is a trusted choice for mission-critical applications.
Fluorosilicone is a preferred material in high-performance industries due to its unique properties:
- Superior chemical resistance – Protects against exposure to oils, solvents, fuel, and aggressive chemicals.
- High temperature resistance – Performs exceptionally well under extreme temperatures, making it ideal for aerospace, aviation, defense, and automotive applications.
- Low compression set – Maintains its shape and sealing capabilities under prolonged pressure.
- Resistance to weather and UV exposure – Ensures longevity in outdoor applications.
- Exceptional fuel resistance – Performs reliably in contact with jet fuels, preventing material degradation. This is the first bullet point
These properties are some examples why fluorosilicone has been a reliable solution for industries that require long-lasting, high-performance materials.
Standard silicone is known for its flexibility and temperature resistance, but it degrades when exposed to hydrocarbon fuel, oil, jet fuels, and aggressive chemicals. Fluorosilicone, on the other hand, offers excellent resistance to:
- Oil, solvents, and petroleum-based products.
- Compression set, ensuring long-term durability.
- High-performance applications requiring resistance to corrosive chemicals.
Its ability to withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining flexibility and resistance to weather makes fluorosilicone the ideal choice for fuel-related applications.
Fluorosilicone is designed for longevity, even in extreme conditions. Its durability depends on several factors:
- Temperature Exposure – Fluorosilicone maintains its properties under high temperatures and extreme temperatures.
- Chemical Exposure – Exceptional chemical resistance extends its lifespan in environments with fuel oil, jet fuels, oil, and solvents.
- Environmental Factors – Strong resistance to weather, UV radiation, and ozone ensures long-term performance in outdoor applications.
With proper use and maintenance, fluorosilicone components can last for years, making them a cost-effective choice for industries requiring high performance and reliability.
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The Industry Leader in Fluorosilicones for Aviation and Defense
NuSil silicones have been trusted for over 40 years for use in the most demanding applications. Our best-in-class product lines are the premier choice across the aviation and defense industries. We offer a wide range of customization and product development services to meet specific application requirements to help ensure your vital equipment fulfills its mission.
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