Rubber deterioration can happen due to a variety of factors, including heat, light, and other environmental factors. Its greatest impact is typically with rubber seals and o-rings. This blog will discuss common deterioration causes for rubber seals and steps to help prevent underlying issues.
What is Rubber Deterioration?
Elastomers are a natural or synthetic polymer that has elastic properties. Rubber is an example of an elastomer as rubber is stretchy. Rubber can deteriorate over time due to to the nature of the material. The most common causes of rubber deterioration include heat, exposure to light, and exposure to chemicals or even oxygen. Things like rubber seals and O-rings are susceptible to deterioration due to the molecular changes these factors cause. They can significantly impact the mechanical properties of the rubber seal, which results in shortened lifespan.
Causes of Deterioration
Heat, light, chemical exposure, and oxygen exposure cause physical and chemical changes to rubber seals. When exposed, the chain of molecules begins to break down. Heat has the effect of shortening the molecular chains which causes the material to stretch once cooled down. Light is referred to as UV degradation and can cause rubber to become hard, crack, and even fade. The ongoing contraction and expansion leads to major issues. Oxygen attacks the double bonds in rubber chains, which leads to deterioration.
Each of these issues causes damage to rubber seals, however, they can be prevented or avoided via correct preparation and planning.
Rubber Deterioration Prevention Tips
Before rubber is manufactured, an analysis is completed to predict its response to conditions that cause strain or stress. With that, the end-user will still need to properly care for rubber seals to ensure they last. Once seals arrive on site, they need to be stored in a cool, dry, dark, and oxygen-free space. These are the most optimal conditions to store seals. It’s best to buy specialty seals in bulk to ensure they are all in the same or similar condition when utilized on equipment.
If seals on site show signs of deterioration, there are ways to revitalize them to bring them back to optimal condition. Following proper restoration techniques can uplift seals to a state where they can be used again. Below are the steps to do just that:
- Clean the area around the rubber seal, including dirt, water, or any other debris.
- Scrub off the excess grime or hardened debris.
- Find an optimal conditioner for the type of seal you are hoping to revitalize.
- Apply it to your rubber seal per the conditioner's instructions.
- Rub off the damaged areas using a file and reapply the conditioner for optimal restoration.
For more information about restoring seals, or if you have a custom project you need assistance with, contact Gallagher Fluid Seals today.
This original article was featured on Real Seals Co.'s website and was modified for Gallagher's blog.