Rubber Deterioration—Cracking in an Ozone Controlled Environment ASTM D1149

The significance of these test methods lies in the ability to differentiate between the degrees of ozone resistance under the limited and specified conditions of the accelerated tests. The degree of resistance being judged by the appearance and magnitude of the formation of cracks in the surface of the subject material.

In service, rubber materials deteriorate when exposed to ozone. It is imperative to have test methods in which simple, accelerated time/exposure, comparisons of the material’s ability to resist cracking caused by ozone exposure can be empirically evaluated. Such tests can be used for producer/consumer acceptance, referee purposes, research, and development.

These methods are not necessarily suited for use in purchase specifications as there may be no correlation with service performance as actual service conditions (outdoor exposure) vary widely due to geographic location and, therefore, may not yield repeatable or reproducible results.

Ozone causes cracking (deterioration) in rubber and other elastomers. Cracking is the appearance of sharp breaks or fissures in rubber surfaces resulting from excessive strain or exposure to adverse environmental factors.  

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