Chemical Properties of Rubber
Rubber components are exposed to a wide range of chemicals and environmental stressors throughout their service life. Understanding the chemical properties of rubber is essential to ensure durability, resistance, and long-term performance. At DST Rubber, we conduct advanced chemical testing to evaluate how our compounds react to oils, ozone, heat, and accelerated aging—ensuring reliability across industries like automotive, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing.
Chemical Testing Overview
We perform standardized chemical resistance tests to evaluate how rubber compounds withstand environmental and chemical exposures. These tests help us optimize material performance and predict long-term behavior under real-world conditions.
Purpose
Rubber components used in machinery, engines, and hydraulic systems often come in contact with oils and fluids. Oil swell testing measures how rubber reacts to such exposure.
Key Highlights
- Tested as per ASTM D471 and ISO 1817 standards.
- Samples are immersed in specific oils/fluids to simulate service conditions.
- Changes in volume, hardness, tensile strength, and elongation are monitored.
- Beyond swelling, the test reveals chemical degradation that affects long-term reliability.
- Helps predict performance and compatibility in applications like gaskets, seals, and bushings.
Purpose
Rubber materials used outdoors or in industrial settings must resist ozone-induced cracking and degradation.
Key Highlights
- Ozone interacts with rubber’s polymer chains, leading to surface cracks and oxidation.
- Critical for sealing components, hoses, weatherstrips, and aerospace parts.
- Test performed in a sealed ozone chamber at controlled temperature and humidity.
- Exposure time ranges from 72 hours to several weeks, based on application.
- Post-test evaluation includes visual inspection for cracks and mechanical testing for changes in tensile strength.
Purpose
To simulate years of natural ageing within days or weeks, this test evaluates how rubber compounds respond to environmental stressors over time.
Key Highlights
- Samples are subjected to elevated temperatures, UV light, ozone, and humidity.
- Identifies changes in elasticity, hardness, brittleness, and chemical structure.
- Helps determine material durability and predict service life under harsh conditions.
- Ensures rubber does not lose performance in extreme climates or long-term exposure.