The performance of rubber in terms of resistance to oils, methanol, and other solvents is typically evaluated by conducting a compatibility test with rubber slabs.
These tests are normally conducted following the procedures specified in ISO 1817.The standard measures changes in the weight, volume, hardness, and tensile properties of the rubber after exposure to the solvent.
Here is a schematic of the rubber slab and container used for compatibility test:
Remark:
The oil used for oil immersion testing is generally ASTM 3# experimental oil, No. 903, fuel A, B, C, etc., as well as special oils specified by customers.
Flammable test oils (toluene, isopropyl alcohol, kerosene, etc.) cannot be entered into the oven for testing.
After the test is completed, the test piece should be cooled to normal temperature in oil, and should be measured immediately after being removed from the oil and wiped dry.
After aging in the solvent, we need to measure the change of some properties.
Change in volume: refer to the this calculation for volume change :Remark: W represents the weight in the air before oil immersion, and W1 represents the weight in water before oil immersion. w represents the weight in the air after being immersed in oil, and w1 represents the weight in water after being immersed in oil. Change in hardness: to measure how much the rubber's surface properties are affected.
Change in tensile properties: It is tensile strength and elongation to be measured; to see if the rubber's elasticity or strength is impacted by the exposure.
Different applications and rubber materials have different acceptable ranges for the above changes.The choice of rubber material depends on the specific type of oil or solvent the rubber will be exposed to.
Please contact us, OBT Rubber Seal, for better understanding your technical requirement and our proposal.
Reference Reading:
How to measure the hardness: shore A,B,C,D?
How to measure the density of rubber material?
How to Evaluate the Resistance of Rubber to Oils and Other Solvents？
How to Evaluate the Low-Temperature Performance of Rubber?
How to Evaluate the Resistance of Rubber to Oils and Other Solvents？
How to choose between HNBR and AEM?
How to choose between HNBR and FKM(Viton) for O-Ring/gasket?
How choose Between FKM vs FVMQ?
When to use HNBR and Low Temperature HNBR(LT HNBR)?
Low Temperature FKM Rubber: Ideal for Automotive, Aerospace, and Chemical Processing
