ELASTOMERS

Six Environmental Questions
1) What is the temperature range that this gasket will be subjected to?
2) Are these temperatures constant or intermittent?
3) Is this an environmental seal?
4) Is this a gas or liquid seal?
5) What types of chemicals, gases, oils or fuels will this gasket come in contact with, and what are their concentrations?
6) Does the material require UL approval?

Six Physical Questions
1) Will this gasket be subjected to cycles of compression, i.e., door gasket?
2) How much compression force will this gasket receive?
3) Will this material need flexing, tear strength or abrasion resistance?
5) Does this material need to meet any agency criteria such as: ASTM, Mil-spec, FDA, NSF, UL or N.A.S.A.?
6) Does adhesive have a temperature range?

HOW TO SELECT AN ELASTOMER

TEMPERATURE RANGE (see )

COMPRESSION SET

COMPRESSION LOAD RETENTION

COMPRESSION LOAD DEFLECTION
Compression Deflection is the amount of force required, usually measured in lbs/in? (PSI), to compress a material a specific percentage of its original thickness.

DENSITY

FOAMS

SPONGES

SPONGES & FOAMS

DUROMETER IN APPLICATION

HARDNESS

SOLIDS

Sponges & Foams
Cellular Structures  - Density  - Compression Load Deflection  - Compression Set  - Compression Load Retention  - Flammability to UL 94

What is an elastomer?

An elastomer usually exhibits the following behavior at room temperature:

An elastomer, more commonly referred to as rubber, is a polymer that has been modified to create cross-linking between polymer chains. This cross-linking changes the polymer from a plastic-like material to an elastic material.

ELASTOMERS