2

Elastomeric Materials for

Radial Lip Seals

2.1 POLYMER SELECTION

The heart of a radial lip seal is the elastomeric material or compound that is selected to
form the sealing lip. This material consists of a base polymer that is mixed with fillers,
antioxidants, curing agents, and other ingredients that enhance performance. The base
polymer must be selected with care to ensure that the needs of the application are satis-
fied without sustaining excessive costs. The seal user and manufacturer must have an
understanding of the base polymer properties, limitations, and strengths to ensure that the
proper base polymer is selected for the application [77, 131, 132, 204, 206].
The base polymer will define the temperature range and fluid resistance of the
compound. Proper compounding techniques will provide the flexibility the
material requires to ensure that the seal lip will follow the dynamic movements
and vibrations of the shaft [123]. After compounding, the material is placed in
a mold and vulcanized or cured to the final shape of the seal. Vulcanization is
an irreversible process and must be controlled carefully to achieve the correct
physical properties. The material must be compatible with the sealed fluid, be
abrasion- and tear-resistant, and maintain physical properties for an extended
period of time.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 2.1.1 Nitrile (NBR)

Nitrile (NBR) is widely used because it combines the lowest cost relative to
other base polymers with good oil and abrasion resistance. The biggest draw-
back with NBR is a lack of heat resistance at elevated temperatures. The mate-
rial will harden, crack, and lose interference with the shaft, which results in seal
failure.
Th e p racti cal t emperature ran g e fo r ro ta ry s ha ft se a ls ma de w ith th e
N B R b a se pol ymer is -4 0 to + 110 ˚C (-4 0 to + 230˚F ). A t low te mper a -
t ur es, th e material b eco mes s tiff an d ma y crac k w he n the sha ft is ro ta t -
e d . Ni tr ile i s a copo ly me r o f b utad iene a n d ac rylonitrile (A C N ). T h e
upp e r t emperatu re limit ca n b e e xten d ed b y inc re as ing the pe rc e ntage o f
A C N, bu t the l ow er te mp eratu re limit is als o incre a se d. If the A C N pe r-
c en t ag e is r educe d, the low-temp eratu re limit is als o re duc ed but t he
per f o r m a nce at elevated temp eratu res w ill s u ffe r. C ompounds ma de w i th
a n NB R b ase po lymer are a g oo d c ho ice if the ope ra ting conditions a r e
m i l d. Sul fu r- cur ed NBR mate rials w ill h ard en quickly w hen expos ed t o
gea r o il EP ad ditive p ac kag es at 110 ˚C (2 30˚F ). Pe roxide-c ure d N B R
w il l g iv e better resu lts.

2.1.2 Saturated Nitriles (HNBR)

An advanced nitrile polymer (HNBR) has been developed that resists hardening and
remains flexible at elevated temperatures up to 135˚C (275˚F). It provides abrasion resist-
ance, oil and EP additive resistance, and good low-temperature performance. The use of
this polymer in oil seals has been limited owing to manufacturing process difficulties and
high cost. The base HNBR polymer is approximately 15 times as expensive as the con-
ventional NBR material.

2.1.3 Polyacrylic Polymers (ACM)

Polyacrylic polymers cost approximately 2.5 times as much as NBR but

offer better performance at elevated temperatures. Polyacrylics resist the EP
additives in gear oils and are preferred over sulfur- and peroxide-cured NBR
compounds. They also function well in engine and transmission fluids if the
upper temperature is 135˚C (275˚F) or less. Polyacrylic is not recommended
for seals exposed to water, acids, bases, and other polar solvents. Humidity
can also affect the material properties [81]. Extreme care must be taken
when selecting a polyacrylic for low-temperature applications. Some base
polymers will become brittle and fracture at -15˚C (5˚F). Other polymers
will function well at -40˚C (-40˚F) [22]. Polyacrylates also have poor

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 dry running characteristics and will exhibit wide lip wear that will lead to
early failures.

2.1.4 Ethylene Acrylic (AEM)

Ethylene acrylic (AEM) has properties very similar to those of polyacrylate

materials [50]. It is a blend of ethylene and methyl acrylate and has better mois-
ture resistance and lower-temperature resistance than polyacrylics. AEM mate-
rials rarely fracture at low temperatures. The temperature range is -40 to +150˚C
(-40 to +302˚F).

2.1.5 Silicone (VMQ)

Silicone (VMQ) remains soft and flexible over a very broad temperature
range (-70 to +150˚C; -94 to +302˚F). The polymer cost is about 6.25 times that
of NBR. The primary use of silicone shaft seal materials used to be gasoline or
diesel engine crankshaft seals and transmission seals. Modern oils with new
additive packages can attack the silicone, causing the compound to decompose,
which results in catastrophic failure. Silicone also has poor dry running charac-
teristics that can result in large chunks tearing out of the lip during operation.
Many times, silicone seals are soaked with oil before installation to prevent
stick-slip in sparsely lubricated applications.
Silicone readily absorbs oil, and the seal lip can swell 30% or more. Seal
designers often place heavy garter springs on silicone lips to limit the amount
of interference loss when the material swells. Silicone seals cannot be used if
they are exposed to gasoline, chlorinated oils, and aromatic solvents. The mate-
rial tears easily and can often be damaged during handling. The problems and
limitations of silicone materials has resulted in a decline in the use of this mate-
rial for rotary shaft seal applications.

2.1.6 Fluorosilicone (FVMQ)

Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) is a fluorinated version of silicone and is very

expensive (its cost is 22.5 times that of NBR). It has excellent oil and chemi-
cal resistance with lower swell than conventional silicone. It has excellent low-
temperature properties. FVMQ is often used for static seals in fuel systems.
The high cost and poor dry running properties result in limited use as a rotat-
ing shaft seal.

2.1.7 Fluoroelastomer (FKM)

Fluoroelastomer (FKM) is also an expensive material, costing about 22.5 as

much as nitrile. It is being used in more and more rotating shaft seal

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 applications because it has excellent oil and chemical resistance, which results in very low
swell [234]. It has good high-temperature properties and excellent abrasion resistance. It
will not fracture at low temperatures but will become very stiff and may not follow shaft
wobble and vibrations until frictional heat warms the elastomer. This may cause sporadic
leakage if synthetic lubricants that remain fluid at low temperatures are used. FKM com-
pounds are recommended for high-speed, high-temperature operation with sparse lubrica-
tion.

2.1.8 Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a plastic material that is sintered into a billet

at high temperatures (370˚C; 700˚F) and then machined into various shapes for
seals. The polymer is approximately 25 times as expensive as NBR but is resist-
ant to almost all fluids over a broad temperature range. It is easily damaged, and
care must be exercised during handling and installation. Since the material is a
plastic, it will not follow shaft wobble and vibrations very well. Special seal
designs are required. PTFE seals are used primarily in high-speed, high-temper-
ature applications with sparse lubrication.

2.1.9 Miscellaneous Polymers

Other polymers are used to make rotating shaft seals for specific applications
[36, 77, 222]. The usage is minor and represents a small fraction of the oil seal
population. Urethane polymers are often used to make seals in very dirty appli-
cations such as off-highway earthmoving equipment. These polymers are tough
and wear-resistant but have poor high-temperature resistance. Butyl and ethyl-
ene propylene diene monomers (EPDM) are used to seal synthetic brake fluids
and polar solvents. Epichlorohydrin is a polymer that has properties similar to
those of polyacrylate and ethylene acrylics. It is not widely used in shaft seal
applications because of manufacturing problems.
The characteristics of the common polymers used for rotary shaft seals are
summarized in Table 2.1.

2.2 TESTING OF UNVULCANIZED

ELASTOMERIC MATERIALS

The raw polymers are mixed with other ingredients and chemicals that will
cause the polymer to cross-link when exposed to heat. This cross-linking
process is known as vulcanization . The mixed material must be stored in a cool
area to prevent premature vulcanization (scorch), which would make

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 the material very difficult to process and mold. Unvulcanized material is very
stiff at room temperature. Test methods to measure the viscosity, non-
Newtonian flow behavior, and vulcanization characteristics of the material must
use machines that are robust [71, 72].

2.2.1 Rotating Disk Viscometer (Mooney Machine)

The shearing disk viscometer was developed by Melvin Mooney in the 1930s and
became the standard of the industry. It is still used today to measure material viscosity and
scorch time. Scorch time is the amount of time the material can remain at a given temper-
ature before it begins to vulcanize. As the test temperature is increased, the scorch time
will drop. A low scorch time indicates that the material can be adversely affected by expo-
sure to heat before processing.
The edges and surfaces of a cylindrical metal disk are grooved to grip the rub-
ber sample and prevent slippage when the disk is rotated. The disk sits in a
chamber that is filled with rubber (Fig. 2.1). One piece of the rubber sample is
placed under the rotor, and the other is placed on top (Fig. 2.2). The cavity is
then closed, and the rubber is squeezed with a force of 2500 lb. The sample is
warmed for 1 min, and then the disk is rotated at 2 rpm in one direction only.
The torque required to turn the rotor is measured relative to time and can be
related directly to the material viscosity. The shear rate is quite low (approxi-
mately 2 sec -1) and is applicable for those processes (i.e., compression or some
transfer molding operations) that have low shear rates. Other methods of meas-
uring viscosity must be used for higher shear rate processes such as extrusion
and injection molding.
The viscosity (recorded in Mooney units) drops as the material warms up,
reaches a plateau, and then increases steadily as the material begins to vulcan-
ize. A shear pin on the rotor drive mechanism is used to protect the instrument
from becoming overloaded as the material becomes stiffer. An analysis of a typ-
ical curve (Fig. 2.3) reveals some valuable information. The minimum viscosi-
ty (MV) is the baseline and is approximately 20 Mooney units for the rubber
sample used to generate the curve. T 5 is the time required for the Mooney read-
ing to increase 5 units over MV (27 min in this case). T35 is the time required
for the Mooney reading to increase 35 units over MV (34 min in Fig. 2.3), and
T∆30 is defined by Equation (2.1) and is known as the cure index (7 min). The
Mooney rise readings can be recorded at various other points as required.

T∆30 = T35 - T5 (minutes) (2.1)

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 TABLE 2.1 Polymer Selection Chart for Rotary Shaft Seals
Approx. Approx
relative relative
cost cost Sump oil temperature
Material (polymer) (seals) ˚C ˚F Advantages
Nitrile (NBR) 1 1 -40 to 110 -40 to 230 Low cost, low swell
(depends (depends Good wear and oil
upon ACN upon ACN resistance at modera
content) content) temp.
Saturated nitrile 15 1.75 -40 to 135 -40 to 275 Good wear and oil
(HNBR) resistance at elevated
temperature. Good l
temperature properti
Polyacrylic 2.5 1.15 -40 to 135 -40 to 275 Good oil resistance.
(ACM) Low swell. Generall
resistant to EP addit

Ethylene acrylic 2.5 1.15 -40 to 150 -40 to 302 Good temperature ra
(AEM) Good moisture
resistance. Fair abra
resistance.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Silicone (VMQ) 6.25 1.3 -70 to 150 -94 to 302 Very broad temperature
range.

Fluorosilicone 22.5 2 -70 to 150 -94 to 302 Excellent oil and

(FVMQ) chemical resistance.
Good low-temperature
properties.
Fluoroelastomer 22.5 2 -40 to 150 -40 to 302 Excellent oil and
(FKM) chemical resistance. .
Good wear properties.
Low swell
Polytetrafluoroethylene 25 2.5 -80 to 200 -112 to 392 Excellent oil and
(PTFE) chemical resistance.
Excellent temperature
range.

Source: Chicago Rawhide.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Fig. 2.1 Mooney rotor and chamber.

Fig. 2.2 Loading rubber samples into the Mooney chamber.

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 Fig. 2.3 Typical Mooney scorch curve. (Courtesy of Chicago Rawhide.)

The test is described in ASTM D1646 and is used as a quality check to ensure material
consistency. The test is also used by researchers developing new materials. A typical
machine is shown in Fig. 2.4.

2.2.2 Oscillating Disk Rheometer

The Mooney machine is limited because either the sample will tear and slip or
the shear pin will break as the material cures and becomes stiff. The machine
cannot provide data at a point in time well after the scorch point has been
reached. This problem is directly related to the unidirectional rotation of the
rotor. Machines known as curemeters use a disk that oscillates in the chamber and
measures the torque during vulcanization and after vulcanization is complete.
The torque will drop initially as the sample warms up, reach a plateau, and then
increase as vulcanization begins. Since the rotor oscillates, a maximum torque
value will be reached when the rubber is fully cured. Some rubber materials may
become overcured as heat continues to be applied during the test, and the torque
may decline as the material deteriorates.

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 Fig. 2.4 A rotating disk viscometer (Mooney machine).

A typical rheometer curve appears in Fig. 2.5. The minimum torque is M L, the
maximum torque is M HF, the scorch time is t s2, and the time to reach a 90% cure
level is t c(90). The test procedure is described by ASTM D2705 and is used for
material development and quality control. A typical rheometer is shown in Fig.
2.6.

2.3 TESTING VULCANIZED ELASTOMERIC MATERIALS

The sealing member of a radial lip seal is molded from an oil-resistant elastomeric or
rubber compound. Rubber is very different from other materials. It can be stretched to sev-
eral times its original length without breaking and will return to its original configuration
when the stretch forces are released. Steel and other metallic substances require a great
deal of force (stress) to stretch (strain) the material. The relationship between stress and
strain is linear for metallic materials until the yield point is reached. The

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 Fig. 2.5 Typical cure curve measured by oscillating disk rheometer. (Courtesy of
Chicago Rawhide.)

slope of the stress-strain curve for a metal is constant and is known as Young’s modulus.
The relationship between stress and strain for elastomeric materials is nonlinear; the slope
is not constant, and a modulus value is meaningless without specifying the amount of
strain.
A rubber sample may not fully recover its original height after being compressed. The
loss is known as compression set, and this property is unique to elastomeric materials. There
are many other unique physical properties that are used to characterize rubber compounds.
The original physical properties of rubber will change when the rubber is exposed to heat,
oil, chemicals, sunlight, ozone, weather, and other outside influences. The original phys-
ical properties and the resistance to change of these properties can be altered dramatical-
ly by compounding the basic polymer with various fillers, antioxidants, plasticizers, cur-
ative agents, etc.
Unique methods have been developed for measuring the original physical properties
and aging characteristics of elastomeric compounds. Seal designers, manufacturers, and
users should all have an understanding of the tests used to characterize an elastomer. The
tests have limitations because most are not directly related to radial lip seal performance.
The tests can only be used as a screen to eliminate those compounds that are grossly

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Fig. 2.6 Oscillating disk rheometer.

inadequate for the application. Physical property tests can also be used for quality control
to measure the consistency of rubber materials. A list of the typical ASTM (American
Society for Testing and Materials) tests for vulcanized elastomers appears in Table 2.2.

2.3.1 Hardness (ASTM D2240 and D1415)

There are many devices used to measure the hardness of materials. For elas-
tomeric materials, hardness is defined as the relative resistance of the sample sur-
face to indentation by a ball of specific dimensions subjected to a specified load.
Elastomeric materials require special instruments and scales because they are soft
relative to most other materials. The instrument scale represents the depth of pen-
etration of the indenter into the sample. Arbitrary units range from 0 to 100, with
100 being the hardest. Relatively thick sample slabs are often molded by com-
pounders and are used to prepare samples for various tests. A hand-held instrument
known as a Shore A durometer (Fig. 2.7a) is often used to measure the hardness of
the thick test slabs or thick samples obtained from the finished product. The in-

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 Table 2.2 ASTM Test Methods for Vulcanized Elastomers

Test ASTM number

Hardness--;Shore durometer A D2240
Hardness--Wallace microhardness D1415
Tensile strength, tensile stress (modulus), and elongation D412
Compression set at elevated temperature D395
Compression set at low temperature D1229
Flex fatigue D430
Flex fatigue, crack growth D813
Abrasion resistance (NBS abrader) D1630
Abrasion resistance (Pico abrader) D2228
Abrasion resistance (Taber abrader) D3389
Tear strength D624
Adhesion D413, D429
Permeability D814, D815
Cold test procedures D1053, D2137, D1329
Ozone resistance D1149, D470, D1171
Heat aging D573, D865
Oil aging D471
Compression deflection resistance D575
Resilience D945

denter point projects from the flat bottom of the case and is held at the zero
point by a spring. The indenter point is pushed back into the case against the
spring when the instrument is placed against the rubber sample. This action cre-
ates a rotation of the dial. Hard elastomers will give more rotation and higher
readings than soft elastomers.
The Shore instrument cannot be used to measure the hardness of finished seal
products because typical seal sample cross sections and thicknesses are too
small. A Wallace microhardness tester with a very small indenter is used to
measure these thin (1.0 mm) rubber samples (Fig. 2.7b). The scale ranges from
0 to 100, and the units are referred to as international hardness degrees. Zero
corresponds to a material with an elastic modulus of zero, and 100 would be a
material with an infinite elastic modulus (ASTM D1415). Shore A values of rub-
ber slab samples will typically be five to ten points higher than a Wallace micro-
hardness measurement on the same slab. Microhardness values for typical shaft
seal materials can range from a low of 65 to as high as 90. The units typically
have a tolerance of ±5 points. A typical specification for a shaft seal material
might be 75 ± 5.

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 Fig. 2.7 Measuring hardness of vulcanized elastomers.

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 Wallace Microhardness Units

The Wallace instrument (Fig. 2.7b) can be used to determine the hardness of samples
obtained from the lip of an oil seal. The sample must be prepared carefully, and the pro-
cedure is described in detail in Ref. 152.
Samples about 6 mm (0.25 in.) long are cut from the seal lip and are glued to a round
steel or glass mounting disk with a thin layer (0.05 mm; 0.002 in.) of liquid adhesive (Fig.
2.8). The mounting disk should be 25-38 mm (1-1.5 in.) in diameter and about 6.3 mm
(0.25 in.) thick. Samples from slabs can also be glued to the disk (Fig. 2.9). These sam-
ples should be approximately 6 mm (1/4 in.) square. The microhardness indenter can be
applied directly to the surface of the slab samples or in the spring groove of the lip seal
sample (Fig. 2.9).
The hardness specification for shaft seal materials has no direct relationship to seal per-
formance because seal function cannot be related to the depth of penetration of a probe on
the seal surface. In addition, the readings themselves are often suspect, as they are highly
dependent upon operator technique and interpretation. Machine-to-machine varia-
tions can also be extreme even though standards for calibrating and using the
instruments have been established. Both seal users and manufacturers continue
to specify, measure, and reject seal materials and finished products even though

Fig. 2.8 Mounting seal samples for microhardness measurements.

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 Fig. 2.9 Preparation of samples for microhardness measurements. (Courtesy of
Rubber Manufacturers Association.)

these limitations exist. Hardness measurements and their change with time when the
materials are immersed in test fluids at elevated temperatures can serve as a screen to
eliminate materials that are incompatible with the test fluid. Materials that are incompat-
ible will become too hard (or too soft) during immersion tests within a short period of
time. Microhardness measurements cannot be relied upon to give the state of cure of fin-
ished oil seals. The differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) has been used to determine
how well elastomers have been vulcanized (122).

2.3.2 Tensile Strength, Tensile Stress (Modulus), and

Elongation (ASTM D412)
Most rubber compounds have specifications that include the required tensile
strength and elongation at break as well as the tensile stress or modulus

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 at specified levels of stress or elongation. Tensile strength is defined as the
force per unit area of the original cross section that is being applied to stretch
a dumbbell-shaped sample at the time it ruptures. The elongation or strain is the
amount of stretch or extension expressed as a percentage of the original length
when a given force is applied to the ends of the dumbbell-shaped sample.
Ultimate elongation is the amount of stretch that exists when the sample rup-
tures. The tensile stress or modulus is the force per unit area of original cross
section required to stretch the rubber sample a given amount. Since the stress-
strain curve for rubber materials is nonlinear, Young’s modulus is meaningless,
and any modulus number quoted for rubber must include the percent elonga-
tion. The numbers are typically reported as 100% modulus, 200% modulus,
etc., which simply means the modulus at 100% elongation, 200% elongation,
etc. The stress-strain curve is developed by mounting a dumbbell-shaped sam-
ple that is die cut from slabs about 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 in.) thick between the
jaws of a test machine (Fig. 2.10) that will elongate the sample at the rate of
50 cm/min (20 in./min) until breakage occurs. The dumbbell specimen is about
10-13 cm (4-5 in.) long. Typical values for an elastomeric stress-strain curve
appear in Table 2.3.
Unfortunately, the stress-strain curve and the modulus specifications have lit-
tle to do with oil seal function. Most seal lip designs are subjected to small
amounts of elongation (3-5%) when the seal member is placed over the shaft. In
service, the seal is never elongated 100, 200, 300%, or until breakage occurs.
Many seals users insist on specifying high values for tensile strength and elon-
gation that may hinder the development of a compound that has more useful
sealing properties at a lower cost. It is possible for a compounder to develop
many different materials that will meet the same tensile strength/elongation
specifications. Some of these compounds will not function as an oil seal. A more
meaningful specification would be a 5-10% modulus that can be related to seal
radial force and ultimate performance. These specifications do not currently
exist.

2.3.3 Compression Set (ASTM D395 and D1229)

Rubber materials may not recover their original dimensions after they have
been stretched, compressed, or sheared for a period of time. This loss is
known as permanent set , and test procedures have been defined to measure
this property under each of the three conditions of load: tension, compres-
sion, and shear. The test most commonly used for seal materials is to deter-
mine compression set, which is described by ASTM D395 for elevated tem-
peratures and by ASTM D1229 for low temperatures. A pill of material
with standard dimensions is molded or built up from thin sections that are
die cut from a sample slab. The pill is placed between two steel plates and

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 Fig. 2.10 Test machine for determining elongation at break.
compressed to 75% of its original thickness (Fig. 2.11). The test assembly is placed in
an oven at a specified elevated temperature for a specified time period. The pill is
removed from the test assembly, and the thickness is measured at room temperature.
Compression set is the difference between the original thickness of the pill and the
thickness of the pill after the test. It is defined as a percentage of the original deflection:

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 TABLE 2.3 Typical Stress-Strain Curve
for an Elastomer
Strain Stress at given
(% elongation) elongation (MPa)
100 0.4
200 1.0
300 1.75
400 2.75
500 4.25
550 a
8b
a
Sample broke at 550% elongation.
b
Tensile strength is 8 MPa.
Source: Chicago Rawhide.

Fig. 2.11 Measuring compression set at constant deflection.

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 The low-temperature test is identical except that a freezer is employed and the
pill thickness after test is measured at the low temperature. This reading is actu-
ally not a permanent set; some recovery may result as the sample warms up to
room temperature.
The compression set test is an excellent test procedure for materials used in O-rings,
gaskets, and other static seals that must function under compression in actual use. It does
not have much value for materials used in lip seals for dynamic applications; lip seal
material is never under compression. The procedure is of value for those seals that have
rubber gaskets molded at the seal outside diameter that form a static seal with the hous-
ing bore after installation. Compression set is almost universally specified for dynamic
seal compounds even though it has little functional value.

2.3.4 Flex Fatigue (ASTM D430 and D813)

Materials that are subjected to repeated distortion from bending, extrusion, or

compression often develop surface cracks that propagate and eventually result
in rupture. Several test machines exist that subject samples to repeated motion
for evaluating resistance to flex fatigue (ASTM D430). The DuPont and
DeMattia machines are used primarily to study the growth of surface cracks. In
addition, the DeMattia machine (Fig. 2.12) is used to study the growth of an
induced crack (ASTM D813). These methods of determining the resistance to
flex fatigue are useful for seal materials because the lip member is constantly
being flexed, stretched, and relaxed as the shaft rotates. Care must be taken to
compare the results of an experimental material to that of a known compound,
as the interpretation of results can be subjective. Many researchers will test
until rupture occurs and compare the number of cycles achieved to the failure
point of known materials. Flex resistance is not a normal specification for shaft
seal materials.

2.3.5 Abrasion Resistance (ASTM D1630, D2228, and D3389)

Many dynamic seals operate in a sparsely lubricated or dry condition with

external contaminants present. The rubber must be tough enough to resist abrad-
ing under these conditions. Three test methods exist to evaluate the abrasion
resistance of rubber compounds.

1. The NBS abrader (ASTM D1630) consists of a rotating drum with a stan-
dard abrasive paper attached to it. The sample is pressed against the paper
for a specified time under a standardized load.
2. The Pico abrader (ASTM D2218) has a pair of tungsten knives that rotate
and scrape the surface of the test material in the presence of an abrasive
dust.

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 Fig 2.12 DeMattia test machine for studying flex fatigue.

3. The Taber abrader (ASTM D3389) has two rotating abrasive wheels that grind
against the surface of the specimen. The weight or volume of the rubber sample
after test is compared to the weight or volume before test to determine how much
material was lost.

It is recommended that the results be compared to a known standard material

to evaluate how well the sample compound performs. It should be noted that
rubber compounds with excellent abrasion resistance do not always make good
seals. Abrasion resistance tests are only one method of evaluating compounds
and are used as a supplement to other material tests. Abrasion resistance does
not usually form part of a shaft seal material specification.

2.3.6 Tear Strength (ASTM D624)

The tear strength of a compound will not form part of the material specifi-
cation, but it is useful to know the resistance to damage during molding,
handling, and use. The tear strength procedure described in ASTM D624
will give a method of determining what materials may have poor resis --

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 tance to handling. The test samples can be prepared with a standard nick or without
nicks. A force is then applied, and the tear resistance is defined as that force per unit of
sample thickness that will propagate the nick or cause tearing in a direction perpendicu-
lar to the direction of the applied force. Readings should be compared to results
obtained from a standard compound.

2.3.7 Adhesion (ASTM D413 and D429)

Seal lips are often bonded directly to a metal or plastic case. The strength of
the bond between the rubber and the metal or plastic is a critical parameter for
the proper functioning of the oil seal. Laboratory tests are often conducted to
measure the bond strength by stripping or peeling a rubber sample from the sub-
strate. Other methods include a force applied normal to the plane of the bond or
by shearing the rubber with forces parallel to the plane of the bond. The peel
test is most commonly used to evaluate bonding systems for shaft seals. The
metal coupon is prepared in a manner that simulates production procedures, and
the adhesive is applied. The rubber is then bonded and vulcanized to the sample
in a mold. The molding procedure must also simulate production procedures, as
bond strength is highly dependent upon manufacturing techniques. A tensile
strength testing machine is used to elongate the rubber at a constant speed, and
the loads applied to the metal and rubber ends of the sample are measured. The
force that causes the material to peel away from the metal can then be deter-
mined. In some cases, the rubber will rupture before the bond fails. This proce-
dure cannot be used to evaluate the bond strength of finished seal products.
A subjective test has been used by seal manufacturers. The user grips the seal
lip with a pair of pliers and pulls axially until the rubber ruptures or bond sep-
aration occurs. If a layer of rubber remains on the metal interface, then the bond
is considered adequate. If the metal face shows areas that are clean of rubber,
then the bond is poor. This method is highly dependent upon operator technique
because the method of pull is uncontrolled. Some operators pull steadily, others
w il l j er k at the mate ria l, and still o the rs w ill pull a nd tw ist at the sam e
t i m e.
The Rubber Manufacturers Association has developed and published a pro-
cedure that allows quantitative analysis of the bond strength of finished oil
seal products (162). This procedure describes a fixture that allows the outer
shell of the seal to be clamped in the lower portion of a tensile tester. A set of
j a ws i s a tt ached to th e upp er p o rtio n o f th e tens ile tes ter a nd c lamped
ont o t he rub ber lip . T he jaws are th en mo ved upw a rd a t a rate of 500
m m /m i n (20 i n. m in ) until th e ru bb er ru p tures or the bond ha s faile d.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 The load is recorded on a strip chart, and the peak load represents the point of failure. If
the rubber fails before the bond, then the bond is acceptable. If the bond fails before the
rubber ruptures, then a minimum acceptable load must be determined empirically. This
minimum load will depend upon application factors, the rubber tensile strength, and
experience. This method may be used for quality control, and the peak value at break
can be charted. The manufacturing processes must be reviewed if the peak value at
break falls below the minimum acceptable level (Fig. 2.13).

2.3.8 Permeability

Permeability is defined as the amount of fluid or gas that passes through a

membrane. The units are typically reported as weight per unit time per area of
exposed sample [g/sec-m 2)]. The fluid or gas typically diffuses through the

Fig. 2.13 Typical quality control chart for adhesion. (Courtesy of Rubber
Manufacturers Association.)

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 film of rubber and is evaporated or degassed when it reaches the air surface on the out-
side of the rubber sample. The permeability of volatile fluids is determined by filling a
jar with the test fluid, capping the jar with a thin membrane of the test elastomer of
known area and thickness, inverting the jar, and measuring the fluid weight loss over a
period of time (ASTM D814). The permeability of gases through the elastomer is an
important measure for gaskets, oil rings, and other static seals that are required to retain
gas. This parameter is not important for shaft seal materials designed for oil and grease
applications. The method of determining permeability of gases through elastomers is
described in ASTM D815.

2.3.9 Cold Test Procedures (ASTM D1053 and D2137)

When some elastomers are exposed to cold temperatures, they become stiff
and lose their elasticity (Fig. 2.14). Seal materials that lose their elastic -

Fig. 2.14 Elastomers may become stiff at low temperature. (Courtesy of Rubber
Manufacturers Association.)

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Fig. 2.15 Gehman low-temperature torsional tester.

ity may not be able to follow shaft motion at low temperatures, and fluid may
leak until the rubber warms up. Rubber can also become brittle and may frac-
ture when subjected to sudden impact. Fractured seal lips will cause cata-
strophic failure. Rubber stiffness and brittleness cannot be correlated at low
temperatures. Two separate tests are used to measure the cold-temperature per-
formance of elastomeric compounds.
The Gehman torsional test (ASTM D1053) is used to measure the stiffness of rubber at
low temperatures (Fig. 2.15). A thin sample is twisted 180˚ and cooled to the desired tem-
perature. The sample is then released, and the amount of angular recovery is measured
after a 10 sec interval. A material with a larger amount of recovery is not as stiff as a mate-
rial with a small amount of recovery and will follow shaft dynamics better than the stiffer
material.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Fig. 2.16 Impact brittleness tester for cold temperatures.

The impact brittleness test measures the temperature at which a rigidly

mounted and cooled sample breaks when struck by a known impact force
(ASTM D2137) (Fig. 2.16). This test correlates well to seal functional breakage
tests [159].
It is essential that the cold-temperature properties of oil seal elastomerics be
considered when selecting a seal design and material for an application in which
the seal is exposed to low temperatures.

2.3.10 Ozone Resistance (ASTM D470 and D1149)

Many rubber materials under stress will crack when exposed to atmospheric ozone over
an extended period of time. Nitrile and some polyacrylate oil seal polymers are suscepti-
ble to attack from ozone. Silicones and fluoroelastomers are not affected. This attack is
dramatically reduced when the seal is immersed in oil and installed in equipment that
shields the seal from sunlight and atmosphere. Ozone damage can still result if the seal is
exposed to excessive levels of ozone before installation or during use. Welding operations
generate excessive quantities of ozone, and seals in the immediate area can be perma-
nently damaged.
The relative ozone resistance of rubber samples can be determined by
placing the samples in an ozone chamber for a specified length of time at a

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 temperature of 104˚F (40˚C). One method (ASTM D1149) exposes a clamped, elongat-
ed (20%) sample to an ozone level of 50 ± 5 ppm in air. The samples are examined peri-
odically for signs of cracking. A more severe test (ASTM D470) exposes a sample that
has been wrapped around a mandrel to ozone levels of 100-150 ppm. The time for the
first cracks to appear is recorded as the failure point.

2.3.11 Heat Aging (ASTM D573)

Oil seals are often exposed to elevated temperatures due to frictional heat generated by
the operating equipment or by the power plant itself. Excessive heat may cause the mate-
rial to become brittle, which results in a shortened life. Brittle and hard seal materials can-
not respond to shaft dynamics, gaps will appear between the lip and the shaft, and leak-
age will result. Procedures for heat-aging rubber samples in an air oven (Fig. 2.17)

Fig. 2.17 Air-aging ovens.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 appear in ASTM D573. The material hardness, modulus values at various elon-
gations, tensile strength, and elongation at break are measured at various time
intervals at the specified temperature and compared to the original properties.
The compression set is often measured also. The heat resistance of an elastomer
is defined as its ability to resist permanent changes in its original properties.
The air-aging test temperature should not be elevated beyond the service tem-
perature in an effort to reduce test time. Excessive temperatures may cause a
mode of deterioration that does not exist at the service temperature. Erroneous
conclusions may cause the researcher to specify an expensive material that is
not needed.
The rate at which elastomers deteriorate increases logarithmically with tem-
perature. Small temperature changes can cause large changes in the rate of rub-
ber deterioration. The oven controls must be adjusted to provide a steady uni-
form temperature with no hot spots or broad swings during the test. It is recom-
mended that heat-aging tests of new compounds include samples of a standard
with a known heat resistance.

2.3.12 Aging in Oils and Chemicals

Exposure to oils, water, and other chemicals found in the application can cause
rubber materials to deteriorate. The rubber can shrink, swell, soften, harden,
crack, or revert. The method and amount of deterioration depends upon the
material, the oil, and test temperature and duration. A general guide to the chem-
ical resistance of oil seal polymers to various chemicals appears in Table 2.4. A
more complete guide for the four main polymer types is given in Table 2.5.
Samples of the elastomer are placed into a test tube, which is then filled with oil
and sealed (ASTM D471). The tubes are then placed into an aluminum block
(Fig. 2.18) that is heated and controlled electrically to the desired temperature.
The tubes are removed periodically (after times ranging from 24 hr to 30 days),
and the physical properties are measured and compared to the original proper-
ties. Deterioration of the compound is determined by the changes that have
occurred in its physical properties. In addition to the normal hardness, modulus
at various elongations, tensile strength, and elongation at break, the change in
weight and/or volume of the sample is usually measured. Elastomers often
absorb the test fluid and swell, which also softens the material and reduces hard-
ness during the early stages of the immersion test. The material will become
harder again as the soak time is extended. In some cases, the test fluid will
extract plasticizers and other ingredients contained within the elastomer, which
causes the material to shrink and become harder.
(Text resumes on page 62)

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.4 Elastomer Compatibility in Various Fluids
Poly- Ethylene Fluoro-
Medium Nitrile HNBR acrylate acrylic Silicone silicone
Engine oil Good Good Good Good Good Good
ATF-A Fair Good Good Good Good Good
Grease Good Good Fair Fair Fair Fair
EP Lube Fair-Poor Good Good Gair Poor Fair
SAE 90 Good Good Good Good Good Good
Fuel oil Good Good Fair Fair Poor Good
Kerosene Good Good Fair Gair Poor Good
Gasoline Good Good Fair Fair Poor Good
Petroleum-based Good Good Good Good Good Good
hydraulic oil
Brake fluid Poor Fair Poor Poor Poor Fair
Skydrol 500 Poor Poor Poor Poor Good Poor
MIL-L-7808 Fair Fair Poor Poor Good Good
MIL-L-23699 Fair Fair Poor Poor Good Good
MIL-L-6082-A Good Good Good Good Good Good
MIL-L-5606 Good Good Good Good Poor Good
MIL-L-2105 Fair Fair Good Good Poor Fair
MIL-G-10924 Good Good Good Good Poor Good
Butane Good Good Good Good Fair Good
Ketone Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor
Ammonium gas, Good Good Poor Poor Fair Poor
cold
Fresh water Good Good Poor Poor Good Good
Salt water Good Good Poor Poor Good Good
Source: Chicago Rawhide

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Compound Compatibility Chart
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Acetaldehyde 4 4 2 4
Acetamide 1 4 2 2
Acetic acid, glacial 3 4 2 3
Acetic acid, 30% 2 4 1 2
Acetic anhydride 3 4 3 4
Acetone 4 4 3 4
Acetophenone 4 4 4 4
Acetyl chloride 4 4 3 1
Acetylene 1 4 2 1
Acrylonitrile 4 4 4 3
Adipic acid 1 -- -- --
Alkazene (dibromoethylbenzene) 4 4 4 2
Alum-NH3-Cr-K (aq) 1 4 1 4
Aluminum acetate (aq) 2 4 4 4
Aluminum chloride (aq) 1 1 2 1
Aluminum fluoride (aq) 1 -- 2 1
Aluminum nitrate (aq) 1 -- 2 1
Aluminum phosphate (aq) 1 -- 1 1
Aluminum sulfate (aq) 1 4 1 1
Ammonia, anhydrous 2 4 3 4
Ammonia gas (Cold) 1 4 1 4
Ammonia gas (Hot) 4 4 1 4
Ammonium carbonate (aq) 4 4 -- --
Ammonium chloride (aq) 1 -- -- 1
Ammonium hydroxide (conc) 4 4 1 2
Ammonium nitrate (aq) 1 2 -- --
Ammonium nitrite (aq) 1 -- 2 --
Ammonium persulfate (aq) 4 4 -- --
Ammonium phosphate (aq) 1 -- 1 --
Ammonium sulfate (aq) 1 4 -- 4
Amyl acetate (Banana Oil) 4 4 4 4
Amyl alcohol 2 4 4 2
Amyl borate 1 -- -- 1
Amyl chloronaphthalene 4 4 4 1
Amyl naphthalene 4 2 4 1
Anderol L-774 (MIL-L-7808D) 2 4 1 1
Aniline 4 4 4 3
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2 = Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Aniline dyes 4 4 3 2
Aniline hydrochloride 2 4 4 2
Animal fats 1 1 2 1
Ansul ether (anesthetics) 3 4 4 4
Aqua regia 4 4 4 2
Aroclor l248 3 4 2 1
Aroclor 1254 4 4 3 1
Aroclor 1260 1 4 2 1
Arsenic acid 1 3 1 1
Arsenic trichloride (aq) 1 -- -- --
Askarel 2 4 4 1
Asphalt 2 2 4 1
ASTM (Method D-471)
#1 1 1 3 1
#2 1 1 3 1
#3 1 1 3 1
ASTM Reference Fuel A See Mil-S-3136B Type I
ASTM Reference Fuel B See Mil-S-3136B Type III
ASTM Reference Fuel C 2 4 4 1
ATF Type A 1 1 1 1
ATF Type I 1 1 2 1
ATF Type II 1 1 2 1
ATF Type F 1 1 2 1
ATF Type (Mercon) 1 1 2 1
Banana oil (amyl acetate) 4 4 4 4
Barium chloride (aq) 1 1 1 1
Barium hydroxide (aq) 1 4 1 1
Barium sulfate (aq) 1 4 1 1
Barium sulfide (aq) 1 4 1 1
Beer 1 4 1 1
Beer sugar liquors 1 4 1 1
Benzaldehyde 4 4 2 4
Benzene 4 4 4 1
Benzene sulfonic acid 4 4 4 1
Benzine (ligroin) (nitrobenzene) 1 1 4 1
(petroleum ether)
Benzoic acid 3 3 3 1
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2 = Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Benzoyl chloride 4 4 -- 1
Benzyl alcohol 4 4 2 1
Benzyl benzoate 4 4 -- 1
Benzyl chloride 4 4 4 1
Biphenyl (diphenyl) (phenylbenzene) 4 4 4 1
Blast furnace gas 4 4 1 1
Bleach solutions 4 4 2 1
Borax 2 2 2 1
Bordeaux mixture 2 4 2 1
Boric acid 1 4 1 1
Brake fluid See Wagner 21B Brake Fluid
B.P. Aero Hydraulic Fluid No. 1 (DTD585) -- -- -- 1
Brine 1 4 1 1
Bromine, anhydrous 4 4 4 1
Bromine trifluoride 4 4 4 4
Bromine water 4 4 4 1
Bromobenzene 4 4 4 1
Bunker oil 1 1 2 1
Butadiene 4 4 4 1
Butane 1 1 4 1
Butter (animal fat) 1 1 2 1
Butyl acetate 4 4 4 4
Butyl acetyl ricinoleate 3 -- -- 1
Butadiene 4 4 4 1
Butane 1 1 4 1
Butter (animal fat) 1 1 2 1
Butyl acetate 4 4 4 4
Butyl acetyl ricinoleate 3 -- -- 1
Butyl acrylate 4 4 -- 4
Butyl alcohol 1 4 2 1
Butyl amine 3 4 4 4
Butyl benzoate 4 4 -- 1
Butyl carbitol 4 4 4 1
Butyl Cellosolve 3 4 -- 4
Butyl oleate 4 -- -- 1
Butyl Stearak 2 -- -- 1
Butylene 2 4 4 1
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2 = Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Butyraldehyde 4 4 4 4
Calcium acetate (aq) 2 4 4 4
Calcium bisulfite (aq) 4 4 1 1
Calcium chloride (aq) 1 1 1 1
Calcium hydroxide (aq) 1 4 1 1
Calcium hypochlorite (aq) 2 4 2 1
Calcium nitrate (aq) 1 1 2 1
Calcium sulfide (aq) 1 4 2 1
Cane sugar liquors 1 4 1 1
Carbamate 3 4 -- 1
Carbitol 2 4 2 2
Carbolic acid (Phenol) 4 4 4 1
Carbon bisulfide 3 3 4 1
Carbon dioxide 1 -- 2 1
Carbonic acid 2 1 1 1
Carbon monoxide 1 -- 1 1
Carbon tetrachloride 3 4 4 1
Castor oil 1 1 1 1
Cellosolve 4 4 4 3
Cellosolve acetate 4 4 4 4
Cellube 220 See MIL-L-19457
Cellulube (Fryquel) 4 4 1 1
China wood oil (tung oil) 1 -- 4 1
Chlorine (dry) 4 4 4 1
Chlorine (wet) 5 4 4 1
Chlorine dioxide 4 4 -- 1
Chlorine trifluoride 4 4 4 4
Chloroacetic acid 4 4 -- 4
Chloroacetone 4 4 4 4
Chlorobenzene 4 4 4 1
Chlorobromomethane 4 4 4 1
Chlorobutadiene 4 4 4 1
Chlorododecane 4 4 4 1
Chloroform 4 4 4 1
O-Chloronapthalene 4 4 4 1
1-Chloro-l-nitroethane 4 4 4 4
Chlorosulfonic acid 4 4 4 4
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2 = Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Chlorotoluene 4 4 4 1
Chrome plating solutions 4 4 2 1
Chromic acid 4 4 3 1
Citric acid 1 -- 1 1
Clorox (sodium hypochlorite; NaOCl) 2 4 2 1
Coal tar (creosote) 1 1 4 1
Cobalt chloride (aq) 1 4 2 1
Coconut oil 1 1 1 1
Cod liver oil 1 1 2 1
Coke oven gas 4 4 2 1
Copper acetate (aq) 2 4 4 4
Copper chloride (aq) 1 1 1 1
Copper cyanide (aq) 1 1 1 1
Copper sulfate (aq) 1 4 1 1
Corn oil 1 1 1 1
Cottonseed oil 1 1 1 1
Creosote (coal tar) 1 1 4 1
Cresol 4 4 4 1
Cresylic acid 4 4 4 1
Cumene 4 4 4 1
Cyclohexane 1 1 4 1
Cyclohexanol 3 -- 4 1
Cyclohexanone 4 4 4 4
p-Cymene 4 4 4 1
Decalin 4 -- 4 1
Decane 1 1 2 1
Denatured alcohol 1 4 1 1
Detergent solutions 1 4 1 1
Developing fluids 1 -- 1 1
Diacetone 4 4 4 4
Diacetone alcohol 4 4 2 4
Dibenzyl ether 4 -- -- 4
Dibenzyl sebecate 4 4 3 2
Dibromoethylbenzene (alkazene) 4 4 4 2
Dibutylamine 4 4 3 4
Dibutyl ether 4 3 4 3
Dibutyl phthalate 4 4 2 3
Ratings: 1= Minor effect, 2 = Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Dibutyl sebecate 4 4 2 2
o-Dichlorobenzene 4 4 4 1
Dichloro-isopropyl ether 4 3 4 3
Dicyclohexylamine 3 4 -- 4
Diesel oil 1 1 4 1
Diethylamine 2 4 2 4
Diethylbenzene 4 -- 4 1
Diethyl ether 4 3 4 4
Diethylene glycol 1 2 2 1
Diethyl sebecate 2 4 2 2
Diisobutylene 2 4 4 1
Diisopropylbenzene 4 -- -- 1
Diisopropyl ketone 4 4 4 4
Diisopropylidene acetone (phorone) 4 4 4 4
Dimethyl aniline (xylidine) 3 4 4 4
Dimethyl ether (methyl ether; monomethyl 1 4 1 1
ether)
Dimethyl formamide 2 4 2 4
Dimethyl phthalate 4 4 -- 2
Dinitrotoluene 4 4 4 4
Dioctyl phthalate 3 4 3 2
Dioctyl sebecate 4 4 3 2
Dioxane 4 4 4 4
Dioxolane 4 4 4 4
Dipentene 2 4 4 1
Diphenyl (biphenyl; phenylbenzene) 4 4 4 1
Diphenyl oxides 4 4 3 1
Dowtherm oil 4 4 3 1
Dry cleaning fluids 3 4 4 1
Epichlorohydrin 4 4 4 4
Ethane 1 1 4 1
Engine oil (motor oil) 1 1 1 1
EP lubes 2 1 4 1
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) 1 4 1 3
Ethanolamine 2 4 2 4
Ethyl acetate 4 4 2 4
Ethyl acetoacetate 4 4 2 4
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Ethyl acrylate 4 4 2 4
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) 1 4 1 3
Ethylbenzene 4 4 4 1
Ethylbenzoate 4 4 4 1
Ethyl Cellosolve 4 4 4 4
Ethyl cellulose 2 4 3 4
Ethyl chloride 1 4 4 1
Ethyl chlorocarbonate 4 4 4 1
Ethyl chloroformate 4 4 4 4
Ethyl ether 3 4 4 4
Ethyl formate 4 -- -- 1
Ethyl mercaptan 4 -- 3 2
Ethyl oxalate 4 4 4 1
Ethyl pentachlorobenzene 4 4 4 1
Ethyl silicate 1 -- -- 1
Ethylene 1 -- -- 1
Ethylene chloride 4 4 4 2
Ethylene chlorohydrin 4 4 3 1
Ethylenediamine 1 4 1 4
Ethylene dichloride 4 4 4 1
Ethylene glycol 1 3 1 1
Ethylene oxide 4 4 4 4
Ethylene trichloride 4 4 4 1
Fatty acids 2 -- 3 1
Ferric chloride (aq) 1 1 2 1
Ferric nitrate (aq) 1 1 3 1
Ferric sulfate (aq) 1 1 2 1
Fish oil 1 -- 1 1
Fluorinated cyclic ethers -- -- -- --
Fluorine (liquid) 4 4 4 2
Fluorobenzene 4 4 4 1
Fluoroboric acid 1 -- -- --
Fluorocarbon oils -- -- -- --
Fluorolube 1 -- 1 2
Fluorosilicic acid (hydrofluosilicic Acid) 1 -- 4 1
Formaldehyde (RT) 3 4 2 4
Formaldehyde, 37% 3 4 2 1
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Formic acid 2 -- 2 3
Freon 11 2 -- 4 1
Freon 12 1 1 4 2
Freon 13 1 -- 4 1
Freon 14 1 -- 4 1
Freon 21 1 -- 4 4
Freon 22 4 2 4 4
Freon 31 4 -- -- 4
Freon 32 1 -- -- 4
Freon 112 3 -- 4 1
Freon 113 1 -- 4 2
Freon 114 1 -- 4 2
Freon 115 1 -- -- 2
Freon 142b 1 -- -- 4
Freon 152a 1 -- -- 4
Freon 218 1 -- -- 1
Freon C316 1 -- -- --
Freon C318 1 -- -- 2
Freon 13B1 1 -- 4 1
Freon 114B2 2 -- 4 2
Freon 502 2 -- -- 2
Freon TF 1 -- 4 2
Freon T-WD602 2 -- 4 1
Freon TMC 2 -- 3 1
Freon T-P35 1 -- 1 1
Freon TA 1 -- 3 3
Freon TC 1 -- 4 1
Freon MF 1 -- 4 2
Freon BF 2 -- 4 1
Fuel oil 1 1 4 1
Fumaric acid 1 4 2 1
Furan, furfuran 4 4 -- --
Furfural 4 4 4 4
Fyrquel (Cellulube) 4 4 1 1
Gallic acid 2 4 -- 1
Gasohol (10% ethanol or methanol) 2 4 4 3
Gasoline 2 4 4 1
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Compound Compatibility Chart
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Gelatin 1 4 1 1
Gauber’s salt (aq) 4 4 -- 1
Glucose 1 -- 1 1
Glue 1 -- 1 1
Glycerin 1 3 1 1
Glycols 1 4 1 1
Grease 1 2 1 1
Green sulfate liquor 2 2 1 1
Halowax oil 4 -- 4 1
N-Hexaldehyde 4 -- 2 4
Hexane 1 1 4 1
N-Hexene-1 2 1 4 1
Hexyl alcohol 1 4 2 1
Hydrazine 2 -- 3 4
Hydraulic oil (petroleum) 1 1 3 1
Hydrobromic acid 4 4 4 1
Hydrobromic acid 40% 4 4 4 1
Hydrochloric acid (cold) 37% 3 4 3 1
Hydrochloric acid (hot) 37% 4 4 4 2
Hydrocyanic acid 2 4 3 1
Hydrofluoric acid (conc.) cold 4 4 4 1
Hydrofluoric acid (conc.) hot 4 4 4 3
Hydrofluoric acid, anhydrous 4 4 4 4
Hydrofluosilicic acid (fluosilicic acid) 1 -- 4 1
Hydrogen gas 1 2 3 1
Hydrogen peroxide (90%) 4 4 2 2
Hydrogen sulfide (wet) cold 4 4 3 4
Hydrogen sulfide (wet) hot 4 4 3 4
Hydroquinone 3 4 -- 2
Hypochlorous acid 4 4 -- 1
Iodine pentafluoride 4 4 4 4
Iodoform -- -- -- --
Isobutyl alcohol 2 4 1 1
Isooctane 1 1 4 1
Isophorone 4 4 4 4
Isopropyl acetate 4 4 4 4
Isopropyl alcohol 2 4 1 1
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Compound Compatibility Chart
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Isopropyl chloride 4 4 4 1
Isopropyl ether 2 3 4 4
JP3, JP4, JP5 See MIL-J-5624G
JP6 See MIL-F-25656 B
Kerosene 1 1 4 1
Lacquers 4 4 4 4
Lacquer solvents 4 4 4 4
Lactic acid (cold) 1 4 1 1
Lactic acid (hot) 4 4 2 1
Lard 1 1 2 1
Lavender oil 2 2 4 1
Lead acetate (aq) 2 4 4 4
Lead nitrate (aq) 1 -- 2 --
Lead sulfamate (aq) 2 4 2 1
Legroin (benzine) (nitrobenzine) (pet ether) 1 1 4 1
Lime bleach 1 4 2 1
Lime sulfur 4 4 1 1
Lindol (hydraulic fluid) 4 4 3 2
Linoleic acid 2 -- 2 2
Linseed oil 1 1 1 1
Liquefied petroleum gas 1 3 3 1
Lubricating oils (petroleum) 1 1 4 1
Lye 2 4 2 2
Magnesium chloride (aq) 1 -- 1 1
Magnesium hydroxide (aq) 2 4 -- 1
Magnesium sulfate (aq) 1 4 1 1
Maleic acid 4 4 -- 1
Maleic anhydride 4 4 -- 4
Malic acid 1 4 2 1
Mercury chloride (aq) 1 -- -- 1
Mercury 1 -- -- 1
Mesityl oxide 4 4 4 4
Methane 1 1 4 2
Methanol (methyl alcohol) 1 4 1 4
Methyl acetate 4 4 4 4
Methyl acrylate 4 4 4 4
Methylacrylic acid 4 4 4 4
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Compound Compatibility Chart
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Meethyl alcohol (methanol) 1 4 1 4
Methyl bromide 2 3 -- 1
Methyl butyl ketone (propyl acetone) 4 4 3 4
Methyl Cellosolve 3 4 4 4
Methyl chloride 4 4 4 2
Methyl cyclopentane 4 4 4 2
Methylene chloride 4 4 4 2
Methyl ether (dimethyl ether; monomethyl 1 4 1 1
ether)
Methyl ethyl ketone 4 4 4 4
Methyl formate 4 -- -- --
Methyl isobutyl ketone 4 4 4 4
Methyl methacrylate 4 4 4 4
Methyl oleate 4 -- -- 2
Methyl salicylate 4 -- -- --
Milk 1 4 1 1
Mineral oil 1 1 2 1
Mineral spirits 2 -- 4 1
Monochlorobenzene 4 4 4 1
Monomethyl aniline 4 4 -- 2
Monoethanol amine 4 4 2 4
Monomethyl ether (methyl ether; dimethyl 1 4 1 1
ether)
Monovinyl acetylene 1 -- 2 1
Mustard gas -- -- 1 --
Naphtha 2 2 4 1
Naphthalene 4 -- 4 1
Naphthalenic acid 2 -- 4 1
Natural gas 1 2 1 1
Neat’s-foot oil 1 1 2 1
Neville acid 4 4 4 1
Nickel acetate (aq) 2 4 4 4
Nickel chloride 1 3 1 1
Nickel sulfate (aq) 1 4 1 1
Niter cake 1 4 1 1
Nitric acid (conc) 4 4 4 3
Nitric acid (dilute) 4 4 2 1
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Compound Compatibility Chart
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Nitric acid, red puming 4 4 4 4
Nitrobenzene 4 4 4 2
Nitrobenzene (petroleum ether) 1 1 4 1
Nitroethane 4 4 4 4
Nitrogen 1 1 1 1
Nitrogen tetroxide 4 4 4 4
Nitromethane 4 4 4 4
Octachlorotoluene 4 4 4 1
Octadecane 1 2 4 1
N-Octane 2 4 4 1
Octyl alcohol 2 4 2 1
Oleic acid 3 4 4 2
Oleum spirits 2 -- 4 1
Olive oil 1 1 3 1
O-Dichlorobenzene 4 4 4 1
Oronite 8200 See MIL-H-8446B
Oxalic acid 2 -- 2 1
Oxygen, cold 2 2 1 1
Oxygen (200-400˚F) 4 4 2 2
Ozone 4 2 1 1
Paint thinner, Duco 4 4 4 2
Palmitic acid 1 -- 4 1
Peanut oil 1 1 1 1
Perchloric acid 4 4 4 1
Perchloroethylene 2 4 4 1
Petroleum, below 250˚F 1 2 2 1
Petroleum, above 250˚F 4 4 4 2
Phenol (carbolic acid) 4 4 4 1
Phenylbenzene See Diphenyl
Phenyl ethyl ether 4 4 4 4
Phenyl hydrazine 4 4 -- 1
Phorone (diisopropylidene acetone) 4 4 4 4
Phosphate ester 4 4 1 1
Phosphoric acid, 20% 2 -- 2 1
Phosphoric acid, 45% 4 -- 3 1
Phosphorus trichloride 4 -- -- 1
Pickling solution 4 4 4 2
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Picric acid 2 -- 4 1
Pinene 2 4 4 1
Pine oil 4 -- 4 1
Piperidine 4 4 4 4
Plating solution, chrome -- -- 4 1
Plating solution, others 1 -- 4 1
Polyvinyl acetate emulsion -- -- -- --
Potassium acetate (aq) 2 4 4 4
Potassium chloride (aq) 1 1 1 1
Potassium cupro cyanide (aq) 1 1 1 1
Potassium cyanide (aq) 1 1 1 1
Potassium dichromate (aq) 1 1 1 1
Potassium hydroxide (aq) 2 4 3 4
Potassium nitrate (aq) 1 1 1 1
Potassium sulfate (aq) 1 4 1 1
Producer gas 1 2 2 1
Propane 1 1 4 1
i-Propyl acetate 4 4 4 4
n-Propyl acetate 4 4 4 4
Propyl acetone (methyl butyl ketone) 4 4 3 4
Propyl alcohol 1 4 1 1
Propyl nitrate 4 4 4 4
Propylene 4 4 4 1
Propylene oxide 4 4 4 4
Pydraul, 10E, 29 ELT 4 4 4 1
Pydraul, 30E, 50E, 65E, 90E 4 4 1 1
Pydraul, 115E 4 4 4 1
Pydraul, 230E, 312C, 540C 4 4 4 1
Pyranol, transformer oil 1 1 4 1
Pyridine 4 4 4 4
Pyroligneous acid 4 4 -- 4
Pyrrole 4 4 2 4
Radiation 3 3 3 4
Rapeseed oil 2 2 4 1
Red oil (MIL-H-5606) 1 1 4 1
RJ-1 (MIL-F-25558 B) 1 1 4 1
RP-1 (MIL-F-25576 C) 1 1 4 1
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
SAE 30 1 1 1 1
SAE 90 1 1 4 1
Sal ammoniac 1 1 2 1
Salicylic acid 2 -- -- 1
Salt water 1 4 1 1
Sewage 1 4 2 1
Silicate esters 2 -- 4 1
Silicone greases 1 1 3 1
Silicone oils 1 1 3 1
Silver nitrate 2 1 1 1
Skydrol 500 4 4 3 4
Skydrol 7000 4 4 3 2
Soap solutions 1 4 1 1
Soda ash 1 -- 1 1
Sodium acetate (aq) 2 4 4 4
Sodium bicarbonate (aq) (baking soda) 1 -- 1 1
Sodium bisulfite (aq) 1 4 1 1
Sodium borate (aq) 1 -- 1 1
Sodium chloride (aq) 1 -- 1 1
Sodium cyanide (aq) 1 -- 1 1
Sodium hydroxide (aq) 2 3 2 2
Sodium hypochlorite (aq) (Chlorox) 2 4 2 1
Sodium metaphosphate (aq) 1 -- -- 1
Sodium nitrate (aq) 2 -- 4 --
Sodium perborate (aq) 2 -- 2 1
Sodium peroxide (aq) 2 4 4 1
Sodium phosphate (aq) 1 1 4 1
Sodium silicate (aq) 1 -- -- 1
Sodium sulfate (aq) 1 4 1 1
Sodium thiosulfate (aq) 2 4 1 1
Soybean oil 1 1 1 1
Stannic chloride (aq) 1 -- 2 1
Stannous chloride (aq) 1 -- 2 1
Steam under 300˚F 4 4 3 4
Steam over 300˚F 4 4 4 4
Stearic acid 2 -- 2 --
Stoddard solvent 1 1 4 1
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Styrene 4 4 4 2
Sucrose solution 1 4 1 1
Sulfite liquors 2 4 4 1
Sulfur 4 4 3 1
Sulfur chloride (aq) 3 4 3 1
Sulfur dioxide (dry) 4 4 2 1
Sulfur dioxide (wet) 4 4 2 1
Sulfur dioxide (liquefied under pressure) 4 4 2 1
Sulfur hexafluoride 2 4 2 1
Sulfur trioxide 4 4 2 1
Sulfuric acid (dilute) 3 2 4 1
Sulfuric acid (conc) 4 4 4 1
Sulfuric acid (20% oleum) 4 4 4 1
Sulfurous acid 2 4 4 1
Tannic acid 1 4 2 1
Tar, bituminous 2 4 2 1
Tartaric acid 1 -- 1 1
Terpineol 2 -- -- 1
Tertiary-Butyl alcohol 2 4 2 1
Tertiary-Butyl catechol 4 4 -- 1
Tertiary-Butyl mercaptan 4 4 4 1
Tetrabromoethane 4 4 4 1
Tetrabromomethane 4 -- 4 1
Tetrabutyl titanate 2 -- -- 1
Tetrochloroethylene 4 4 4 1
Tetraethyllead 2 -- -- 1
Tetrahydrofuran 4 4 4 4
Tetralin 4 -- 4 1
Thionyl chloride 4 4 -- 2
MIL-L-644 B 1 2 3 --
MIL-L-2104 B 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-2105 B 1 1 3 1
MIL-G-2108 1 1 3 1
MIL-S-3136 B Type I 1 2 4 1
MIL-S-3136 B Type II 1 -- 4 1
MIL-S-3136 B Type III 1 -- 4 1
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
MIL-S-3136 B Type IV 1 1 3 1
MIL-S-3136 B Type V 1 1 3 1
MIL-S-3136 B Type VI 1 1 3 1
MIL-S-3136 B Type VII 1 -- 4 1
MIL-L-3150 A 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-3503 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-3545 B 2 2 4 1
MIL-C-4339 C 1 1 3 1
MIL-G-4343 B 2 1 4 1
MIL-L-5020 A 1 2 4 1
MIL-J-5161 F 1 -- 4 1
MIL-C-5545 A 2 2 4 1
MIL-H-5559 A 1 3 2 2
MIL-F-5566 1 -- 1 1
MIL-F-5602 1 1 3 1
MIL-H-5606 B (Red Oil) 1 1 4 1
MIL-J-5624 G JP-3, JP-4, JP-5 1 2 4 1
MIL-O-6081 C 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-6082 A 1 1 1 1
MIL-L-6082 C 1 1 3 1
MIL-H-6083 C 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-6085 A 1 3 3 1
MIL-L-6086 B 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-6387 A 1 -- 3 1
MIL-C-6529 C 2 2 4 1
MIL-F-7024 A 1 2 4 1
MIL-H-7083 A 1 3 2 2
MIL-G-7118 A 1 3 3 1
MIL-G-7187 1 1 3 1
MIL-G-7421 A 1 -- 3 1
MIL-H-7644 2 2 4 1
MIL-L-7645 2 2 4 1
MIL-G-7711 A 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-7808 D 2 4 1 1
MIL-L-7808 E 2 4 1 2
MIL-L-7808 F 1 3 3 1
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
MIL-L-7870 A 1 1 3 1
MIL-C-8188 C 1 3 3 1
MIL-A-8243 B 1 3 2 2
MIL-L-8383 B 1 1 3 1
MIL-H-8446 B (MLO-8515) 2 3 4 1
MIL-1-8660 B 1 -- 4 1
MIL-L-9000 F 1 2 4 1
MIL-T-9188 B 4 4 4 4
MIL-L-9236 B 1 3 4 1
MIL-L-10295 A 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-10324 A 1 1 3 1
MIL-G-10924 B 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-11734 B 1 3 3 1
MIL-O-11773 1 3 3 1
MIL-P-12098 2 2 4 1
MIL-H-13862 1 1 3 1
MIL-H-13866 A 1 1 3 1
MIL-H-13910 B 2 2 4 1
MIL-H-13919 A 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-14107 B 3 -- 4 1
MIL-L-15017 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-15018 B 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-15019 C 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-15719 A 2 2 4 1
MIL-G-15793 1 3 3 1
Titanium tetrachloride 2 4 4 1
Toluene 4 4 4 1
Toluene diisocyanate 4 4 4 4
Transformer oil 1 2 2 1
Transmission fluid Type A 1 1 2 1
Triacetin 2 4 -- 4
Triaryl phosphate 4 4 3 1
Tributoxy ethyl phosphate 4 4 -- 1
Tributyl mercaptan 4 4 4 1
Tributyl phosphate 4 4 4 4
Trichloroacetic acid 2 4 -- 3
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
Trichloroethane 4 4 4 1
Trichloroethylene 4 4 4 1
Tricresyl phosphate 4 4 3 1
Triethanolamine 2 4 -- 4
Triethylaluminum 4 4 -- 2
Triethyl borane 4 4 -- 1
Trinitrotoluene 4 4 -- 2
Trioctyl phosphate 4 4 3 2
Tung oil (china wood oil) 1 -- 4 1
Turbine oil 2 1 4 1
Turpentine 1 2 4 1
Unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH) 2 -- 4 4
Varnish 2 4 4 1
Vegetable oils 1 1 2 1
Versilube F-50 1 1 3 1
Vinegar 2 4 1 1
Vinyl chloride 4 4 -- 1
Wagner 21 B brake fluid 3 -- 3 4
Water 1 4 1 1
Whiskey, wines 1 4 1 1
White pine oil 2 -- 4 1
White oil 1 1 4 1
Wood oil 1 1 4 1
Xylene 4 4 4 1
Xylidine (dimethyl aniline) 3 4 4 4
Zeolites 1 -- -- 1
Zinc acetate (aq) 2 4 4 4
Zinc chloride (aq) 1 4 1 1
Zinc sulfate (aq) 1 4 1 1
TT-T656b 4 4 4 4
VV-B-680 2 2 4 1
VV-G-632 1 1 3 1
VV-G-671c 1 1 3 1
VV-H-910 2 2 4 1
VV-I-530a 1 1 3 1
VV-K-211d 1 -- 4 1
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
VV-K-220a 1 2 4 1
VV-L-751b 2 2 4 1
VV-L-800 1 1 3 1
VV-L-820b 1 1 3 1
VV-L-825a Type I 1 1 3 1
VV-L-825a Type II 1 1 3 1
VV-L-825A Type III 2 2 4 1
VV-O-526 1 1 3 1
VV-P-216A 1 1 3 1
VV-P-236 2 2 4 1
51-F-23 1 1 3 1
MIL-F-16929 A 1 3 3 1
MIL-L-16958 A 1 1 3 1
MIL-F-17111 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-17331 D 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-17353 A 1 -- 3 1
MIL-L-17672 B 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-18486 A 1 1 3 1
MIL-G-18709 A 1 1 3 1
MIL-H-19457 B 4 4 3 3
MIL-F-19605 1 -- 4 1
MIL-L-19701 1 3 3 1
MIL-L-21260 1 1 3 1
MIL-S-21568 A 1 1 4 1
MIL-H-22072 1 3 2 2
MIL-L-22396 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-23699 A 1 3 3 1
MIL-G-23827 A 1 3 3 1
MIL-G-25013 D 1 2 4 1
MIL-F-25172 1 -- 4 1
MIL-L-25336 B 1 3 3 1
MIL-F-25524 A 1 -- 4 1
MIL-G-25537 A 1 1 3 1
MIL-F-25558 B (RJ-1) 1 1 3 1
MIL-F-25576 C (RP-1) 1 1 4 1
MIL-H-25598 1 1 3 1
MIL-F-25656 B 1 -- 4 1
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2= Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -- =
Insufficient data.
N= Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.5 Continued
Lip material
Chemical N P S F
MIL-L-25681 C 1 2 4 1
MIL-G-25760 A 1 3 4 1
MIL-L-25968 1 3 3 1
MIL-L-26087 A 1 1 3 1
MIL-G-27343 1 -- 4 1
MIL-H-27601 A 2 2 4 1
MIL-G-27617 4 -- 4 1
MIL-I-27686 D 1 3 2 2
MIL-L-27694 A 1 -- 4 1
MIL-L-46000 A 1 3 3 1
MIL-H-46001 A 1 1 3 1
MIL-L-46002 1 -- 3 1
MIL-H-46004 1 1 3 1
MIL-P-46046 A 2 2 4 1
MIL-H-81019 B 1 1 3 1
MIL-S-81087 1 -- 4 1
MIL-G-81322 2 -- -- --
O-A-548 a 1 3 2 2
O-T-634 b 3 4 4 1
P-S-661 b 1 -- 4 1
P-D-680 1 -- 4 1
TT-N-95 a 1 -- 4 1
TT-N-97 B 1 3 4 1
TT-I-735 b 1 -- 1 1
TT-S-735 Type I 1 2 4 1
TT-S-735 Type II 1 -- 4 1
TT-S-735 Type III 1 -- 4 1
TT-S-735 Type IV 1 1 3 1
TT-S-735 Type V 1 1 3 1
TT-S-735 Type VI 1 1 3 1
TT-S-735 Type VII 1 -- 4 1
Ratings: 1 = Minor effect, 2 = Moderate effect, 3 = Static only, 4 = Not recommended, -
= Insufficient data.
N = Nitrile; P = polyacylate; S = silicone; F = fluoroelastomer.
Source: Chicago Rawhide

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Fig. 2.18 Aluminum block for aging elastomers in fluids.

The presence of oxygen can increase the rate of deterioration for some com-
pounds and decrease it for others. Many dynamic applications result in a churn-
ing of the oil that aerates the oil and exposes the elastomer to a continuous sup-
ply of oxygen. The sealed test tube will not duplicate the application, and a pro-
cedure has been developed that bubbles a known quantity of dry air into the test
tube [32, 33].
It is recommended that the immersion tests use the fluid that the seal materi-
al will be exposed to in the application. If it is impractical to use an application
oil, then ASTM has defined several standard test fluids. There is a low-swell oil
[ASTM #1--aniline point 255˚F (124˚C)], a medium-swell oil [ASTM #2 oil--
aniline point 200˚F (93˚C)], and a high-swell oil [ASTM #3 oil--aniline point
158˚F (70˚C)]. If the elastomer is exposed to fuels, then reference fuel A (100%
isooctane) is representative of a low-swelling gasoline, and reference fuels B
(70% isooctane, 30% toluene) and C (50% isooctane, 50% toluene) simulate
high-swell gasolines.
Immersion tests are not intended to predict the service performance of elas-
tomers. They can be used to develop comparative data in specific fluids

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 to screen out those elastomers that have obvious deficiencies. Bench and field
tests of the seals in the actual application hardware give the best measure of
how a seal will work in the field.

2.3.13 Standard ASTM Classification System for Elastomeric

Materials

A line call-out system is described in ASTM D2000 and has been developed to
describe the ASTM test requirements (Table 2.2) and specifications that an elas-
tomer must meet for a given application. The standard dimensions for the sys-
tem described in D2000 are in SI units, and the line call-out begins with M if
metric units are employed. If English units are used, then no letter will appear.
The next position of the line call-out indicates the grade of the material. A 1
indicates that basic minimum test requirements are all that is required. If a 2, 3.
. . or 8 appears, then additional requirements beyond the minimum will be spec-
ified.
The basic minimum test requirements are defined by the next two letters
(Table 2.6). The first letter ranges from A through J and specifies the test
temperature in degrees Celsius. The material will pass the heat requirements
if the change in tensile strength is within ±30% of the initial values after
heat aging at the test temperature for 70 hr. The elongation decrease must
be less than 50%, and the material hardness must be within ±15 points of
the original values. The second letter (A to K) determines the resistance

Table 2.6 Basic Requirements for Heat Resistance and Volume Swell in ASTM Oil #3
for Vulcanized Elastomers
Second letter of call-out
(establishes max volume swell
First letters of call-out in ASTM #3 at test temperature)
(establishes test temperature) Maximum volume swell
Letter Test Temp. (˚C) Letter (%), 70 hr soak
A 70 A No requirement
B 100 B 140
C 125 C 120
D 150 D 100
E 175 E 80
F 200 F 60
G 225 G 40
H 250 H 30
J 275 K 10

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 of the elastomer to swell after soaking in a standard test fluid (ASTM Oil #3)
for 70 hr at the test temperature specified by the first letter.
Th ese lett er s are follo wed by a th ree -d igit numbe r to spe c ify the in i -
t i al h ar d ness and ten sile s tren g th for th e ma te ria l. T he firs t numbe r
i ndi ca t es th e m aterial du romete r h ardn e ss (6 for 60 ± 5, 7 for 70 ± 5 ,
e t c. ) , and the secon d an d third ind ic ate th e minimum tens ile stre ngth
( 10 f or 10 MP a, 20 for 2 0 MP a, etc . )
An e xa mp le of the s imples t lin e ca ll-o u t is M1 D H 815. T he M ind i -
c at es t h a t th e test res ults are rep o rte d in S I units . The 1 mea ns tha t on l y
t he b asi c t est req uirements n ee d be met. D indic a te s tha t the te st tem -
per a tu r e is 150 ˚C, an d the H s ign ifies th at th e ma ximum volume s w e ll of
t he m at er ial in AST M # 3 o il a fte r a 70 h r s oa k a t 125˚C is 30% . T he le t-
t e r D al s o means the e la stomer w ill b e h ea t-a ge d in a ir a t 150˚C for 7 0
h r. Af t er h eat aging , th e elo ng atio n los s w ill be le s s tha n 50% , the ha r d -
ness ch an ge wil l lie within ± 1 5 p o ints o f the origina l value s, a nd th e
t e nsi l e str engt h chan ge will be w ith in ±3 0% . The 8 indica te s tha t t he
m at e r ia l ’s i nit ial durometer s pe c ific a tio n is 80 ± 5, a nd the 15 mea n s
t ha t t he t en si le strength must be grea te r th an 15 M P a.
I f a 2 t o 8 app ea rs as th e firs t d igit in the line c all-out, the n a dditi o n -
a l t est s a re specified. T he ad d itio na l tes ts are de fine d by a s uffix le tt e r
( S) f o l l o wed b y two numbers . T he first n umbe r de fines the A S TM te s t
m et h o d (Tabl e 2. 7), a nd th e s eco n d n umb er d e fine s the te st tempe ra tu r e
( Ta bl e 2 .8 ) .
As an example, consider the line call-out

M 5 DH 815 A26 C12 E016 E036 F27

In addition to the basic requirements already discussed for the DH 815 call-out,
five additional test requirements have been added. The tests and specifications
can be determined from the codes with the aid of Tables 2.7 and 2.8.
A26 is a heat resistance test using method ASTM D865 for 70 hr at a temper-
ature of 150˚C.
C12 is an ozone resistance test using ASTM test method D1171 (ozone “A”)
at 38˚C.
E016 is an oil resistance test using ASTM test method D471 in ASTM Oil #1
at 150˚C.
E036 is an oil resistance test using ASTM test method D471 in ASTM Oil #3
at 150˚C.
F27 is a low-temperature test using ASTM test method D1053 at -40˚C.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.7 Suffix Letters and Test Methods for Vulcanized Elastomers
Suffix First suffix number (ASTM test method)
letter Test description 1 2 3 4 5
A Heat resistance D573 D865 D865 D573
-- --70 hr --70 hr 168 hr 168 hr
B Compression set D395 D395 70 D395 22 hr, D395 20 hr, -
22 hr, solid- -hr, solid- --piled- piled
C Ozone/weather D1171 D1171 D1171 -- -- -- --
resistance ozone “A” weather ozone “B”
D Compression-deflection D575 “A” D575 “B” -- -- -- -- --
resistance
EO Fluid resistance D471 oil #l, D471 oil #2, D471 oil #3, D471 oil #1, D471 oil #2, `` D

(oils and lubricants) 70 hr 70 hr 70 hr 168 hr 168 hr

EF Fluid resistance (fuels) D471 Fuel A, D471 Fuel B, D471 Fuel C, D471 Fuel D, D471 gasohol,
70 hr 70 hr 70 hr 70 hr 70 h
EA Fluid resistance D471 distilled D471 - -- -- -- -- --
(aqueous) water, 70 hr water/glycol,
70 hr
F Low-temperature D2137 “A”- D1053 D2137 D1329 D1329 --
resistance 9.3.2, 3 min
22 hr
G Tear resistance D624 Die B D624 Die C -- -- -- -- --
H Flex fatigue resistance D430 A D430 B D430 C -- -- -- --
J Abrasion resistancea
K Adhesion D429 A D429 B -- -- -- -- --
M Flammability
resistancea
N Impact resistancea
P Staining resistance D429 A D429 B -- -- -- -- --
R Resilience D945 -- -- -- -- -- --
Z Special; specified by
user/suppliera
a
To be specified.

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.

 Table 2.8 Numbers to Indicate Test Temperatures for Vulcanized Elastomers
Applicable suffix letters Second suffix number Test temp. (˚C)
A, B, C, EA, EF, EO, G, K 11 275
10 250
9 225
8 200
7 175
6 150
5 125
4 100
3 70
2 38
1 23
0 Ambient
F 1 23
2 0
3 -10
4 -18
5 -25
6 -35
7 -40
8 -50
9 -55
10 -65
11 -75
12 -80

Copyright © 1996 Marcel Dekker, Inc.