Chemical Resistance of Elastomers

A = Excellent resistance weight change max. 2%, change in tensile strength max. -10%, change in hardness (Shore A) max. 2% 

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Data sheets on the solvent resistance of various plastics and rubbers are available from the primary manufacturers. In addition, a number of O-ring manufacturers publish information on the solvent and chemical resistance of elastomers used in O-rings. For example, the Parker Seal Company, 17325 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, publishes a Seal Compound Manuui which contains this information. 

Attention also is directed to other chapters which are useful adjuncts to the present one Inert Gases and Their Purification (Chapter 3), Purification of Solvents and Reagents (Chapter 4), and Joints, Stopcocks, and Valves (Chapter 8). The solvent and chemical resistance of elastomers, which are used in O-ring joints and septa, are discussed in Chapter 8 and Appendix III. 

Tabie 5.103 provides a basic overview of the resistance of elastomers. The supplement to DIN EN 12115 specifies chemical resistance of elastomers used as inner layers of hoses. Hose properties can be influenced by the type of chemical, temperature, flow rate, abrasion, duration, and frequency of exposure and by contaminants in the chemicals conveyed by the hose. Thus, the resistance data in Table A.41 in the Appendix are only guidelines with limited temporal validity. In essence, they are based on laboratory tests by hose manufacturers that are usually performed on test sheet at room temperature, as well as based on data in the literature and from experience. Chemical suitability tests were not performed in every case. 

Table A.44 Chemical resistance of elastomers [1054] A Highly resistant (swelling approx. 3%)...

Table A.45 Chemical Resistance of Elastomers, d = days, w = weeks, y = years [697]...

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