Ozone resistance

Ozone Resistance Testing for O-Rings: Ensuring Durability in Challenging Environments

O-rings are essential parts of many industrial applications, but they present a serious problem when exposed to ozone or other environmental variables. Elastomeric materials are particularly vulnerable to degradation by ozone, a highly reactive type of oxygen prevalent in the environment, especially those with high degrees of unsaturation like NBR, NR, or SBR.

Comprehending the Phenomenon Ozone-induced cracking happens in several circumstances:

• Highly unsaturated polymers: Because of their high levels of unsaturation, O-rings produced of materials like NBR are especially vulnerable.
• Deformation: The susceptibility to ozone damage rises when exposed to deformation more than 3-5%, as in the case of installation or operating compression.
• Exposure to Ozoniferous Air: O-rings may be exposed to ozone through uncontrolled air exchange, which is frequent in industrial environments and speeds up the deterioration process.

Importance of testing

Strict testing procedures are used to reduce the chance of an early failure. Ozone resistance testing mimics actual environmental conditions, enabling producers to evaluate the effectiveness of durability-enhancing chemicals and design changes.

Methods of Testing

• Sample Preparation: O-rings that are indicative of real-world applications are chosen to be tested.
• Ozone Exposure: For a given amount of time, samples are exposed to regulated ozone concentrations, usually expressed as parts per hundred million, at predefined elongation levels. For instance, exposing samples to 50 parts per hundred million ozone concentration at 20% elongation for 48 hours might be a typical test setting.
• Inspection: Following exposure, the samples are carefully examined to look for cracks, which are a sign of ozone-induced deterioration.
• Evaluation: Information on the material's resistance to ozone exposure is obtained by evaluating the degree and severity of cracking.

Conformity with Standards

Ozone resistance testing is governed by standards like DIN 53 509 and ISO 1431, which provide uniformity and dependability across industries. Following these guidelines makes it easier for producers to compare their goods to established standards and promotes market interchangeability and compatibility.

In summary

Testing for ozone resistance is essential to guaranteeing the robustness and durability of O-rings in harsh settings. Manufacturers are able to detect weaknesses, improve formulas, and boost performance by putting materials through rigorous tests in controlled environments. This allows them to produce O-rings that can eventually endure the rigors of practical applications.