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Section II – Basic O-Ring Elastomers

2.0 Elastomers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 2.4.17 Joule Effect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

2.4.18 Coefficient of Friction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
2.1 Introduction to Elastomers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2.4.19 Electrical Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
2.1.1 Polymer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
2.4.20 Coefficient of Thermal Expansion . . . . . . . . 2-19
2.1.2 Rubber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.4.21 Effects on Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
2.1.3 Elastomer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.1.4 Compound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 2.5 Standard Test Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
2.5.1 Test Specimens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
2.2 Basic Elastomers for O-Ring Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.5.2 Test Method Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
2.2.1 Acrylonitrile-Butadiene (NBR) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
2.5.3 Effects of Environment on Testing. . . . . . . . . 2-20
2.2.2 Carboxylated Nitrile (XNBR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
2.2.3 Ethylene Acrylate (AEM, Vamac®) . . . . . . . . . 2-4 2.6 Aging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
2.2.4 Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR, EPDM) . . . 2-4
2.7 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
2.2.5 Butyl Rubber (IIR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
2.2.6 Chloroprene Rubber (CR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 2.8 Cure Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
2.2.7 Fluorocarbon (FKM, FPM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 2.9 Age Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
2.2.8 Fluorosilicone (FVMQ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
2.2.9 Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR). . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 2.10 Shrinkage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
2.2.10 Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 2.11 Compound Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
2.2.11 Polyacrylate (ACM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 2.11.1 Non-Pioneering Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
2.2.12 Polyurethane (AU, EU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 2.11.2 Pioneering Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
2.2.13 Silicone Rubber (Q, MQ, VMQ, PVMQ) . . . 2-6
2.12 Rapid Methods for Predicting the Compatibility
2.2.14 Tetrafluoroethylene-Propylene
of Elastomers with Mineral Based Oils . . . . . . . . . 2-22
(AFLAS®) (FEPM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
2.12.1 Aniline Point Differences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
2.3 Compound Selection and Numbering Systems . . . . 2-7 2.12.2 Elastomer Compatibility Index . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
2.3.1 Selection of Base Polymer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
2.13 Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
2.4 Physical and Chemical Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . 2-8 2.13.1 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24
2.4.1 Resistance to Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8 2.13.2 Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
2.4.2 Hardness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9 2.13.3 Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
2.4.3 Toughness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10 2.13.4 Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
2.4.4 Tensile Strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10 2.13.5 Mechanical Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
2.4.5 Elongation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
2.14 Selecting a Compound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
2.4.6 O-Ring Compression Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
2.4.7 Modulus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13 2.15 Compound Similarity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
2.4.8 Tear Resistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
2.16 Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
2.4.9 Abrasion Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
2.4.10 Volume Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13 2.17 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-29
2.4.11 Compression Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14 2.18 Qualification Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
2.4.12 Thermal Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17 2.18.1 Original Physical Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
2.4.13 Resilience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18 2.18.2 Aged Physical Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-30
2.4.14 Deterioration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
2.4.15 Corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18 2.19 Process Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-31
2.4.16 Permeability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18

Vamac® is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

AFLAS® is a registered trademark of Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.

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Basic O-Ring Elastomers

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

2.0 Elastomers 2.1.1 Polymer

The basic core polymer of an elastomeric compound is A polymer is the “result of a chemical linking of molecules
called a rubber, produced either as natural gum rubber in into a long chain-like structure.” Both plastics and elasto-
the wild, on commercial rubber plantations or manufactured mers are classified as polymers. In this handbook, polymer
synthetically by the chemical industry. Today, more than 32 generally refers to a basic class of elastomer, members
synthetic rubbers are known, the most important ones are of which have similar chemical and physical properties.
listed in Table 2-1. O-rings are made from many polymers, but a few polymers
account for the majority of O-rings produced, namely Nitrile,
Modern elastomeric sealing compounds generally contain
EPDM and Neoprene.
50 to 60% base polymer and are often described simply as
“rubber.” The balance of an elastomer compound consists of
various fillers, vulcanizing agents, accelerators, aging retar- Synthetic Rubber
dants and other chemical additives which modify and improve Abbreviation
the basic physical properties of the base polymer to meet the DIN/ISO ASTM
particular requirements of a specific application. Chemical Name 1629 D1418
M-Group (saturated carbon molecules in main macro-molecule chain):
Elastomers used in producing seals, and particularly those Polyacrylate Rubber ACM ACM
used in O-rings, will usually provide reliable, leak-free func- Ethylene Acrylate — AEM
tion if fundamental design requirements are observed. Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Rubber CSM CSM
Ethylene Propylene Diene Rubber EPDM EPDM
“Cross-linking” between the polymer chains is formed during Ethylene Propylene Rubber EPDM EPM
the vulcanization process, see Figure 2-1. Cross-linking of Fluorocarbon Rubber FPM FKM
the molecules changes the rubber from a plastic-like material Tetrafluorethylene Propylene Copolymer FEPM FEPM
to an elastic material. Perfluorinated Elastomer — FFKM
After vulcanization, including any required “post-cure,” O-Group (with oxygen molecules in the main macro-molecule chain):
an elastomer compound attains the physical properties Epichlorohydrin Rubber CO CO
required for a good sealing material. As with all chemical Epichlorohydrin Copolymer Rubber ECO ECO
reactions, temperature is responsible for the speed of reaction.
Only when the ideal process temperature is constant during R-Group (unsaturated hydrogen carbon chain):
the entire vulcanization time, will the optimum degree of Butadiene Rubber BR BR
curing be reached. For this reason, the conditions of vulca- Chloroprene Rubber CR CR
Isobutene Isoprene Rubber (Butyl Rubber) IIR IIR
nization are closely controlled and recorded as part of the
Chlorobutyl Rubber CIIR CIIR
Parker quality assurance process. Isoprene Rubber IR IR
Nitrile Butadiene Rubber NBR NBR
2.1 Introduction to Elastomers Styrene Butadiene Rubber SBR SBR
Hydrogenated Nitrile — HNBR
Before reviewing the available elastomers and their gen-
Carboxylated Nitrile XNBR XNBR
eral properties, it is necessary to fully understand the terms
“polymer,” “rubber,” “elastomer” and “compound” as they Q-Group (with Silicone in the main chain):
are used in this handbook. Fluorosilicone Rubber FMQ FVMQ
Methyl Phenyl Silicone Rubber PMQ PMQ
Methyl Phenyl Vinyl Silicone Rubber PMVQ PVMQ
Methyl Silicone Rubber MQ MQ
Methyl Vinyl Silicone Rubber VMQ VMQ

U-Group (with carbon, oxygen and nitrogen in the main chain):

Polyester Urethane AU AU
Polyether Urethane EU EU
Table 2-1: The Most Important Types of Synthetic Rubber, Their
Groupings and Abbreviations
Elastomer Elastomer
no cross-links cross-linked

Figure 2-1: Schematic Representation of Polymer Chains

Before and After Vulcanization

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2.1.2 Rubber vulcanizing agents (such as sulfur or peroxide, activators,

Rubber-like materials first produced from sources other than plasticizers, accelerators, antioxidants, or antiozonants)
rubber trees were referred to as “synthetic rubber.” This to the elastomer mixture to tailor it into a seal compound
distinguished them from natural gum rubber. Since then, with its own distinct physical properties. Since compound-
usage in the industry has broadened the meaning of the term ers have thousands of compounding ingredients at their

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

“rubber” to include both natural as well as synthetic materials disposal, it seems reasonable to visualize two, three, or
having rubber-like qualities. This handbook uses the broader even one hundred-plus compounds having the same base
meaning of the word “rubber.” elastomer, yet exhibiting marked performance differences
in the O-ring seal.
2.1.3 Elastomer The terms “compound” and “elastomer” are often used in-
Though “elastomer” is synonymous with “rubber,” it is for- terchangeably in a more general sense. This usage usually
mally defined as a “high molecular weight polymer that can references a particular type or class of materials such as “nitrile
be, or has been modified, to a state exhibiting little plastic compounds” or “butyl elastomers.” Please remember that when
flow and rapid, nearly complete recovery from an extending one specific compound is under discussion in this handbook,
or compressing force.” In most instances we call such mate- it is a blend of various compounding ingredients (including
rial before modification “uncured” or “unprocessed” rubber one or more base elastomers) with its own individual charac-
or polymer. teristics and identification in the form of a unique compound
number, For example, N0674-70 or V1164-75.
When the basic high molecular weight polymer, without
the addition of plasticizers or other dilutents, is converted
by appropriate means to an essentially non-plastic state and 2.2 Basic Elastomers for O-Ring Seals
tested at room temperature, it usually meets the following The following paragraphs briefly review the various elastomers
requirements in order to be called an elastomer: currently available for use in O-rings and other elastomeric
A. It must not break when stretched approximately 100%. seals. If any of the rubber terms used in the descriptions are
confusing, consult the “Glossary of Seal and Rubber Terms”
B. After being held for five minutes at 100% stretch, it in the Appendix, Section X. Service recommendations men-
must retract to within 10% of its original length within tioned in this section are necessarily abbreviated. For more
five minutes of release. comprehensive and specific information on this important
Note: Extremely high hardness/modulus materials subject, see the Fluid Compatibility Tables in Section VII.
generally do not exhibit these properties even though
they are still considered elastomers.
2.2.1 Acrylonitrile-Butadiene (NBR)
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Nitrile rubber (NBR) is the general term for acrylonitrile bu-
uses these criteria to define the term “elastomer.” tadiene copolymer. The acrylonitrile content of nitrile sealing
compounds varies considerably (18% to 50%) and influences
2.1.4 Compound the physical properties of the finished material.
A compound is a mixture of base polymer and other chemi- The higher the acrylonitrile content, the better the resistance
cals that form a finished rubber material. More precisely, a to oil and fuel. At the same time, elasticity and resistance to
compound refers to a specific blend of chemical ingredients compression set is adversely affected. In view of these op-
tailored for particular required characteristics to optimize posing realities, a compromise is often drawn, and a medium
performance in some specific service. acrylonitrile content selected. NBR has good mechanical
properties when compared with other elastomers and high
The basis of compound development is the selection of
wear resistance. NBR is not resistant to weathering and
the polymer type. There may be a dozen or more different
ozone. See Figure 2-2.
ones to choose from. The rubber compounder may then add
various reinforcing agents such as carbon black, curing or Heat resistance
• Up to 100°C (212°F) with shorter life @ 121°C (250°F).
Influence of the Acrylonitrile Content Cold flexibility
Swelling in cold • Depending on individual compound, between -34°C
IRM 903 oi l flexibility
and -57°C (-30°F and -70°F).
IR ility
M xib Chemical resistance
90
3o d fle
l
il co • Aliphatic hydrocarbons (propane, butane, petroleum
Decrease
Increase

oil, mineral oil and grease, diesel fuel, fuel oils) veg-
Sw
ell
ing
etable and mineral oils and greases.
• HFA, HFB and HFC hydraulic fluids.
• Dilute acids, alkali and salt solutions at low temperatures.
20 30 40 50
Acrylonitrile Content in % • Water (special compounds up to 100°C) (212°F).
Figure 2-2: Influence of the Acrylonitrile Content

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Not compatible with: Not compatible with:

• Fuels of high aromatic content (for flex fuels a special • Ketones.
compound must be used). • Fuels.
• Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene). • Brake fluids.
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

• Chlorinated hydrocarbons (trichloroethylene).

• Polar solvents (ketone, acetone, acetic acid, 2.2.4 Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR, EPDM)
ethylene-ester). EPR copolymer ethylene propylene and ethylene-propylene-
• Strong acids. diene rubber (EPDM) terpolymer are particularly useful when
• Brake fluid with glycol base. sealing phosphate-ester hydraulic fluids and in brake systems
• Ozone, weather and atmospheric aging. that use fluids having a glycol base.
Heat resistance
2.2.2 Carboxylated Nitrile (XNBR) • Up to 150°C (302°F) (max. 204°C (400°F)) in water
Carboxylated Nitrile (XNBR) is a special type of nitrile and/or steam).
polymer that exhibits enhanced tear and abrasion resistance. Cold flexibility
For this reason, XNBR based materials are often specified for • Down to approximately -57°C (-70°F).
dynamic applications such as rod seals and rod wipers. Chemical resistance
Heat resistance • Hot water and steam up to 149°C (300°F) with special
• Up to 100°C (212°F) with shorter life @ 121°C compounds up to 260°C (500°F).
(250°F). • Glycol based brake fluids (Dot 3 & 4) and silicone-basaed
Cold flexibility brake fluids (Dot 5) up to 149°C (300°F).
• Depending on individual compound, between -18°C • Many organic and inorganic acids.
and -48°C (0°F and -55°F). • Cleaning agents, sodium and potassium alkalis.
Chemical resistance • Phosphate-ester based hydraulic fluids (HFD-R).
• Aliphatic hydrocarbons (propane, butane, petroleum • Silicone oil and grease.
oil, mineral oil and grease, diesel fuel, fuel oils) • Many polar solvents (alcohols, ketones, esters).
vegetable and mineral oils and greases.
• Ozone, aging and weather resistant.
• HFA, HFB and HFC hydraulic fluids.
Not compatible with:
• Many diluted acids, alkali and salt solutions at low Mineral oil products (oils, greases and fuels).
temperatures.
Not compatible with:
• Fuels of high aromatic content (for flex fuels a special 2.2.5 Butyl Rubber (IIR)
compound must be used). Butyl (isobutylene, isoprene rubber, IIR) has a very low
• Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene). permeability rate and good electrical properties.
• Chlorinated hydrocarbons (trichloroethylene). Heat resistance
• Up to approximately 121°C (250°F).
• Polar solvents (ketone, acetone, acetic acid,
ethylene-ester). Cold flexibility
• Down to approximately -59°C (-75°F ).
• Strong acids.
Chemical resistance
• Brake fluid with glycol base.
• Hot water and steam up to 121°C (250°F).
• Ozone, weather and atmospheric aging.
• Brake fluids with glycol base (Dot 3 & 4).
• Many acids (see Fluid Compatibility Tables in
2.2.3 Ethylene Acrylate (AEM, Vamac) Section VII).
Ethylene acrylate is a terpolymer of ethylene and methyl • Salt solutions.
acrylate with the addition of a small amount of carboxyl- • Polar solvents, (e.g. alcohols, ketones and esters).
ated curing monomer. Ethylene acrylate rubber is not to be
confused with polyacrylate rubber (ACM). • Poly-glycol based hydraulic fluids (HFC fluids) and
phosphate-ester bases (HFD-R fluids).
Heat resistance
• Silicone oil and grease.
• Up to 149°C (300°F) with shorter life up to 163°C (325°F).
• Ozone, aging and weather resistant.
Cold flexibility
• Between -29°C and -40°C (-20°F and -40°F). Not compatible with:
Chemical resistance • Mineral oil and grease.
• Ozone. • Fuels.
• Oxidizing media. • Chlorinated hydrocarbons.
• Moderate resistance to mineral oils.

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2.2.6 Chloroprene Rubber (CR) • Aliphatic hydrocarbons (butane, propane, natural gas).
Chloroprene was the first synthetic rubber developed com- • Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene).
mercially and exhibits generally good ozone, aging and • Chlorinated hydrocarbons (trichloroethylene and
chemical resistance. It has good mechanical properties over carbon tetrachloride).
a wide temperature range.

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

• Gasoline (including high alcohol content).
Heat resistance • High vacuum.
• Up to approximately 121°C (250°F).
• Very good ozone, weather and aging resistance.
Cold flexibility
Not compatible with:
• Down to approximately -40°C (-40°F).
• Glycol based brake fluids.
Chemical resistance
• Ammonia gas, amines, alkalis.
• Paraffin based mineral oil with low DPI, e.g. ASTM
oil No. 1. • Superheated steam.
• Silicone oil and grease. • Low molecular weight organic acids (formic and
acetic acids).
• Water and water solvents at low temperatures.
• Refrigerants
• Ammonia 2.2.8 Fluorosilicone (FVMQ)
• Carbon dioxide FVMQ contains trifluoropropyl groups next to the methyl
groups. The mechanical and physical properties are very
• Improved ozone, weathering and aging resistance similar to VMQ. However, FVMQ offers improved fuel
compared with nitrile. and mineral oil resistance but poor hot air resistance when
Limited compatibility compared with VMQ.
• Naphthalene based mineral oil (IRM 902 and
Heat resistance
IRM 903 oils).
• Up to 177°C (350°F) max.
• Low molecular weight aliphatic hydrocarbons
Cold flexibility
(propane, butane, fuel).
• Down to approximately -73°C (-100°F).
• Glycol based brake fluids.
Chemical resistance
Not compatible with: • Aromatic mineral oils (IRM 903 oil).
• Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene).
• Fuels.
• Chlorinated hydrocarbons (trichloroethylene).
• Low molecular weight aromatic hydrocarbons
• Polar solvents (ketones, esters, ethers). (benzene, toluene).

2.2.7 Fluorocarbon (FKM) 2.2.9 Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR, HSN)

Fluorocarbon (FKM) has excellent resistance to high tempera- Hydrogenated nitrile is a synthetic polymer that results from
tures, ozone, oxygen, mineral oil, synthetic hydraulic fluids, the hydrogenation of nitrile rubber (NBR). Superior mechani-
fuels, aromatics and many organic solvents and chemicals. cal characteristics, particularly high strength, helps reduce
Low temperature resistance is normally not favorable and extrusion and wear.
for static applications is limited to approximately -26°C
(-15°F) although certain compounds are suitable down to Heat resistance
-46°C (-50°F). Under dynamic conditions, the lowest service • Up to 150°C (300°F)
temperature is between -15°C and -18°C (5°F and 0°F). Cold flexibility
• Down to approximately -48°C (-55°F)
Gas permeability is very low and similar to that of butyl rub- Chemical resistance
ber. Special FKM compounds exhibit an improved resistance • Aliphatic hydrocarbons.
to acids and fuels.
• Vegetable and animal fats and oils.
Heat resistance
• HFA, HFB and HFC hydraulic fluids.
• Up to 204°C (400°F) and higher temperatures with
shorter life expectancy. • Dilute acids, bases and salt solutions at moderate
temperatures.
Cold flexibility
• Down to -26°C (-15°F) (some to -46°C) (-50°F). • Water and steam up to 149°C (300°F).
Chemical resistance • Ozone, aging and weathering.
• Mineral oil and grease, ASTM oil No. 1, and IRM 902 Not compatible with:
and IRM 903 oils. • Chlorinated hydrocarbons.
• Non-flammable hydraulic fluids (HFD). • Polar solvents (ketones, esters and ethers).
• Silicone oil and grease. • Strong acids.
• Mineral and vegetable oil and grease.

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2.2.10 Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) Not compatible with:

Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) currently offers the highest op- • Ketones, esters, ethers, alcohols, glycols.
erating temperature range, the most comprehensive chemical • Hot water, steam, alkalis, amines, acids.
compatibility, and the lowest off-gassing and extractable levels
of any rubber material. Parker's proprietary formulations deliver
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

2.2.13 Silicone Rubber (Q, MQ, VMQ, PVMQ)

an extreme performance spectrum that make them ideal for use Silicones have good ozone and weather resistance as well
in critical applications like semiconductor chip manufacturing, as good insulating and physiologically neutral properties.
jet engines and chemical processing equipment. However, silicone elastomers as a group, have relatively low
Heat resistance tensile strength, poor tear strength and little wear resistance.
• Up to 320°C (608°F). Heat resistance
Cold flexibility • Up to approximately 204°C (400°F) special
• -18°C to -26°C (0°F to -15°F). compounds up to 260°C (500°F).
Chemical resistance Cold flexibility
• Aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. • Down to approximately -54°C (-65°F) special
• Chlorinated hydrocarbons. compounds down to -115°C (-175°F).
• Polar solvents (ketones, esters, ethers). Chemical resistance
• Inorganic and organic acids. • Animal and vegetable oil and grease.
• Water and steam. • High molecular weight chlorinated aromatic hydro-
• High vacuum with minimal loss in weight. carbons (including flame-resistant insulators, and
coolant for transformers).
Not compatible with:
• Fluorinated refrigerants (R11, 12, 13, 113, 114, etc.) • Moderate water resistance.
• Perfluorinated lubricants (PFPE) • Diluted salt solutions.
• Ozone, aging and weather.
2.2.11 Polyacrylate (ACM) Not compatible with:
ACM (acrylic rubber) has good resistance to mineral oil, • Superheated water steam over 121°C (250°F).
oxygen and ozone. Water compatibility and cold flexibility • Acids and alkalis.
of ACM are significantly worse than with nitrile. • Low molecular weight chlorinated hydrocarbons
Heat resistance (trichloroethylene).
• Up to approximately 177°C (350°F). • Hydrocarbon based fuels.
Cold flexibility • Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene).
• Down to approximately -21°C (-5°F ). • Low molecular weight silicone oils.
Chemical resistance
• Mineral oil (engine, gear box, ATF oil). 2.2.14 Tetrafluoroethylene-Propylene (AFLAS)
• Ozone, weather and aging. This elastomer is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE)
Not compatible with: and propylene. Its chemical resistance is excellent across a
• Glycol based brake fluid (Dot 3 and 4). wide range of aggressive media.
• Aromatics and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Heat resistance
• Hot water, steam. • Up to approximately 232°C (450°F).
• Acids, alkalis, amines. Cold flexibility
• Down to approximately -9°C (15°F).
2.2.12 Polyurethane (AU, EU) Compatible with
Polyurethane elastomers, as a class, have excellent wear • Bases.
resistance, high tensile strength and high elasticity in com- • Phosphate Esters.
parison with any other elastomers. Permeability is good and • Amines.
comparable with butyl.
• Engine Oils.
Heat resistance
• Steam and hot water.
• Up to approximately 82°C (180°F).
• Pulp and paper liquors.
Cold flexibility
• Down to approximately -40°C (-40°F). Not compatible with:
• Aromatic Fuels.
Chemical resistance
• Pure aliphatic hydrocarbons (propane, butane). • Ketones.
• Mineral oil and grease. • Chlorinated hydrocarbons.
• Silicone oil and grease.
• Water up to 50°C (125°F).

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2.3 Compound Selection and Numbering Systems 2.3.1 Selection of Base Polymer
The base elastomer and the hardness of the finished product System operating temperatures and compatibility with the
are the main factors which enable a given compound to resist media to be sealed are the two most important parameters
heat, chemical and other physical influences. which must be considered when selecting a base polymer. Only
when these two factors are identified (including any lubricants

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

The Parker compound code contains all the essential infor- and potential cleaning fluids), can a reliable recommendation
mation needed to identify the polymer family as well as the be given concerning selection of the proper elastomer base.
special property description and hardness. For the seal designed, a compromise often has to be made
In the Type I numbering system, the base polymer of the between specifying high quality, sealing grade materials and
compound is identified by the prefix letter: cheaper commercial products (which usually contain less
A = Polyacrylate base polymer and more inexpensive fillers).
B = Butyl or chlorobutyl The application temperatures given in Figure 2-3 refer to
C = Neoprene long-term exposure to non-aggressive media. At higher
temperatures, new crosslink sites may be formed between
E = Ethylene-propylene or ethylene propylene diene
the polymer chains and lead to a loss of seal flexibility. The
F = Parofluor Ultra stiffness in the polymer chains may be observed as excessive
H = Hifluor compression set in highly filled (loaded) compounds. This
K = Hydrogenated nitrile condition prevents an O-ring cross-section from returning to
L = Fluorosilicone its original, pre-compressed shape after deformation forces
N = Acrylonitrile butadiene (nitrile), are removed. During compression, a seal changes its origi-
hydrogenated nitrile and carboxylated nitrile nal shape to effect a seal and over time, and with excessive
temperature, elastic memory loss in the elastomer seal ele-
P = Polyurethane
ment can cause leakage. Exceeding the normal maximum
S = Silicone temperature limit for a given compound always results in
V = Fluorocarbon, AFLAS, Parofluor and Hifluor reduced service life.
Z = Exotic or specialty blends Practically all elastomers undergo a physical or chemical change
In the Type II numbering system, the special property descrip- when in contact with a sealed medium. The degree of change
tion is identified by a second letter: depends on the chemistry of the medium and on the system
A = General purpose temperature. An aggressive medium becomes more active with
increasing temperature. Physical changes are caused by three
B = Low compression set
mechanisms which can work concurrently when:
E = Ethylene acrylate
a. The elastomer absorbs a medium.
F = Fuel resistant or fully fluorinated
b. Plasticizers and other components of the compound are
G = High fluorine content
dissolved and extracted or leached out by the media.
J = NSF/FDA/WRAS approvals
c. Chemical reactions between the elastomer and the
L = Internally lubed sealed medium.
M = MIL/AMS approvals
P = Low temperature or AFLAS The result is often volume change, i.e. swelling or shrink-
age of the elastomer seal. The degree of volume change
W = Non-black compound depends on the type of medium, molecular structure of the
S = Carboxylated rubber compound, system temperature, geometrical seal
The shore hardness range of a compound is indicated by the shape (material thickness), and the stressed condition of the
suffix numbers, e.g. “70” means that the material’s hardness rubber part (compression or stretch). When deformed and
is 70±5 Shore A. exposed to a medium, rubber, when confined in a gland,
swells significantly less than in free state (up to 50%) due to
The individual sequential compound number is shown between a number of factors including lessened surface area in contact
the suffix and the prefix. with the medium.
Type I Example: N0674-70 where The limit of permissible volume change varies with the ap-
N = Acrylonitrile-butadiene or simply nitrile plication. For static seals, a volume change of 25% to 30%
0674 = Individual sequential compound identifier can be tolerated. Swelling leads to some deterioration of the
-70 = Nominal Shore A hardness mechanical properties, and in particular, those properties
Type II Example: NA151-70 where which improve extrusion resistance.
N = Acrylonitrile-butadiene or simply nitrile In dynamic applications, swelling leads to increased friction
A = General purpose and a higher wear rate. Therefore, a maximum swell of 10%
151 = Individual sequential compound identifier should generally not be exceeded. Shrinkage should also be
-70 = Nominal Shore A hardness avoided because the resulting loss of compressive force will
increase the risk of leakage.

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The extraction of plasticizer from a seal material is sometimes 2.4 Physical and Chemical Characteristics
compensated for by partial absorption of the contact medium. In addition to the basic elastomer descriptions, it is helpful
This situation however, can still lead to unexpected shrinkage have more information on the important physical and chemical
and resultant leakage when an elastomer dries out and the properties of various elastomer compounds. This information
absorbed fluids evaporate. is needed to provide a clearer picture of how physical and
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

A chemical reaction between sealed or excluded medium and chemical properties interact and affect the proper selection
the elastomer can bring about structural changes in the form of an effective seal material. Among the more basic physical
of further crosslinking or degrading. The smallest chemical properties that have to be considered are:
change in an elastomer can lead to significant changes in
physical properties, such as embrittlement. 2.4.1 Resistance to Fluid
The suitability of an elastomer for a specific application As used throughout this handbook, the term “fluid” denotes
can be established only when the properties of both the me- the substance retained by the seal. It may be a solid, a liquid, a
dium and the elastomer are known under typical working gas, a vapor or a mixture of all. (The term “medium” — plural
conditions. If a particular seal material suits a medium, it “media” — is often used with this same meaning intended.)
is referred to as being “compatible” with that medium. See The chemical effect of the fluid on the seal is of prime impor-
Table 2-2 for a comparison of the properties of commonly tance. The fluid must not alter the operational characteristics or
used elastomers. reduce the life expectancy of the seal significantly. Excessive
chemical deterioration of the seal must be avoided. It is easy,
however, to be misled on this point. A significant amount of
volume shrinkage usually results in premature leakage of any

Temperature Range for Common Elastomeric Materials

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

Styrene-Butadiene (SBR

Polyurethane Rubber (AU,

Polyurethane (AU, EU)
EU

Butyl Rubber (IIR)

Butyl (IIR

Low Temperature
Low Temperature Nitrile
Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
(NBR
(NBR)

Hydrogenated
Hydrogenated Nitrile
Nitrile Rubber (HNBR)
(HNBR)

High Temperature
High Te perature Nitrile
Nitrile Rubber (NBR)
(NBR
(NBR)

Chloroprene
Chloroprene Rubber (CR)
(CR)

Polyacrylate
Poly
Polyac
acry
rylate
late Rubber (ACM)
(ACM
(ACM)

Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Rubber
Et
Ethy
hylene-Propylene-Diene-Rubber (EPDM)
ene-Propylene-Diene-Rubber

Fluorosilicone-Rubber
Fluorosilic
Fluorosilicone-Rubber
one-Rubber (FMQ, FVMQ
FVMQ)

TFE/Propropylene
TFE/Propropylene Rubber (FEPM)
(FEPM

Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon Rubber (FKM)
(FKM

Perfluorinated
Pe
Perfluor nated Elastomer (FFKM)
rfluorinated

Silicone-Rubber
Silic
ilicone-Rubber
one-Rubber (VMQ
(VMQ)

°C -100 -75 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 300
°F -148 -103 -58 -13 32 77 122 167 212 257 302 347 392 437 482 572
Temperature °C
Normal recommended temperature range Extended temperature range for short term only.

Figure 2-3: Temperature Range for Common Elastomeric Materials

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O-ring seal, whether static or dynamic. On the other hand, rubber. The indicating scale reads the hardness of the rubber.
a compound that swells excessively in a fluid, or develops If there is no penetration, the scale will read 100, as on a flat
a large increase or decrease in hardness, tensile strength, or glass or steel surface. (For specimens that are too thin or
elongation, will often continue to serve well for a long time provide too small an area for accurate durometer readings,
as a static seal in spite of such undesirable conditions. Micro Hardness Testing is recommended).

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

In the O-ring industry, another hardness scale is used due to
2.4.2 Hardness the curved surface of the O-ring cross-section causing prob-
Throughout the seal industry, the Shore A type durometer scale, lems with accurately reading Shore A. The scale is IRHD
manufactured by a variety of manufacturers, is the standard (International Rubber Hardness Degrees). The size and shape
instrument used to measure the hardness of most rubber com- of the indentor used in IRHD readings is much smaller, thus
pounds. It should be noted that there are other hardness scales allowing for more accurate measurements on curved surfaces
used to describe elastomers (B, C, D, DO, O, OO) but these such as an O-ring cross-section. Unfortunately, there is not
are typically not used by the rubber seal industry. a direct correlation between the readings of Shore A and
IRHD Scales.
The durometer has a calibrated spring which forces an inden-
tor point into the test specimen against the resistance of the

Comparison of Properties of Commonly Used Elastomers

(P = Poor – F = Fair – G = Good – E = Excellent)
Parker Compound

Tensile Strength
Heat Resistance

Tear Resistance
Set Resistance
Impermeability

Oil Resistance

Water/Steam
Prefix Letter

Resistance

Resistance

Resistance

Resistance

Resistance

Resistance

Resistance
Resistance
Properties

Properties
Chemical

Electrical
Abrasion

Dynamic

Weather
Ozone
Flame
Cold
Acid

Elastomer Type
(Polymer)
AFLAS (TFE/Prop) V GE E E P G E E E G E E PF PF FG GE E
Butadiene E FG FG G F G P F F P P G GE E FG F
Butyl B FG G E G F G P G E P GE FG G G G GE
Chlorinated
G F FG PF G G GE G G FG E F FG G F E
Polyethylene
Chlorosulfonated
G G E FG F F G G G F E F G F F E
Polyethylene
Epichlorohydrin Y G FG G GE G F FG FG GE E E PF G G F E
Ethylene Acrylic A F F FG G F F P E E F E G F G PF E
Ethylene Propylene E GE G E GE GE G P G G P E GE GE GE E E
Fluorocarbon V G E E PF GE F E E G E E E F GE F E
Fluorosilicone L P FG E GE P E G E P G E G P F F E
Isoprene E FG FG G F G P F F P P G GE E FG F
Natural Rubber E FG FG G E G P F F P P G GE E FG F
Neoprene C G FG FG FG F F G G G FG GE F FG G F E
HNBR N, K G E FG G GE F P E G E G GE FG E E G
Nitrile or Buna N N G F FG G GE F P G G E P GE FG GE FG F
Perfluorinated
V, F P E E PF F E E E G E E G PF FG GE E
Fluoroelastomer
Polyacrylate A G P P P F F P E E E E F FG F P E
Polysulfide P P G G F F P P E E E P P F F E
Polyurethane P E P FG G E FG P F G G E F GE E P E
SBR or Buna S G F FG G G G P FG F P P G FG GE FG F
Silicone S P FG GE E P E F E P FG E GE P P F E
Table 2-2: Comparison of Properties of Commonly Used Elastomers

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Softer sealing materials, with lower hardness readings, will 2.4.4 Tensile Strength
flow more easily into the microfine grooves and imperfections Tensile strength is measured as the psi (pounds per square
of the mating parts (the gland, bore, rod or seal flanges). This inch) or MPa (Mega Pascals) required to rupture a specimen of
is particularly important in low-pressure seals because they a given elastomer material when stressed. Tensile strength is
are not activated by fluid pressure. Conversely, the harder one quality assurance measurement used to insure compound
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

materials offer greater resistance to extrusion. Referring back uniformity. It is also useful as an indication of deterioration
to the O-ring seal diagrams, Figures 1-4 through 1-7, it can of the compound after it has been in contact with a fluid for
be seen that a harder O-ring will have greater resistance to long periods. If fluid contact results in only a small reduction
extrusion into the narrow gap between the piston and bore. in tensile strength, seal life may still be relatively long, yet
There are certain applications in which the compressive load if a large reduction of tensile strength occurs, seal life may
available for assembly is limited. In these situations, Figures be relatively short. Exceptions to this rule do occur. Tensile
2-4 through 2-8 are helpful, providing compression load strength is not a proper indication of resistance to extrusion,
requirements for O-rings of different hardnesses, for each nor is it ordinarily used in design calculations. However, in
of the five standard O-ring cross-sections. dynamic applications a minimum of 1,000 psi (7 MPa) is
In dynamic applications, the hardness of the O-ring is doubly normally necessary to assure good strength characteristics
important because it also affects both breakout and running required for long-term sealability and wear resistance in
friction. Although a harder compound will, in general, have moving systems.
a lower coefficient of friction than a softer material, the ac-
tual running and breakout friction values are actually higher 2.4.5 Elongation
because the compressive load required to achieve the proper Elongation is defined as the increase in length, expressed
squeeze and force the harder material into a given O-ring numerically, as a percent of initial length. It is generally re-
cavity is so much greater. ported as ultimate elongation, the increase over the original
For most applications, compounds having a Shore A durom- dimension at break. This property primarily determines the
eter hardness of 70 to 80 is the most suitable compromise. stretch which can be tolerated during the installation of an
This is particularly true of dynamic applications where 90 O-ring. Elongation increases in importance as the diameters of
durometer or harder compounds often allow a few drops of a gland become smaller. It is also a measure of the ability of a
fluid to pass with each cycle, and 50 durometer compounds compound to recover from peak overload, or a force localized
tend to abrade, wear, and extrude very quickly. in one small area of a seal, when considered in conjunction
with tensile strength. An adverse change in the elongation
Normally durometer hardness is referred to in increments of a compound after exposure to a fluid is a definite sign of
of five or ten, as 60 durometer, 75 durometer, etc. — not as degradation of the material. Elongation, like tensile strength,
62 durometer, 66 durometer or 73 durometer. This practice is used throughout the industry as a quality assurance measure
is based on: on production batches of elastomer materials.
(1) The fact that durometer is generally called out in
specifications with a tolerance of ±5 (i.e., 65±5, 70±5, 2.4.6 O-Ring Compression Force
90±5);
O-ring compression force is the force required to compress an
(2) The inherent minor variance from batch to batch of a O-ring the amount necessary to maintain an adequate sealing
given rubber compound due to slight differences in raw line of contact. See Table 2-3 and Figures 2-4 through 2-8. It
materials and processing techniques; and is very important in some applications, particularly in face-type
(3) The human variance encountered in reading durometer seals where the available compression load is limited. The
hardness. On a 70-durometer stock, for example, one factors that influence compression force for a given applica-
person might read 69 and another 71. This small dif- tion, and a method of finding its approximate magnitude are
ference is to be expected and is considered to be within explained in Section III, O-Ring Applications.
acceptable experimental error and the accuracy of the
testing equipment.
O-Ring Compression Force
2.4.3 Toughness Durometer
Diameter
Compression
Toughness is not a measured property or parameter but rather a Range Load
qualitative term frequently used to summarize the combination Less than normal Less than 25.4 mm (1") Middle third of range
of resistance to physical forces other than chemical action. It Less than normal Over 25.4 mm (1") Lower half of range
is used as a relative term in practice. The following six terms
Over normal Less than 25.4 mm (1") Upper third of range
(paragraphs 2.4.4 through 2.4.9) are major indicators of, and
describe the “toughness” of a compound. Over normal Over 25.4 mm (1") Upper half of range

Table 2-3: O-Ring Compression Force

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.070 Cross Section

90
80
40% 70

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

60
50

90
80
30% 70
60

ss
Percent Compression

50

ne
rd
Ha
90

A
e
80
or
Sh
20% 70
60
50

90
80
10% 70
60
50

90
80
5%
70
60
50
.1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7.8.91 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 100 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1000
Compression Load per Linear Inch of Seal — Pounds

Figure 2-4: .070 Cross Section

.103 Cross Section

90
80
40% 70
60
50

90
80
30% 70
60
ss
Percent Compression

50
ne
rd
Ha

90
A
e

80
or
Sh

20% 70
60
50

90
80
10% 70
60
50

90
80
5%
70
60
50
.1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7.8.91 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 100 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1000
Compression Load per Linear Inch of Seal — Pounds

Figure 2-5: .103 Cross Section

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.139 Cross Section

90
80
40% 70
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

60
50

90
80
30% 70

ss
60

ne
Percent Compression

rd
50

Ha
A
e
90
or
Sh
80
20% 70
60
50

90
80
10% 70
60
50

90
80
5%
70
60
50
.1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7.8.91 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 100 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1000
Compression Load per Linear Inch of Seal — Pounds

Figure 2-6: .139 Cross Section

.210 Cross Section

90
80
40% 70
60
50

90
80
30% 70
60
ss
ne
Percent Compression

50
rd
Ha
A

90
e
or

80
Sh

20% 70
60
50

90
80
10% 70
60
50

90
80
5%
70
60
50
.1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7.8.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 100 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1000
Compression Load per Linear Inch of Seal — Pounds

Figure 2-7: .210 Cross Section

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.275 Cross Section

90
80
40% 70

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

60
50

90
80
30% 70
60
Percent Compression

50

ss
ne
rd
Ha
90

A
80

e
or
20% 70

Sh
60
50

90
80
10% 70
60
50

90
80
5%
70
60
50
.1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7.8.91 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 100 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1000
Compression Load per Linear Inch of Seal — Pounds

Figure 2-8: .275 Cross Section

2.4.7 Modulus 2.4.9 Abrasion Resistance

Modulus, as used in rubber terminology, refers to stress at a Abrasion resistance is a general term that indicates the wear
predetermined elongation, usually 100%. It is expressed in resistance of a compound. Where “tear resistance” essentially
pounds per square inch (psi) or MPa (Mega Pascals). This is concerns cutting or otherwise rupturing the surface, “abra-
actually the elastic modulus of the material. sion resistance” concerns scraping or rubbing of the surface.
This is of major importance for dynamic seal materials. Only
The higher the modulus of a compound, the more apt it is to
certain elastomers are recommended for dynamic O-ring
recover from peak overload or localized force, and the bet-
service where moving parts actually contact the seal material.
ter its resistance to extrusion. Modulus normally increases
Harder compounds, up to 90 durometer, are normally more
with an increase in hardness. It is probably the best overall
resistant to abrasion than softer compounds. Of course, as
indicator of the toughness of a given compound, all other
with all sealing compromises, abrasion resistance must be
factors being equal.
considered in conjunction with other physical and chemical
requirements.
2.4.8 Tear Resistance
Tear strength is relatively low for most compounds. 2.4.10 Volume Change
However, if it is extremely low (less than 100 lbs./in.)
Volume change is the increase or decrease of the volume of an
(17.5 kn/m) , there is increased danger of nicking or cutting the
elastomer after it has been in contact with a fluid, measured
O-ring during assembly, especially if it must pass over ports,
in percent (%).
sharp edges or burrs. Compounds with poor tear resistance
will fail quickly under further flexing or stress once a crack Swell or increase in volume is almost always accompanied by
is started. In dynamic seal applications, inferior tear strength a decrease in hardness. As might be surmised, excessive swell
of a compound is also indicative of poor abrasion resistance will result in marked softening of the rubber. This condition
which may lead to premature wear and early failure of the will lead to reduced abrasion and tear resistance, and may
seal. Usually however, this property need not be considered permit extrusion of the seal under high pressure.
for static applications.
For static O-ring applications volume swell up to 30% can
usually be tolerated. For dynamic applications, 10 or 15%
swell is a reasonable maximum unless special provisions are
made in the gland design itself. This is a rule-of-thumb and
there will be occasional exceptions to the rule.

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Swell may actually augment seal effectiveness under some the danger that it may not properly reseat itself. If any shrink-
circumstances. For instance, (1) swell may compensate for age is a possibility in an application, it must be considered
compression set. If a seal relaxes 15% and swells 20%, the thoroughly and carefully.
relaxation (compression set) tends to be canceled by the swell
(see Table 2-4), (2) absorbed fluid may have somewhat the
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

2.4.11 Compression Set

same effect on a compound as the addition of plasticizers,
softening and thus providing more seal flexibility at the low Compression set is generally determined in air aging and
temperature end of its operating range. These “potential” good reported as the percent of deflection by which the elastomer
effects however, should not be relied upon when choosing a fails to recover after a fixed time under specified squeeze and
compound for an application. Awareness of these facts is of temperature. Zero percent (0%) indicates no relaxation has
interest as they can and frequently do contribute to enhanced occurred whereas 100% indicates total relaxation; the seal
seal performance. The amount of volume swell after long- just contacts mating surfaces but no longer exerts a force
term immersion — stabilized volume — is seldom reported against those surfaces.
because it takes several readings to identify. The usual 70-hour Compression set may also be stated as a percent of original
ASTM immersion test will indicate a swelling effect, whereas thickness. However, percent of original deflection is more
a long-term test shows shrinkage. Thus swell indicated by common. See Figure 2-9.
short-term testing may only be an interim condition.
Although it is generally desirable to have low compression set
Shrinkage or decrease in volume is usually accompanied by properties in a seal material, this is not so critical as it might
an increase in hardness. Also, just as swell compensates for appear from a practical design standpoint, because of actual
compression set, shrinkage will intensify the compression set service variables. It is easy to go overboard on this property
effect causing the seal to pull away from sealing surfaces, from a theoretical standpoint. Remember that a good balance
thus providing a leak path. It is apparent then, that shrinkage of all physical properties is usually necessary for optimum
is far more critical than swell. More than 3 or 4% shrinkage seal performance. This is the eternal sealing compromise the
can be serious for dynamic seals. In some instances, fluids seal designer always faces.
may extract plasticizers, causing the seal to shrink when the
fluid is temporarily removed and the seal is allowed to dry For instance, a seal may continue to seal after taking a 100%
out. Such shrinkage may or may not be serious; depending compression set provided temperature and system pressure
on its magnitude, gland design, and the degree of leakage remain steady and no motion or force causes a break in the
tolerable before the seal re-swells and regains its sealing line line of seal contact. Also, as mentioned previously, swelling
of contact. However, even if the seal does re-swell there is caused by contact with the service fluid may compensate for
compression set. Table 2-4 shows the results of a laboratory
test that illustrates this phenomenon.
Compression Set vs. Volume Change Note that in air and in the fluid that caused slight shrinkage,
Parker Compound: Butyl Temperature: 74°C (165°F) the compound took a set of approximately 20 to 25%. In
Time: 168 hrs. Deflection used: 25% the fluid that caused a 20% swell, there was no measurable
Air Fluorolube Fluoroester compression set. The condition most to be feared is the com-
Volume Change % 0 +19.5 -0.4 bination of high compression set and shrinkage. This will
Set % of Original always lead to seal failure unless exceptionally high squeeze
25.4 0 20.7
Deflection is employed. See Figures 2-10 through 2-17.
Table 2-4: Compression Set vs. Volume Change

Deflection = to-ts Return Compression

Set = to-ti

Original
Thickness
to

Spacer Recovered
Bar Thickness
ti
Example: to = 0.200 ts = 0.150 ti = 0.190 Compression Set (As Percent of Original Deflection)

(ASTM normally requires to - ti

C= X 100
deflection equal to 1/4 t o) to - ts

C = 0.200 - 0.190 = 0.010 X 100 =20% Compression Set

0.200 - 0.150 0.050

Figure 2-9: Compression Set

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Compression Set VMQ 70 Compression Set NBR 70

100 100
Relationship between Compression set, Relationship between Compression set,
deformation and cross-section deformation and cross-section
90

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

90

80 80
Compression Set Nitrile- Compression Set
Silicone
Test at Butadiene Test at
VMQ 70
T = 100°C (212°F) NBR 70 T = 100°C (212°F)
70 t = 70 h 70 t = 70 h

1 Cross-Section Cross-Section
60 1=
^
1.80 mm (.07 in.) 60 1=
^
1.80 mm (.07 in.)
2=
^
7.00 mm (.28 in.) 2=
^
3.55 mm (.14 in.)

Compression Set (% )
2
Compression Set (% )

3=
^
7.00 mm (.28 in.)
50 50

1
40 40

2
30 30

3
20 20

10 10

10 20 30 40 10 20 30 40
Cross-Section Deformation (%) Cross-Section Deformation (%)

Figure 2-10: Compression Set VMQ 70 Figure 2-11: Compression Set NBR 70

Compression Set Compression Set

100
50 Compression Set Compression Set
Test at Against Temperature
t = 70 h 90
40
Compression Set (%)

NBR 70-1
1 (Normal Temperature NBR) 80 Compression Set
30 NBR 70-2 Test at
(High Temperature NBR) t = 70 h
2 70
20 O-Ring Cross-Section FKM — 1
Deformed by 25% ACM — 2
Cross-Section = 3.55 mm 60
Compression Set (%)

EPDM — 3
10 (.14 in.) VMQ — 4
50
O-Ring Cross-Section
Deformed by 25%
°C 100 125 150 Cross-Section = 3.55 mm
°F 212 257 302 40
(.14 in.)
Test Temperature
30
Figure 2-12: Compression Set vs. NBR 70 Compounds
3 2 4
20
1

10

°C 100 125 150 175 200

°F 212 257 302 347 392
Test Temperature

Figure 2-13: Compression Set vs. Polymer Family

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0 0
Si
lic
Si on
lic e
on
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

20 20

Et
Compression Set – Percent

Compression Set – Percent

hy

Flu
len
Eth

oro
Flou

e
Flu
yle

car
Pr
rosil

oro
40 40

op
ne

bon
Ne

yle
car
Pro
icon

op

ne
bon

ren
pyl
Ni

e
tril
Ne

ene
e
op
ren

Acrylate
e

60 60

Flo
uro
silic
one
Nitrile
80 80
Acryla

W=0.070 W=0.139
te

100 200 300 400 500 100 200 300 400 500

Temperature Degrees Fahrenheit Temperature Degrees Fahrenheit

22 Hours 22 Hours

Figure 2-14: Compression Set .070 Cross Section Figure 2-15: Compression Set .139 Cross Section

0 0

Sil
ico
ne

Fl
uo
ro
Flu

20 20

ca
Eth

rb
oro

on
yle
ca

Ne
Ni

op
rbo
tri

ne
le

re
Compression Set – Percent

Compression Set – Percent

n

ne
Pro

Silic
py
len

one
Flou

40 40
rosil

Ne
Acry

Ethylene Propylene op
icon
Nitr

re
ne
late
ile

60 60
Flou
Acrylate

rosil

80 80
icon
e

W=0.210 W=0.275

100 200 300 400 500 100 200 300 400 500

Temperature Degrees Fahrenheit Temperature Degrees Fahrenheit

22 Hours 22 Hours

Figure 2-16: Compression Set .210 Cross Section Figure 2-17: Compression Set .275 Cross Section

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2.4.12 Thermal Effects reference to Figure 2-18 that shows the variation in hardness
All rubber is subject to deterioration at high temperature. for several elastomers at low temperatures.
Volume change and compression set are both greatly influ- It is significant that many of the materials for which hardness
enced by heat. Hardness is influenced in a rather complex is plotted in Figure 2-18 are considered good for seal service
way. The first effect of increased temperature is to soften the

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

at temperatures considerably below that at which durometer
compound. This is a physical change, and will reverse when hardness tends to reach a maximum. This clearly illustrates that
the temperature drops. However, it must be considered in durometer measurements alone are not reliable determinants
high pressure applications because a compound that is suf- of low temperature seal performance. The swelling or shrink-
ficiently hard to resist extrusion at room temperature may age effect of the fluid being sealed must also be taken into
begin to flow and extrude through the clearance gap as the account. If the seal swells, it is absorbing fluids which may
temperature rises, due to this softening effect. act in much the same way as a low temperature plasticizer,
With increasing time at high temperature, chemical changes allowing the seal to remain more flexible at low temperature
slowly occur. These generally cause an increase in hardness, than was possible before the absorption of the fluid.
along with volume and compression set changes as mentioned If the seal shrinks, something is being extracted from the com-
above. Changes in tensile strength and elongation are also pound. The greater part of the leached material is usually the
involved. Being chemical in nature, these changes are not plasticizer provided by the compounder for low temperature
reversible. flexibility. This being the case, the seal may now lose some
With the exception of the cryogenics field, the tendency is of its original flexibility at low temperature. It may become
to overlook the effects of low temperatures on elastomeric stiff at a temperature 2°C to 5°C (5°F to 10°F) higher than
seal compounds as they are generally reversible as the tem- that at which it is rated.
perature rises. Crystallization is another side effect of low temperature
Any changes induced by low temperature are primarily physi- operation that must be considered, especially for dynamic
cal and, as stated, are reversible. An elastomer will almost applications. (Crystallization is the re-orientation of molecular
completely regain its original properties when warmed. segments causing a change of properties in the compound).
There are several tests that are used to define low temperature When a compound crystallizes it becomes rigid and has none
characteristics of a compound, but there does not seem to be of the resilience that is so necessary for an effective seal.
much correlation among them. Perhaps the best of the low This phenomenon manifests itself as a flat spot on the
temperature tests is TR-10 or Temperature Retraction Test. O-ring and is sometimes misinterpreted as compression
The TR-10 test results are easily reproducible and are used set. The flatness will gradually disappear and the seal will
extensively in many different specifications, not only for regain its original resilience upon warming. Initially, it may
assuring low temperature performance but occasionally as a take two or three months for a compound to crystallize at
quality assurance measure as well. From experience, we have a low or moderate temperature. However, on succeeding
found that most compounds will provide effective sealing at exposures to low temperature, crystallization sets in much
8°C (15°F) below their TR-10 temperature values. However, more rapidly.
careful study of the paragraphs on “temperature” later in this
section and in Section III should be made before selecting a
compound for low temperature service. Effect of Low Temperature on Rubber Hardness
100
If low pressures are anticipated at low temperature, hardness
should be considered along with the low temperature proper- 95
Nitrile
ties of the compound. As temperature decreases, hardness
90 Fl
Hardness, Shore A Scale

increases. Low pressures require a soft material that can be uo

ro
easily deformed as it is forced against mating surfaces. It is 85 ca
rb
on
possible that a 70 durometer compound at room temperature Ethy
lene
80 -Pro
might harden to 85 durometer at -34°C (-30°F) and fail to pyle
ne
respond to low pressure at this temperature. 75 Silicone
Nitr
Neopre ile
On the other hand, the same type of compound with 40 70 ne
durometer hardness at room temperature may register only
75 durometer at -34°C (-30°F) and provide somewhat better 65
Nit
response. In moderate pressure service, low temperature hard- 60 rile
ness increase is seldom of consequence. However, hardness is
only one of several factors to consider when low temperature 55 Fluorosilicone

performance is involved. 50
°F -70 -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Flexibility, resilience, compression set and brittleness are °C -57 -51 -46 -40 -34 -29 -23 -18 -12 -7 -1 4 10 16 21 27
perhaps more basic criteria for sealing at low temperature Temperature
than measured hardness. This may be demonstrated by
Figure 2-18: Effect of Low Temperature on Rubber Hardness

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The end result of crystallization is seal leakage. For remains chemically fixed and cannot be extracted. How-
example, seals which have been known to function satisfacto- ever a smaller portion of the sulfur remains free and not
rily in an air conditioning unit through the first summer, have fixed in the elastomer structure.
failed during storage because the system was not turned on to Free sulfur in contact with many metals and alloys (e.g.
pressurize the seals through a long, cold winter. One way to
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

silver, copper, lead) tends to form metal sulfides which

test for the crystallization effect is to use a double temperature cause discoloring and corrosion damage. Further, a reac-
drop. After conditioning at a moderately low temperature for tion between metal and sulfur can lead to the failure of
a long period — say two months — temperature is lowered a dynamic seal if rubber adheres to the metal surface
another 30°C (86°F) or so and leakage checked at .7 to 1.4 after a long downtime. In all cases where there is dy-
Bar (10 to 20 psi) pressure. Certain types of polychloroprene namic action expected at the seal interface, use of a
(Neoprene) have a pronounced tendency to crystallize. Spring- sulfur-free compound is recommended.
loading the seal can compensate for crystallization.
B. Corrosion Caused by the Formation of Hydrochloric Acid
— Hydrochloric (HCl) acid can be formed in certain
2.4.13 Resilience environmental conditions when free chloride is present
Resilience is essentially the ability of a compound to return in an elastomer.
quickly to its original shape after a temporary deflection. Compounds in the CR, ECO, CO and to a lesser extent
Reasonable resilience is vital to a moving seal. Resilience in ACM polymer groups tend to cause corrosion if the
is primarily an inherent property of the elastomer. It can be formula does not contain sufficient amounts of inhibitors
improved somewhat by compounding. More important, it and stabilizers (e.g. metal oxides) which retard free
can be degraded or even destroyed by poor compounding chloride. Hydrochloric acid also can be formed around
techniques. It is very difficult to create a laboratory test which compounds which are free from chloride (e.g. SBR, NR)
properly relates this property to seal performance. Therefore, if they contain chloro-paraffin combinations which are
compounding experience and functional testing under actual used as flame retardants.
service conditions are used to insure adequate resilience.
C. Electrochemical Corrosion — The formation of small
galvanic cells is the main mechanism responsible for
2.4.14 Deterioration corrosion of metals. A galvanic cell is formed across two
This term normally refers to chemical change of an elasto- dissimilar metals. An electrolyte is required for the func-
mer resulting in permanent loss of properties. It is not to be tion of a galvanic cell. Alloys made up from different
confused with reversible or temporary property losses. Both metal phases or crystals can be damaged when small
permanent and temporary property losses may be accompa- local cells are formed.
nied by swell. The temporary condition is due to physical Electrochemical corrosion in the zone of a sealing element
permeation of fluid without chemical alteration. (e.g. an O-ring) does not necessarily mean that the elasto-
mer is always the cause. It is very difficult to say how far
2.4.15 Corrosion electrochemical corrosion depends on the elastomer. It is
generally assumed that condensate accumulates between
Corrosion is the result of chemical action of a fluid and/or
the rubber and the metal which, together with other impu-
the elastomer compound upon the metal surfaces of the seal
rities, causes electrochemical corrosion. The propensity to
gland cavity. This handbook is primarily concerned with
corrode depends on the type of metal alloy(s), surface
corrosive effects caused by the compound alone, although it
roughness, state of the metal, temperature and humidity.
should be noted that fluid corrosion of the gland metal will
cause a change of surface finish that can seriously affect the
seal, especially in a dynamic application. When rubber seals 2.4.16 Permeability
were first used, there were numerous instances in which the Permeability is the tendency of gas to pass or diffuse through
compound itself did act adversely upon metal causing actual the elastomer. This should not be confused with leakage which
pitting of the gland surface. Certain elastomer compounding is the tendency of a fluid to go around the seal. Permeability
ingredients, such as uncombined sulfur or certain types of may be of prime importance in vacuum service and some
carbon black were found to cause the problem. few pneumatic applications involving extended storage but
Currently, compounding expertise, modern chemicals and is seldom consequential in other applications. It should be
supplier testing has made reports of this type of corrosion rare. understood that permeability increases as temperatures rise,
However, due to frequent introduction of new and improved that different gases have different permeability rates, and that
compounding ingredients, continuous attention to potential the more a seal is compressed, the greater its resistance to
corrosive effects is necessary. permeability. Refer to O-Ring Applications, Section III for ad-
ditional information on permeability and vacuum service.
A. Corrosion Caused by Free Sulphur — Rubber compounds
often are vulcanized using an accelerator containing the
element sulfur. A large percentage of the sulfur under the 2.4.17 Joule Effect
influence of heat (vulcanization) forms bridges (cross- If a freely suspended rubber strip is loaded and stretched and
links) between the elastomer molecule chains. This sulfur subsequently heated, the strip will contract and lift the load.
Conversely, an unloaded strip when heated expands to the

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coefficient of expansion for that rubber. This phenomenon of Please contact Parker regarding any special compound
contraction is termed the Joule effect and occurs only when requirements and specific physical properties when con-
heating a stretched rubber object. templating the use of conductive elastomers. For more
Example: in-depth information on conductive elastomers and EMI
shielding, see Parker Chomerics product information.

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

O-ring as radial shaft seal. The O-ring with an inner
diameter smaller than the shaft is fitted under tension. The
O-ring heats up due to friction and contracts. The result is 2.4.20 Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
increased friction and temperature. Failure of the O-ring Coefficient of linear expansion is the ratio of the change in
is characterized by a hard, brittle O-ring surface. length per °C to the length at 0°C. Coefficient of volumetric
In practice an O-ring of larger inner diameter must therefore expansion for solids is approximately three times the linear
be selected. An inner diameter between 1% to 3% larger coefficient. As a rough approximation, elastomers have a
than the shaft is recommended and the outer diameter of the coefficient of expansion ten times that of steel (an exception
gland should ensure that the O-ring is compressed on the to this is perfluoroelastomer). This can be a critical factor at
shaft surface. high temperature if the gland is nearly filled with the seal, or
at low temperature if squeeze is marginal. See Table 2-5.
The width of the gland should be slightly less than the cross-
section diameter. The O-ring always should be fitted into the
bore and never on to the shaft.
Specific Electrical Resistance
(according to DIN 53596)
2.4.18 Coefficient of Friction
NBR
Coefficient of friction of a moving elastomer seal relates to
a number of factors including material hardness, lubrication FKM
and surface characteristics of surrounding materials. Gener-
ally, breakout friction is many times that of running friction. VMQ
This varies with several factors, primarily hardness of the seal
material. When only the hardness is changed, an increase in EPDM
hardness will increase breakout friction while a decrease will
lower breakout friction. In those instances where seal external CR
lubrication is impossible, Parker offers several compounds
having self-contained lubricants. These compounds are 10
2
10
4
10
6
10
8
10
10
10
12
10
14
10
16
10
18
10
20

also desirable where continuous presence of a lubricant is Ohm-cm

uncertain, and where minimal friction is essential. For more
friction data see O-Ring Applications and Dynamic O-Ring Figure 2-19: Specific Electrical Resistance (According to DIN 53596)
Sealing, Sections III and V, respectively.
Linear Thermal Expansion of Typical Elastomers
2.4.19 Electrical Properties and Common Materials
Elastomers may be good insulators, semiconductors or con- Contraction
ductors. The type of material and compound (electrically 24°C to -54°C Expansion
(75°F to 24°C to 191°C Coefficient
conductive carbon black) are selected to electrical require- -65°F) (75° to 375°F) of Expansion
ments criteria: Material (in./ft.) (in./ft.) (in./in./°F)
Nitrile —
Electrically insulating: > 109 ohms-cm - SBR, IIR, General Purpose .108 .224 6.2 x 10-5
EPDM, VMQ, FKM. Neoprene .132 .274 7.6 x 10-5
Anti-static, as semiconductor: 105 to 109 ohms-cm Parofluor 1.8 x 10 -4
- NBR, CR. Fluorocarbon
Elastomer .156 .324 9.0 x 10-5
Electrically conductive: < 105 ohms-cm - Special Kel-F .144 .299 8.3 x 10-5
Compounds. See Parker Chomerics Division. Ethylene Propylene .155 .320 8.9 x 10-5
Many elastomers must be minimally conductive to prevent Silicone .174 .360 1.0 x 10-4
Low-Temperature
electrostatic charging, e.g. fuel tank seals, drive belts, medi- Type Silicone .193 .396 1.1 x 10-4
cal equipment, etc. When special conductive compounds are Fluorosilicone N/A N/A 1.5 x 10-4
required, care should be taken to ensure that conductive parts High-Temperature
of the compound formula will not be dissolved or extracted Type Aluminum,
2017 .023 .047 1.3 x 10-5
by the medium being sealed, thus changing the electrical Stainless Steel,
properties. See Figure 2-19. Type 302 .017 .035 9.6 x 10-6
Steel, Mild .012 .024 6.7 x 10-6
For shielding purposes against electromagnetic interference Invar .001 .002 6.0 x 10-7
(EMI), compounds filled with conductive-particles have been
Table 2-5 : Linear Thermal Expansion of Typical Elastomers
developed with a volume resistivity of < 10-2 Ohm- cm. and Common Materials

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2.5.1 Test Specimens

Relative Force Produced by O-ring Swell
for Different Compounds ASTM test methods include descriptions of standard speci-
mens for each test. Often, two or more specimens are required,
but results from the different specimens will seldom agree.
The way that properties vary with the size of the specimen
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

Force

is not consistent. For instance, as the cross-section increases,

nitrile O-rings produce lower values of tensile strength,
elongation, and compression set. Ethylene propylene rings
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
produce a similar pattern for tensile and elongation values
Gland Void After Seal Compression — Percent
but not compression set, while in fluorocarbon compounds
only the elongation shows this trend.
Figure 2-20: Relative Force Produced by O-ring Swell In fluid immersion tests, rings with smaller cross-sections
have been found to swell more than larger rings. In observing
There are certain reactions that in some circumstances cause explosive decompression tests, the smaller cross-sections had
a seal to exert relatively high forces against the sides of a much better resistance to high-pressure gases.
groove. These forces are generated by thermal expansion of
the rubber and/or swelling effect of a fluid. When customers wish to monitor the Shore A hardness of
O-rings they purchase, they will sometimes order compression
If the seal is completely confined and the gland is 100% filled, set buttons from the same batch as the O-rings for purposes
the dominating force is the force of thermal expansion of the of conducting hardness tests. This is because durometer
rubber. There have been instances where a seal has ruptured hardness readings taken on actual O-rings are notoriously
a steel gland due to expansion when heated. variable. It is important, therefore, in reporting test results,
Effective force exerted by the seal due to fluid swell is another to include both a description of the test specimens used as
potentially large factor if the gland volume exceeds that of the seal well as describing the test method itself in detail.
by only 5 to 10% (see Figure 2-20). Depending on the interaction
between the rubber and the fluid being sealed, the effect may be 2.5.2 Test Method Variables
quite pronounced even at larger gland void conditions. More difficult to avoid are differences in test results due to
differences introduced by the human equation. In testing
2.4.21 Effects on Properties for durometer hardness, for example, the presser foot of the
In some of the foregoing paragraphs, it has been mentioned instrument is applied to the specimen “as rapidly as possible
that various factors can alter the properties of rubber materials. without shock — Apply just sufficient pressure to obtain
Low temperatures cause reversible hardening of compounds, firm contact between presser foot and specimen.” Different
high temperatures may cause reversible and non-reversible operators will often disagree on the hardness of a compound
changes of many kinds, and exposure to fluids can effect all because they use different speeds and different amounts of
the properties of a rubber material. Besides these more-or-less pressure. In gauging the hardness of an O-ring, which has
obvious effects, there are many additional ways in which the no flat surface, operators may vary in the accuracy with
properties of a compound may be modified so that results by which they apply the indentor to the actual crown of the O-
two different laboratories may not agree. Knowledge of some ring, the point that gives the most reliable reading. The only
of these pitfalls may avoid misunderstandings. industry recognized test for hardness of an O-ring is IRHD
(see “Hardness” in this section).
2.5 Standard Test Procedures In conducting the TR-10 low temperature test, the cold bath
There are standard ASTM procedures for conducting most of should be warmed at the rate of 1°C (34°F) per minute. Any
the tests on rubber materials. It is important to follow these pro- different rate will result in somewhat different readings.
cedures carefully in conducting tests if uniform and repeatable
results are to be obtained. For instance, in pulling specimens to 2.5.3 Effects of Environment on Testing
find tensile strength, elongation, and modulus values, ASTM High humidity in the air will reduce the tensile strength of
D412 requires a uniform rate of pull of 508 mm (20 inches) per some compounds. Changes in a fluid medium can occur in
minute. In one test, tensile strength was found to decrease 5% service due to the effect of heat and contaminants. A rubber
when the speed was reduced to 50.8 mm (2 inches) per minute, that is virtually unaffected by new fluid may deteriorate in the
and it decreased 30% when the speed was further reduced to same fluid after it has been in service for a month. Tests are
5.08 mm (0.2 inches) per minute. Elongation and modulus sometimes run in previously used fluid for this reason.
values decreased also, but by smaller amounts.
These are but a few examples to illustrate the fact that the
ASTM Compression Set D395 Test Method B, states, “The properties of rubber compounds are not constant. They vary
percentage of compression employed shall be approximately according to the conditions under which they are tested, and
25%.” We have found significantly higher compression set some of the variables may be rather subtle.
values after compressing less than 25%, while results after 30
or 40% compression were sometimes smaller and sometimes
greater than at 25%.
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2.6 Aging a number of investigations concerned with effects of long-

Deterioration with time or aging relates to the basic nature of term storage of elastomeric materials undertaken in the recent
the rubber molecule. It is a long chain-like structure consisting past. These include controlled laboratory studies of many
of many smaller molecules joined or linked together. Points years duration in addition to evaluation of seals recovered
at which individual molecules join are called bonds. Bond from salvaged World War II aircraft and other sources after

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

sites and certain other areas may be particularly susceptible exposure to widely varying conditions over many years.
to chemical reaction. At least three principle types of such
reactions are associated with aging. They usually occur 2.8 Cure Date
concurrently, but in varying degrees:
To facilitate proper stock rotation on the shelves of Parker
a. Scission — The molecular bonds are cut, dividing the distributors and customers, Parker Seal supplies the cure date
chain into smaller segments. Ozone, ultra-violet light, on all packaging. It is standard practice throughout the industry
and radiation cause degradation of this type. to indicate the cure date by quarter and calendar year. When
b. Crosslinking — An oxidation process whereby addi- determining the age of a part, the quarter of manufacture
tional intermolecular bonds are formed. This process may (cure) is not counted. For example, parts cured in January,
be a regenerative one. Heat and oxygen are principle February, or March of a given year are not considered to be
causes of this type of aging process. one quarter old until July 1 of that same year. Cure dates are
c. Modification of Side Groups — A change in the complex, shown by a number indicating the quarter of cure followed
weaker fringe areas of the molecular construction due to by the letter Q (for quarter). For example, 2Q06 indicates the
chemical reaction. Moisture, for example, could promote second quarter of 2006 (April, May, or June).
this activity.
Note: all mechanisms by which rubber deteriorates with 2.9 Age Control
time are attributable to environmental conditions. It is Prior to ARP 5316, specification MIL-STD-1523A was the
environment and not age that is significant to seal life, age control document for O-rings. Although cure date records
both in storage and actual service. While selection and are maintained for all Parker Seal elastomer products, not all
application of synthetic rubber seals to provide acceptable of these products were subject to the age control limitations of
service life is the primary subject of this handbook, our MIL-STD-1523A. It required that the age of certain military
concern in the next paragraph will be with seal life as it nitrile O-rings shall not exceed 40 quarters from the cure
relates to storage conditions. date at the time of acceptance by the Government acquiring
activity. The age control requirements of MIL-STD-1523A
2.7 Storage did not apply to any other polymer classes, such as fluoro-
The effective storage life of an O-ring varies with the inher- carbon, butyl, ethylene propylene, silicone, fluorosilicone,
ent resistance of each individual elastomer to normal storage polyurethane, etc. nor to nitrile compounds not covered by
conditions. ARP 5316 places elastomers into three groups ac- the specification.
cording to “Age resistance generally associated with products Note:As of this printing, MIL-STD-1523A has been
fabricated from various rubbers.” Realize that this document, cancelled. It is included here for historical refer-
ARP 5316, is an Aerospace Recommended Practice, not a ence only. Refer to ARP 5316 as a guide (ARP 5316
standard that must be met. is available through SAE).
Where non-age sensitive elastomers are involved, consider- Field experience has demonstrated that the current STORAGE
able storage life without detectable damage is common even CONDITIONS are much more important in determining the
under adverse conditions. For materials falling into the 15 useful life of elastomeric seals than is TIME. Controlling
year category, which are subject to age deterioration, the fol- storage time only serves to de-emphasize the need for adequate
lowing conditions are suggested for maximum life: control of storage conditions. Adhering to this time-based
1. Ambient temperature not exceeding 49°C (120°F) storage philosophy may result in deteriorated seals, or in the
2. Exclusion of air (oxygen) wasteful destruction of perfectly good seals.
3. Exclusion of contamination
2.10 Shrinkage
4. Exclusion of light (particularly sunlight)
All rubber compounds shrink to some extent during the mold-
5. Exclusion of ozone generating electrical devices ing process. The finished elastomeric part will be smaller
6. Exclusion of radiation than the mold cavity from which it was formed. Exactly how
Generally, sealed polyethylene bags stored in larger cardboard much smaller the part is we call the “shrinkage factor.” The
containers or polyethylene lined craft paper bags ensure basic nitrile polymer was one of the first synthetic polymers
optimal storage life. However, in normal warehousing condi- produced. As a result, it has become the standard or “measur-
tions, life of even the relatively age-sensitive elastomers is ing stick” for shrinkage variations between polymer families.
considerable. This is due to major improvements in modern This standard shrinkage factor is often called “AN” shrinkage.
compounding technique, and has been documented through For other compounds, individual shrinkage factors can lead
to different tolerances and, thus, different designs. If, with the

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variation of compound and hardness, the ability to fall within 2.11.2 Pioneering Design
expected dimensional tolerances is compromised, is necessary This implies that there is something new and therefore un-
to manufacture compensating mold tooling in order to remain known or at least unproven about the design. There are at
within the specified tolerances, whatever they may be. least two recognizable levels in this area that we elect to call
“minor pioneering” and “major pioneering.”
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

For more information on shrinkage, see “Shrinkage” in the

Appendix, Section X. A. Minor Pioneering applies when only a slight departure
from previous practice is involved. If new operating
conditions apply or some change in gland design is made
2.11 Compound Selection but neither is radically different from the past design
This section gives background information to help in conditions, the previous design data will certainly apply
understanding the factors involved in the process, and provide as a starting point. If a fluid is new to the user, but is
some guidance when recommended limits must be exceeded listed in the Fluid Compatibility Table in Section VII,
or when unlisted fluids are encountered. Compound selection influence of the fluid retains “minor pioneering” status.
may be classified in two categories — the pioneering type (If the new fluid is foreign to the user’s experience and
and the non-pioneering type. not listed in the table, the problem has suddenly become
If no pioneering were ever encountered, it would be possible “major pioneering.”) Each designer makes his own choice
to skip all the other sections of this handbook and select the of how to test a new design and his decision should be
proper compound for an application from the tables. Since based on how far the application deviates from known
non-pioneering applications will include the greater part of successful usage.
all design work normally encountered, this category will be B. Major Pioneering applies when there is radical departure
discussed first. from previous practice. The most likely example is the
use of a new fluid, foreign to anyone’s past experience.
If the fluid’s chemical nature can be related to another
2.11.1 Non-Pioneering Design
fluid with known effect on a compound, this may reduce
The term “non-pioneering design” refers to reapplication of the problem to “minor pioneering.”
proven design. Three such cases come to mind immediately:
1. When using the same fluid, gland design practices, and For example, if the fluid is a silicate ester, it can be surmised
operating conditions, the same compounds utilized in past that its effect on the seal will be similar to MLO-8200, MLO-
design may be trusted to give successful results. 8515, or OS 45 type III and IV, since these also have a silicate
ester base. In the case of petroleum base fluids, comparison of
2. When the military service or other customer requires the the aniline point of the fluid with that of standard test fluids
use of some specific compound by citing a formulation, gives a fair estimate of the fluid’s effect on a seal material.
compound designation, or specification, the designer must
locate the compound that meets such criteria and no It is fortunate that major engineering problems constitute
option exists as to compound choice. By use of such only a very small percentage of the total work, for they do not
specifications, the problem becomes “non-pioneering” normally offer a direct and immediate answer. However, by
in that known successful solutions are relied on. For using the Fluid Compatibility Tables in Section VII it should
such design conditions, Tables 8-3, 8-4 and 8-5 list the be relatively simple to select one or two compounds for trial.
most used specifications and indicate applicable Parker The most likely compound should then be put on simulated
compounds. service test. If performance is satisfactory, the answer is at
3. There is a third case of “non-pioneering design” in which hand. If not, a more accurate analysis and a better compound
the designer can use past successes of others as a basis for selection may be made based on test results.
a design foreign to his own experience. The sections on In summary, selecting an applicable compound is a matter of
Static and Dynamic O-Ring Sealing (Sections IV and V, finding a “reasonable” starting point and proving the adequacy
respectively) provide gland design data based on “average” of such a selection by functional testing.
operating conditions, established by widespread field con-
tact developed from years of experience with O-rings. In
similar fashion, many stock compounds have proven to be 2.12 Rapid Methods for Predicting the
very satisfactory in certain fluids when used in glands of Compatibility of Elastomers with Mineral
normal design. Provided operating conditions are within Based Oils
specified limits, gland design presents nothing new, and no
problems should arise. The Fluid Compatibility Tables in 2.12.1 Aniline Point Differences
Section VII provide specific seal compound recommenda- In view of the ever increasing number of operating oils and
tions for service with a variety of fluids. Each foregoing sealing materials, it is desirable that a means be established
category is based on successful practice under similar to enable interested parties to employ suitable combinations
service conditions. This is the heart of the non-pioneering of oil and rubber without the need for carrying out lengthy
approach. immersion tests on each combination.

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A well-known rapid method for material selection is based swelling, which for some elastomers does not tend to reach
on the aniline point of the oil, which is the lowest tempera- equilibrium, e.g. with NBR. A high ACN content is necessary
ture at which a given amount of fresh aniline dissolves in an to resist swelling resulting from naphthalene based oils.
equal volume of the particular oil. Oils with the same aniline
Any other commercial oil with the same or similar aniline
points usually have similar effect on rubber. The lower the

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

point can be expected to have a similar effect on a particular
aniline point, the more severe is the swelling action. The
ASTM reference oils cover a range of aniline points found sealing material as the corresponding ASTM oil. However,
in lubricating oils. it has been found that the aniline point method is not always
reliable. Some commercial oils of the same aniline point
ASTM Oil No. 1 has a high aniline point 124°C (225°F) and can differ significantly in their swelling power because they
causes slight swelling or shrinkage. contain different sorts and amounts of additives.
IRM 902 (formally ASTM Oil No. 2) has a medium aniline
point of 93°C (200°F) and causes intermediate swelling. 2.12.2 Elastomer Compatibility Index
IRM 903 (formally ASTM Oil No. 3) has a low aniline point A rapid and more accurate method for predicting the compat-
70°C (157°F) and causes high or extreme swelling of seal ibility of commercial rubbers in mineral based oils involves
compounds. the use of a representative reference compound called standard
NBR 1. The action of mineral oils can be evaluated against
With mineral oil as a medium, changes in physical properties this standard rubber in terms of the Elastomer Compatibility
are the result of two different processes: Index or ECI. Table 2-6 lists the ECI for various oils.
A. Oil diffuses into the rubber causing swelling which is Previous work has shown that there is an approximate linear
usually limited and differs from one elastomer to another. relationship between the equilibrium percentage volume
B. Chemical components of the elastomer can be dissolved changes of NBR 1 in a range of mineral oils and those of
or extracted from the compound resulting in shrinkage. any commercial nitrile in the same oils. In other words, if
equilibrium percentage changes in the volume of different
The processes can be concurrent and the resulting volume
commercial nitrile rubbers in different mineral oils are plotted
change may not be noticeable.
against those of standard elastomer NBR 1, a straight line can
The effect depends not only on the construction of the elas- be obtained for each nitrile compound. This enables interested
tomer, but also on the sealed fluid itself. The base elastomer parties to predict the volume change of a particular rubber
contains between 15% and 50% acrylonitrile (ACN). The material in any mineral oil if the compatibility index of this oil
higher the ACN content, the better the compatibility with (i.e. the percentage volume change of NBR 1) is known.
oil. In the same way, a high content of aliphatics, e.g. as in
The straight-line graph for a particular compound is called
paraffin based oils, leads to a low tendency to swell (also with
the swelling behavior, or SB of the compound. Figure
low ACN content). Conversely, aromatic based oils cause
2-21 gives an example of such a graph.

ECI for Various Oils

Swelling Behavior (SB) For Compound “X”
Type of Oil ECI
+20
Volume Change — Compound “X” in Mineral Oil (%)

ASTM Oil Number 1 2.2 - 3.2

BP Energol HLP 100 3.7 - 4.7
Esso Nuto H-54 (HLP 36) 5.9 - 6.9 +15
Houghton HD 20W/20 6.9 - 7.9
Esso Nuto H-44 (HLP 16) 7.1 - 8.1
DEA Rando Oil HDC (HLP 36) 7.7 - 8.7 +10
Fina Hydran 31 8.5 - 9.5
Shell Tellus 923 (HLP 16) 9.2 - 10.2
ASTM Oil Number 2 (IRM 902) 9.4 - 10.4 +5
Esso-Trafo oil 37 12.5 - 13.5
Agip F. 1 Rotra ATF 12.6 - 13.6 (+2)
Mobil Vac HLP 16 14.0 - 15.0
0
Shell Tellus 15 14.7 - 15.7 5 10 15 20 25 30
Essocis J 43 15.0 - 16.0
Shell oil 4001 16.3 - 17.3
-5
Texaco Rando Oil AAA 16.5 - 17.5
BP Energol HP 20 19.0 - 20.0
ASTM Oil Number 3 (IRM 903) 23.0 - 24.0
-10
Shell Tellus 11 32.9 - 33.9 Elastomer Compatibility Index (ECI) for Mineral Oils —
Shell Oil JYO 34.5 - 35.5 Based on Standard Elastomer NBR No. 1 —
Percent Volume Change
Table 2-6: ECI for Various Oils

Figure 2-21: Swelling Behavior (SB) for Compound “X”

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Example using Figure 2-21: (floating plug) separating each charge. In a crankcase, raw
To find the volume change of Compound “X” in a min- gasoline, diesel fuel, gaseous products of combustion, acids
eral oil having an ECI of 10 for volume, follow the 10% formed in service, and water from condensation, can all be
vertical ECI line until it intersects the slanted line. Follow expected to contaminate the engine oil. In both these cases,
the horizontal line from that point to the vertical axis. the seal compound must be resistant to all fluids involved
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

Compound “X” will have a volume swell of approxi- including any lubricant to be used on the seal. Therefore,
mately 2% in that oil. whenever possible, it is a good practice to use the fluid being
sealed as the lubricant, eliminating one variable.
By using the ECI, the volume change of the above materials
can be predicted in a mineral oil media, thus saving valuable Thus far only the effects of fluids on seal compounds have
laboratory time. The ECI for an oil is initially determined in been discussed. Consideration must also be given to the effect
the laboratory (see Table 2-6). The ECI values can be plot- of the compound on system fluids. For example:
ted on a compound specific graph (Figures 2-22 and 2-23) A. Some rubber compounding ingredients, such as magne-
and the expected volume change can be read directly from sium oxide or aluminum oxide, used in compounds that
the vertical axis. In this way, a decision can be made regard- cause chemical deterioration of fluorinated refrigerants.
ing elastomer compatibility with given oils. The procedure, When choosing a compound for use with fluorinated
originally developed by Parker, has been standardized under refrigerants, it should not contain any of the ingredients
International Standard ISO 6072. that cause this breakdown.
The weight change of a test elastomer, e.g. NBR 1 to ISO B. Compounds containing large amounts of free sulfur for
6072, is measured after immersion in the respective oil for vulcanization should not be used in contact with certain
168 hours at 100°C (212°F). The ECI is then simply read metals or fluids, because the sulfur will promote corrosion
from Figure 2-24 plotting the weight change. of the metal or cause chemical change of the fluid.
C. Compounds for food and breathing applications should
2.13 Operating Conditions contain only non-toxic ingredients.
The practical selection of a specific Parker compound number D. Seals used in meters or other devices that must be read
depends on adequate definition of the principle operating through glass, a liquid, or plastic, must not discolor these
conditions for the seal. In approximate order of application, materials and hinder vision.
these conditions are Fluid, Temperature, Time, Pressure and
Sound judgment, then, dictates that all fluids involved in an
Mechanical Requirements.
application be considered. Once this is done, it is a simple
matter to check the Fluid Compatibility Tables in Section VII
2.13.1 Fluid to find a compound suitable for use with all the media.
Fluid includes the fluid to be sealed, outside air, any lubricant,
or an occasional cleaning or purging agent to be used in the
system. For example, in pipelines it is common practice to
pump a variety of fluids in sequence through a line with a pig

Weight Change on
Test Elastomer NBR 1 (%)
52
Volume Change in Test Elastomer NBR 1 (%)

48
1=
^
A 607-70, 2 =
^
N 3570-70 ^
1= ^
N 741-75, 2 = N 674-70 44
40
24 24
36
20
Volume Change (%)

20
Volume Change (%)

32
16 16
1 28
ECI

12 12
24
8 1 8
2 20
4 4
2 16
0 0
12
-4 -4
8
-8 -8
4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 4
ECI ECI
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
Figure 2-22: Swelling Characteristics Figure 2-23: Swelling Characteristics Weight Change
of Parker Compounds of Parker Compounds on Test Elastomer NBR 1 (%)

Figure 2-24: Weight Change on Test

Elastomer NBR 1 (%)

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2.13.2 Temperature service. If it is subjected to this temperature continuously,

Temperature ranges are often over-specified. For example, a it should perform reliably for 1,000 hours. Time at less than
torch or burner might reach temperatures of 400°C to 540°C maximum temperature will extend life. Similarly, higher
(750°F to 1000°F). However, the tanks of gas being sealed temperature will reduce it.
may be located a good distance from this heat source and

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

The high temperature limits assigned to compounds in Figure
the actual ambient temperature at the seal might be as low 2-25 are conservative estimates of the maximum temperature
as 121°C to 149°C (250°F to 300°F). for 1,000 hours of continuous service in the media the com-
A specification for aircraft landing gear bearing seals might pounds are most often used to seal. Since the top limit for
call out -54°C to 760°C (-65°F to 1400°F), yet the bearing any compound varies with the medium, the high temperature
grease to be sealed becomes so viscous at -54°C (-65°F) it limit for many compounds is shown as a range rather than
cannot possibly leak out. At the high end, there is a time- a single figure. This range may be reduced or extended in
temperature relationship in the landing rollout that allows unusual fluids.
rapid heat dissipation through the magnesium wheel housing Since some fluids decompose at a temperature lower than the
on which the seals are mounted. This, combined with low maximum temperature limit of the elastomer, the temperature
thermal conductivity of the seal, limits heat input to the seal limits of both the seal and the fluid must be considered in
so that temperature may never exceed 71°C (160°F). As a determining limits for a system.
result, a more realistic temperature range would be -34°C to
82°C (-30°F to 180°F). Low temperature service ratings in the past have been based
on values obtained by ASTM Test Methods D736 and D746.
Parker has applied a realistic temperature range with a mar- Currently, Method D2137 is in wide use. The present ASTM
gin of safety when setting the general operating temperature D2000 SAE 200 specification calls for the ASTM D2137 low
range for seal compounds. The maximum temperature recom- temperature test. For O-rings and other compression seals,
mendation for a compound is based on long term functional however, the TR-10 value per ASTM D1329 provides a better

Temperature Range for Common Elastomeric Materials

Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)

Polyurethane Rubber (AU, EU)

Butyl Rubber (IIR)

Low Temperature Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR)

High Temperature Nitrile Rubber (NBR)

Chloroprene Rubber (CR)

Polyacrylate Rubber (ACM)

Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Rubber (EPDM)

Fluorosilicone-Rubber (FMQ, FVMQ)

TFE/Propropylene Rubber (FEPM)

Fluorocarbon Rubber (FKM)

Perfluorinated Elastomer (FFKM)

Silicone-Rubber (VMQ)

°C -100 -75 -50 -25 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 225 250 300
°F -148 -103 -58 -13 32 77 122 167 212 257 302 347 392 437 482 572
Temperature °C
Normal recommended temperature range Extended temperature range for short term only.

Figure 2-25: Temperature Capabilities of Principal Elastomers Employed in Seals

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means of approximating the low temperature capability of an With decreasing temperature, elastomers shrink approximately
elastomer compression seal. The low temperature sealing limit ten times as much as surrounding metal parts. In a rod type as-
is generally about 8°C (15°F) below the TR-10 value. This sembly, whether static or dynamic, this effect causes the sealing
is the formula that has been used, with a few exceptions, to element to hug the rod more firmly as the temperature goes
establish the recommended low temperature limits for Parker down. Therefore, an O-ring may seal below the recommended
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

Seal Group compounds shown in Figure 2-25 and the Fluid low temperature limit when used as a rod type seal.
Compatibility Tables in Section VII. This is the lowest tem-
perature normally recommended for static seals. In dynamic When excessive side loads are encountered on maximum
use, or in static applications with pulsing pressure, sealing tolerance rods or glands, and the pressure is in the low range,
may not be accomplished below the TR-10 temperature, or leakage may occur at temperatures 5°or 8°C (10°or 15°F)
approximately 8°C (15°F) higher than the low-limit recom- above the TR-10 value. It may be necessary to add as much
mendation in the Parker Handbook. as 22°C (40°F) to the low temperature shown in the tables
for this type of service. See Figure 2-27.
These recommendations are based on Parker tests. Some
manufacturers use a less conservative method to arrive at
2.13.3 Time
low temperature recommendations, but similar compounds
with the same TR-10 temperature would be expected to have The three obvious “dimensions” in sealing are fluid, tempera-
the same actual low temperature limit regardless of catalog ture, and pressure. The fourth dimension, equally important,
recommendations. but easily overlooked, is time.

A few degrees may sometimes be gained by increasing the Up to this point, temperature limits, both high and low, have
squeeze on the O-ring section, while insufficient squeeze been published at conventional short-term test temperatures.
may cause O-ring leakage before the recommended low These have little bearing on actual long-term service of the
temperature limit is reached. seal in either static or dynamic applications. A comparison
of the temperature limits of individual compounds in this
The low temperature limit on an O-ring seal may be com- guide with previous literature will reveal that for comparable
promised if the seal is previously exposed to extra high materials the upper temperature limit is more conservatively
temperature or a fluid that causes it to take a set, or to a expressed. The narrower temperature range does not imply
fluid that causes the seal compound to shrink. Conversely, that the compounds discussed are inferior to others. Rather,
the limit may be lowered significantly if the fluid swells the those high temperature values based on continuous seal reli-
compound. See Figure 2-26. ability for 1,000 hours are being recommended.
As illustrated by the graph (Figure 2-28), short term or in-
TR Test According to ASTM-D 1329/ISO S 2921 termittent service at higher temperatures can be handled by
for a NBR 70 Shore A Compound
these materials.
100
For example, an industrial nitrile (Buna-N) compound, N0674-
90
70, is recommended to only 121°C (250°F), yet it is known to
80 seal satisfactorily for five minutes at 538°C (1,000°F) and at
149°C (300°F) for 300 hours. Therefore, when the application
70 requires a temperature higher than that recommended in the
compound and fluid tables, check the temperature curve to
60 determine if the total accumulated time at high temperature
is within the maximum allowable limit. The sealing ability
Retraction %

50 of a compound deteriorates with total accumulated time at

temperature. The curves show the safe, cumulative time at a
40 given temperature for specific elastomers used as static seals.
For dynamic seal applications, temperatures as much as 14°C
30
(25°F) below those indicated may be more realistic.
20
2.13.4 Pressure
10
The system operating pressure is always a consideration as
it effects the choice of seal materials in several ways. First is
°C -60 -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 hardness, as may be required to resist extrusion in dynamic
°F -76 -58 -40 -22 -4 -14 32 50 68 designs or where there is a large gap between sealed members
Temperature in static applications. Second is at-rest vs operating condi-
Test results: TR10 = -31.5°C (-25°F) tions and requirements for “leakless” at rest conditions which
TR50 = -24.0°C (-11°F) would suggest due consideration be given to the long-term
TR70 = -20.0°C (-4°F) compression set properties of a given material.
Figure 2-26: TR Test According to ASTM-D 1329/ISO S2921 for
a NBR 70 Shore A Compound

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Change in Characteristics According to Temperature on NBR 80

100

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

80

Compound: NBR 80
60

40

20

0
°C -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
°F -58 -40 -22 -4 14 32 50 68 86 40 104 122 140 176
Temperature
Shore A (pts) hardness
Rebound elasticity (%)
Compression set (%)

Figure 2-27: Change in Characteristics According to Temperature on NBR 80

Seal Life at Temperature

649
(1200)

593
(1100)

538
(1000)

482
(900) General Temperature
Limits of Basic
427 Elastomer Compounds
Temperature °C (°F)

(800)

371
(700)

316
(600)
Fluo
roela Silicone
260 stom
er
(500) Ethy
lene
Prop
204 ylen
e&
(400) Neo
pren
e
149
(300) Nitrile (High Temperature Type)

93 Nitrile (Low Temperature Type)

(200)

38
(100)

0
0.1 0.5 1.0 5.0 10 50 100 500 1000
Exposure Time — Hours

Figure 2-28: Seal Life at Temperature

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2.13.5 Mechanical Requirements 2.16 Testing

An important consideration in selecting the proper seal material An elastomer is seldom under the same confinement conditions
should be the nature of its mechanical operation, i.e. recipro- when laboratory physical property tests are made as when
cating, oscillating, rotating, or static. How the seal functions installed as a seal. The usual compression, lack of tension,
will influence the limitations on each of the parameters (fluids, and limited room for expansion when installed, all result in
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

temperature, pressure, and time) previously discussed. a different physical response from what is measured on an
identical but unconfined part.
Static applications require little additional compound con-
sideration. The prime requisite of a static seal compound is Example:
good compression set resistance. A silicone compound tested in hydrocarbon fuel in the free
state may exhibit 150% swell. Yet seals of such a compound
Dynamic applications, due to movement, are more involved. confined in a gland having volume only 10% larger than
All properties must approach the optimum in a dynamic seal the seal, may well perform satisfactorily. Complete immer-
compound, resilience to assure that the seal will remain in sion may be much more severe than an actual application
contact with the sealing surface, low temperature flexibility where fluid contact with the seal is limited through design.
to compensate for thermal contraction of the seal, extrusion The service could involve only occasional splash or fume
resistance to compensate for wider gaps which are encountered contact with the fluid being sealed. Different parts made
in dynamic glands, and abrasion resistance to hold to a minimum from the same batch of compound under identical condi-
the wearing away or eroding of the seal due to rubbing. tions will give varying results when tested in exactly the
same way because of their difference in shape, thickness,
2.14 Selecting a Compound and surface to volume relationship (see Figure 2-29). Hu-
Having discussed the major aspects of seal design that affect midity alone has been found to affect the tensile strength
compound selection, here is a summary of the necessary of some compounds.
steps to follow, always keeping in mind that standard com- Correlation between test data and service conditions is not
pounds should be used wherever possible for availability a simple problem; it is an industry-wide problem. Until im-
and minimum cost. provement can be made, manufacturers and users must use
1. If military fluid or rubber specifications apply, select the the available data to the best of their ability. In essence, it
compound from Table 8-2 or 8-3 in Section VIII, Speci- is the misapplication of data, not the measurements, which
fications. causes difficulty. However, with data in some other form, such
2. For all other applications, locate all fluids that will come
in contact with the seal in the Fluid Compatibility Tables
in Section VII. Relative Effect of O-Ring Cross Section on Area
Exposed to Fluid Attack (Total Immersion)
3. Select a compound suitable for service in all fluids, con- 60
sidering the mechanical (pressure, dynamic, static) and
temperature-time requirements of the application.
4. If a compound of different durometer from that listed in 50
the Fluid Compatibility Tables in Section VII must be
used, contact the O-Ring Division for a harder or softer
compound in the same base polymer.
40
Ratio — Surface to Mass

2.15 Compound Similarity

General purpose O-ring compounds are listed by polymer and 30
Shore A durometer hardness for ease of selection. Note that the
last two digits of Parker O-Ring compound numbers indicate
this type A hardness. For example, compound E0540-80 is
20
an 80-durometer material. The one exception is compound
47-071, which is a 70-durometer compound.
Butadiene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, isoprene, natural 10
rubber, and a few other elastomers do not generally perform
as well as the listed polymers in seal applications, and Parker
does not normally offer O-rings in these materials.
0
mm 0 1.3 2.5 3.8 5.1 6.4 7.6
See Table 2-2 for comparison of similar properties by poly- Inch 0 .05 .10 .15 .20 .25 .30
mer family. Cross Section (W)

Figure 2-29: Relative Effect of O-ring Cross Section on Area

Exposed to Fluid Attack (Total Immersion)

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misapplication might be greatly reduced. ASTM Designation that should be considered when preparing the physical and
D471 (Standard Method of Test for Change in Properties chemical test portions of a specification follows. The discussion
of Elastomeric Vulcanizates Resulting from Immersion in is in the order that specifications are usually written and tests
Liquids) states: “In view of the wide variations often pres- carried out. There are three major points that must always be
ent in service conditions, this accelerated test may not give considered when preparing any specification. These are:

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

any direct correlation with service performance. However, 1. Different size parts give different results (see Figure 2-
the method yields comparative data on which to base judg- 30). All parts with varying cross section or shape will not
ment as to expected service quality and is especially useful meet specific properties set up on another particular part
in research and development work.” or on test specimens cut from a standard 6" x 6" x 0.075"
test sheet. Therefore, always designate the actual parts on
2.17 Specifications which the tests are to be conducted for both qualification
Specifications are important, but so is progress. Therefore, and control. For example, call for a particular size O-ring
even though it may be more difficult to prepare, a performance if the standard ASTM 6" x 6" x 0.075" test platens are not
specification is recommended. This allows new developments to be used.
and improvements to be adopted without any appreciable 2. Always use standard hardness discs (1.28" dia. = 1 in² by
effect on the specification. 1/4" thick) or 6" x 6" x 0.075" sheets plied up to a minimum
thickness of 1/4" to determine durometer hardness. It has
Avoid specifying how to compound materials or process been almost impossible to obtain reliable and reproduc-
compounds. Let the seal manufacturer examine the perfor- ible hardness readings on seals with curved surfaces and
mance desired. A vendor should be allowed to supply his variable cross sections (such as O-rings). This problem
best solution to a problem. It is not only possible, but also has plagued the industry for years and is acknowledged
probable that a well-qualified supplier knows of materials in both specification and test standards. For example:
and/or processes that will solve the problem and one should
be permitted to use them. ASTM Method D2240, paragraph 6-1 states: “A suitable
hardness determination cannot be made on a rounded,
It must be recognized that physical properties provide a means uneven, or rough surface.”
of screening new materials for an application by setting realistic 3. It is recommended that standard test methods be used
minimums. These can be established when experience with whenever possible. Consider the case of the deviation
certain properties gives a good indication of the suitability from the standard methods of taking instantaneous
of a new material for the application. These properties also durometer readings. Occasionally, fifteen or thirty second
permit control of a material after it has proven satisfactory for delayed durometer readings are specified. A delayed
an application. Therefore, a brief discussion of the main points

Variance in O-Ring Volume Change with Cross-Section W

W
0.139
0.103
0.210
10
0.070
0.060

0.275
Volume Change — Percent

6 8
MIL P-5516 Nitrile
Immersed in
MIL-H-5606 (J-43)
Volume Change — Percent

4 6
W
0.210

2 4

0.139*
Butyl Rubber
0 2 Immersed in
0.103* Skydrol 500A

0.070*
-2 0
0 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6
Immersion Time at 70°C (158°F) — Weeks

Figure 2-30: Variance in O-ring Volume Change With Cross-Section W

*Averages of many samples

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durometer reading results in a lower durometer value Once the minimum tensile strength has been set, multiply
than would be obtained with the standard instantaneous it by 1.20 (for example: 69 Bar x 1.20 = 82.8 Bar (1,000
reading. This usually causes widespread confusion and psi x 1.20 = 1200 psi)). This is the minimum limit set for
enlarges the problem of correlation. tensile strength in the qualification section. It provides for
the normal tensile strength variation of ±15% experienced
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

Where feasible, designate a standard test method for each

test required by a specification (either ASTM or ISO Test between production batches of a compound.
Method). These methods are widely used and help to assure c. Elongation
correlation among laboratories. Correlation of results is per- Investigate and determine the maximum amount of stretch
haps the hardest thing to assure when preparing a specifica- a seal must undergo for assembly in the application.
tion. However, adhering to the procedures described above Multiply this figure by 1.25 to allow a safety factor and
minimizes this problem. to provide for normal production variation of ±20%.
Every well-written specification should contain both qualifica- d. .Modulus
tion and control sections. Although these two sections may Choose a minimum modulus that will assure a good state
be combined in the actual specification, they are discussed of cure, good extrusion resistance, and good recovery from
separately. peak loads. Keep in mind the original tensile and elonga-
tion figures established in (b.) and (c.). Modulus is directly
related to these two properties.
2.18 Qualification Testing
e. Specific Gravity
Functional requirements should always be given first. One A value for specific gravity should not be set in the quali-
functional test is worth more than a thousand physical and fication section of the specification but the value should
chemical property tests. The following discussion will lead be reported “as determined.” This value will then be used
to a specification for qualification of new seal compounds in the control section.
after the known functional requirements appear to correlate
with field or laboratory, chemical or physical results. Thus
2.18.2 Aged Physical Control
the first step is to set the original physical property limits that
will assure that the mechanical properties desired in the seal The second step is to determine the resistance of the seal to
are present. These are in addition to the functional tests. the anticipated service environment. This is done by measur-
ing change in volume and physical properties of test samples
after exposure to various conditions for a specified time at a
2.18.1 Original Physical Properties specified temperature (i.e., 70 hours at 100°C (212°F). Rec-
Original Physical Properties (before exposure to service ommended times, temperatures and test fluids for accelerated
conditions) are those measurable attributes of an elastomer tests can be found in ASTM D471. It is usually desirable to
formulation which define certain physical parameters used in use the actual service fluid. This does, however, add another
determining the suitability of a given elastomer material for variable to the tests since commercial fluids are not as tightly
a given class of service. Certain of these properties are also controlled as test fluids. This fluid variation accounts for some
used in quality assurance testing to maintain batch control and of the differences in test results.
assure consistency between individual manufacturing lots of a. Hardness Change
compound. Original Physical Properties are also used in limit- This is usually controlled to avoid excessive softening
ing/delimiting rubber specifications. These properties are: (causing extrusion) or hardening (causing cracking, lack
a. Durometer of resilience, and leakage).
Durometer or Hardness is measured in points with a Shore b. Tensile Strength Change
A instrument. Determine the durometer best suited for Tensile strength change can limit a compounder severely.
the application and round off (50, 65, 70, 85). A standard A reasonable plus or minus limit is usually set as insur-
±5 point tolerance is established to allow the vendor a ance against excessive deterioration and early seal failure.
realistic working range and permit normal variations Each individual fluid dictates its own specific limits.
experienced in reading durometer. For example, a nitrile compound tested in petroleum
b. Tensile Strength based IRM 903 (formerly ASTM oil No. 3), at 100°C
Determine the minimum tensile strength necessary for the (212°F), can be expected to lose a maximum of 35% tensile
application. Always take into consideration the inherent strength and the same compound tested in MIL-L-7808
strength of the elastomers most likely to be used to meet (di-ester base fluid) can be expected to lose a maximum
the specification (most silicones have tensile strengths of 70% tensile strength. Experience will probably dictate
in the range of 34.5 to 62.1 Bar (500 to 900 psi); there- the limits. However, a 10% tolerance is never considered
fore, it would be foolhardy to specify a minimum tensile realistic since this much variance in tensile strength
strength requirement of 138 Bar (2,000 psi) for a silicone can be experienced on two test specimens cut from the
material). same sample.

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c. Elongation Change e. Compression Set

Experience will dictate this limit as noted under tensile Compression set is usually measured as the amount that
change. Once limits are set, tolerances will apply as a material fails to recover after compression. A realistic
discussed in the Control Section on Elongation. value for compression set is all that is necessary to as-
sure a good state of cure and resilience of a compound.

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

Remember that every designer should set limits for
the control of all of these properties based on his past Compression set varies with the elastomer, the type and
experience in the same or similar application. Excessive amount of curing agents, other compounding ingredients
hardening, gain of tensile strength, and loss of elongation in the compound, the temperature of the test, and the
after immersion are indications of over aging. Excessive thickness of the test specimen. For more information,
softening, loss of tensile strength, and gain of elongation see “Physical and Chemical Characteristics” earlier in
are good indications of reversion toward the original state this section (paragraph 2.4).
before cure. f. Low Temperature Resistance
d. Volume Change Low temperature resistance is measured by determining
the flexibility of an elastomer at a given low tempera-
1. Determine the maximum amount of swell that can be
ture.
tolerated in the application (usually 15% to 20% for
dynamic and 50% for static). 1. The lowest temperature at which the seal is expected
to function should be determined.
2. Determine the maximum amount of shrinkage that
can be tolerated in the application (usually 3-4% for 2. The low temperature test method that most nearly simu-
both dynamic and static). Take into consideration lates the actual service requirement should be chosen
dry-out cycles that may be encountered in service to give the best possible assurance that the seal which
and include a dry-out test after the immersion test to passes this test will function in the application. Parker
provide a control for dry-out shrinkage. Remember believes that the Temperature Retraction Test (TR-10)
that shrinkage is a prime cause of failure. is the best method for determining a compound’s abil-
ity to seal at low temperatures. Most low temperature
3. Set the minimum and maximum limits necessary for
tests are designed to indicate the brittle point of a
control of the volume change of the compound in each
material. This only tells at what low temperature the
fluid that will be encountered in the application, or a
compound is most likely to be completely useless as
representative test fluid.
a seal in a standard design, but very little about the
4. Once again it is necessary to stress the difference be- temperature at which it is useful. This is not the case
tween test results on different size seals. For instance, with TR-10 that consists of stretching 3 or 4 samples
an O-ring with cross-section of .070 inch will not have 50%, freezing them, then warming them gradually at
the same volume swell as will an O-ring of the same a constant rate, and finally recording the temperature
compound with a .210 cross-section when tested under at which the samples have returned to 9/10 of the
the same conditions. Furthermore, this difference is at original stretch (1/10 return). This temperature (TR-10)
its peak during the first 70 hours (a popular standard then is the lowest temperature at which the compound
test time) and most accelerated testing is specified exhibits rubber-like properties and therefore relates to
within this time period. It sometimes requires longer low temperature sealing capabilities. Functional tests
to approach equilibrium value, depending on time and indicate that O-rings will usually provide reliable
temperature. dynamic sealing at or below the TR-10 value. Static
Figure 2-30 shows two graphs that depict these phe- O-rings normally function satisfactorily to about -8°C
nomena. Besides the extreme variation among different (15°F) below this.
cross-section O-rings in the first two weeks of testing,
notice that .070 section nitrile O-rings swell much less 2.19 Process Control
than the .210 section O-rings and that the reverse is The purpose of process control is to ensure uniformity of
true with the butyl compound. purchased parts from lot to lot. Process control may be based
For these reasons, qualification volume swell test- on the requirements of the qualification section or actual
ing must be limited to definite test samples. A more qualification test results. Both of these methods have inherent
realistic time (i.e., four or eight weeks depending on weaknesses. When a material is qualified to a specification
the fluid and the elastomer) would give results much close to the specification limits, normal production variation
more indicative of the stabilized swelling characteris- may cause the material to fall outside the limits. This could
tics of a material. Normally neither the customer nor result in unnecessary rejection of good parts. Therefore it is
the manufacturer can afford such time for prolonged suggested that control be based on actual test results of the
testing. material in question.
Expecting all size seals from a given compound to fall One should be careful not to be trapped by writing a speci-
within a set volume swell limit at the most critical time fication based on one test report having only a single set of
period (70 hours) is unrealistic. Short-term test results values. Any single set of tests made on a particular batch, or
are quite useful, but only if their inherent limitations laboratory samples, is very unlikely to reflect mean values
are understood.

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that can be duplicated day-in and day-out in production. Seal A tolerance of ±5 points is the standard allowance for
manufacturers have accumulated years of test experience on experimental error caused by reading techniques and
popular, successful compounds. This information is avail- production variance from batch to batch of the same com-
able from Parker on request. With Parker’s CBI program it is pound. This tolerance is sometimes erroneously applied
practical to refer to the batch from which any seal was made, to the original qualification results. For example, if the
Basic O-Ring Elastomers

as well as compound statistical capability and history. qualification section specified 70-durometer ±5 and the
qualification value was a 68-durometer reading, the control
Many of the typical tests for determining a compound’s physical section would specify 68 ± 5. It is more desirable to keep
and chemical properties that are specified in the qualification the original qualification hardness and tolerance remain
section are unnecessary to provide good control of an approved in effect (i.e., both qualification and control values of 70
material. Discussion will be limited to only those properties ± 5). This practice is less likely to result in unnecessary
really pertinent to the control section of the specifications. rejection of usable parts.
a. Hardness is often specified as a control. It is frequently b. Tensile Strength, a tolerance of ±15% is standard for any
problematic because of inherent difficulties in measuring given compound. This tolerance was taken into consider-
durometer with seal specimens rather than standard hard- ation when establishing the tensile strength qualification
ness discs, or platen plies. limit of 1200 psi for dynamic seals (see qualification sec-
tion, tensile strength). If a part qualified at the minimum,
82.8 Bar (1200 psi), and the control tolerance is applied, it

Physical Property Change from Immersion

172.5
(2500) Compound
Per MIL-P-25732

138.0
(2000)

-57% -46%
Tensile Strength — Bar (psi)

103.5
(1500)
Compound
-5% Per MIL-R-7362 -10%

69.0
(1000)

34.5
(500)
Original

After Immersion

0
0 24 48 72 96 120 144 168
Immersion Time in MIL-L-7808 at 100°C (212°F) — Hours

Figure 2-31: Physical Property Change from Immersion

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is possible to receive a part with a tensile strength of 70.4 If controls are established for the above properties and a com-
Bar (1020 psi). This value, 70.4 Bar (1020 psi), remains pound complies, specifying additional tests is not necessary.
above the (69 Bar (1,000 psi) minimum that is usually
Guard against specifying unrealistically high physical prop-
required for dynamic applications as previously stated.
erties that may in reality be detrimental to a seal due to the

Basic O-Ring Elastomers

c. Elongation, a tolerance of ±20% is standard. Again this greater percentage drop-off of these properties after short
must be taken into consideration as part of the safety factor, periods of exposure to fluids (see Figure 2-31). In many
when setting a limit for elongation for qualification. applications, a compound in accordance with MIL-R-7362
d. Modulus, a tolerance of ±20% is standard but is seldom has outperformed MIL-P-25732 material at both high and
used for control. low temperature.
e. Specific Gravity of a compound having been established Remember, building in too much of a safety factor in the
during qualification, a tolerance of ±.02 may be applied. specification can lead to costs that are prohibitive because the
Specific gravity is the easiest and quickest control test best looking laboratory reports are desired. If the compounder
available to the industry today. It is also the most accurate is forced to develop a material that is extremely difficult to
if the stringent ±.02 tolerance is applied. Specific gravity process, manufacturing costs will increase due to higher scrap
is the only test some purchasers use. rates. The customer ultimately bears these costs.
f. Volume Change, a plus or minus tolerance on this property
Each seal supplier has developed numerous nitrile compounds
is frequently unrealistic. A combination of variance in
to meet various specifications, all written to accomplish the
commercial fluids and sample size gives such an accu-
same thing — to obtain a seal suitable for use with a petroleum
mulation of negative factors that it is not always feasible
base hydraulic fluid. The result is different compounds avail-
to use volume swell as a control. It can be done if, (1) a
able for the same service, any one of which would perform
controlled test fluid is used or control of the commercial
satisfactorily in almost all the applications.
fluid eliminates its variance, (2) time of the test is extended,
(3) a volume swell history over a long period of time is Only the more common physical and chemical property tests
established on every seal on which a check is desired, have been discussed. When preparing a specification and in
and (4) when testing small size seals multiple samples need of assistance, please call on a Parker Seal representative
are used for each weighing, thus minimizing inaccuracy in your area. They will be more than happy to help you.
(for example: if the balance being used is accurate to .01
gram and a small seal with a weight of .03 gram is being
tested, it is easy to see where a result on this size seal can
be extremely inaccurate).

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Phone: (859) 269-2351 • Fax: (859) 335-5128
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Basic O-Ring Elastomers

2-34 Parker Hannifin Corporation • O-Ring Division

2360 Palumbo Drive, Lexington, KY 40509
Phone: (859) 269-2351 • Fax: (859) 335-5128
www.parkerorings.com