As performance demands on sealing materials in extreme environments continue to rise, fluorosilicone rubber is gaining traction in aerospace sealing systems due to its outstanding resistance to oil, extreme temperatures, and long-term stability. Recently, a new type of fluorosilicone O-ring was successfully applied in the fuel system of a high-altitude aircraft. It operated continuously from -55°C to +200°C for over 1,500 hours without notable degradation, delivering excellent sealing and durability.

Fluorosilicone rubber features a unique molecular structure—a siloxane backbone with trifluoropropyl side chains—which enables excellent chemical resistance to aviation fuels, hydraulic fluids, and lubricants. Its flexibility and elasticity remain intact even in extremely low temperatures, making it ideal for high-altitude or cold-climate aerospace equipment.

To enhance mechanical strength and resilience, the research team optimized the formulation by incorporating high-activity fillers and adopting a platinum-catalyzed addition cure process. This significantly improved the product’s density and service life. In a simulated flight test, the material demonstrated a compression set below 25%, significantly outperforming conventional silicone products.

Looking ahead, fluorosilicone rubber is expected to play an increasingly vital role in civil aviation engine seals, deep-space spacecraft joints, and high-speed maneuvering aircraft fuel interfaces. As the technology matures and formulation techniques advance, its high-performance potential will be further unleashed, offering more reliable and safer material solutions for aerospace applications.