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    • April 2022
/ Does Lower Temperatures Affect the Elasticity of Rubber Elastomers?

Does Lower Temperatures Affect the Elasticity of Rubber Elastomers?

  • elastomers
  •  
  • o-rings cold exposure
  •  
  • temperature
  •  
  • science blog
How Does Low Temperatures Affect Rubber Seals?

As temperatures drop, some elastomers and rubbers start to reach their limits. Rubber in cold temperatures can lose their elasticity causing all sorts of issues for those who are not prepared. When o-rings and gaskets lose their elasticity, this increases the resistance of deformation thus making the seal less effective throughout the process.

What Causes O-Ring Failure at Low Temperatures? 

Temperature dropping during wintry weather events could cause the rubber to lose its elasticity, which is measured by its ability to return to its original shape or compression set. The higher the compression set often means o-rings can be permanently deformed after being compressed for a certain amount of time. Lower compression sets are often better for products that see constant use since it will go back to its original shape after pressure is applied to it. In freezing weather, the compression set can be lowered causing the elastomer to o-ring to lose its shape when compressed which can cause leaks or total failure.

Learn More About The Effects of Weather and Rubber Seals ->

Effect of Low Temperature on Rubber Hardness

Why is My O-Ring as Hard as a Rock?

Extreme low temperatures could cause the rubber material to enter the “Glass Transition” phase. This happens when the polymer reaches temperatures below that is recommended thus becoming hard and fragile, like glass. Once a material reaches the transition phase, it becomes brittle and easy to break. Materials are tested thoroughly at APG to ensure temperature recommendations are accurate.

View Material Guides to Ensure Best Application Uses ->

What Polymer's Does APG Recommend in Low Temperatures?

Many rubber elastomers have different formulas to help boost resistances to help with temperature, weather, UV light, or anything the user wants. APG can get any material you need to ensure the best possible seal for your equipment. Here are our recommendations:

Silicone

Silicone is great for sealing in static applications and can be used in the arctic cold weather without losing elasticity or memory. Silicone has been tested to work in environments as low as -62ºC (-80ºF) and can go even lower if made with special compounds. Silicone is great also for sealing chemicals, many different oils and fluids, and petroleum and hydrocarbon-based fuels.

Temperature range: -80ºF (-62ºC) to 450ºF (232ºC)

Pros: Wide temperature range, low compression set, highly flexible, and can be exposed to outside elements such as UV light, sun light, rain, snow, and ozone.

Cons: Low tensile strength, poor tear resistance, and poor wear resistance

Nitrile

Nitrile can be a great low-cost material for sealing in low temperatures, however it is prone to shrinking and losing some chemical resistance in those artic temperatures.

Temperature range: -40ºF (-40ºC) to 250ºF(121ºC)

Pros: High compression set, good tensile strength, and great chemical and oil resistance.

Cons: Cannot be exposed to UV light, sun light, rain, snow, or ozone

PTFE

PTFE can be used in places where compression set is not important. Offers outstanding cold resistance and is unaffected by virtually every oil, chemical, solvent, and alkali known.

Temperature range: -328ºF (-200ºC) to 500ºF (260ºC)

Pros: Highly resistant to corrosion in chemicals or oils and can be exposed to outside elements such as UV light, sun light, rain, snow, and ozone.

Cons: Does not return to its original shape after being bent

Shop APG O-Rings

Why shop at multiple businesses when you can get everything at one place? APG offers a variety of products and services to enhance your customer journey! Since 1943 we have been providing our clients with the high-quality products they need, as well as assistance in choosing the specific product and material that will work best for their application. Shop our products now, and if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to exceeding your expectations in both quality and service.

Related Items

  • NITRILE (BUNA-N) 70 DUROMETER O-RING -472

    APG Item Number: H70472 


  • NITRILE (BUNA-N) 70 DUROMETER O-RING -129

    APG Item Number: H70129


  • NITRILE (BUNA-) 90 DUROMETER O-RING -230

    APG Item Number: H90230


  • SILICONE 70 DUROMETER O-RING -273

    APG Item Number: S70273


  • FLUOROELASTOMER (FKM, VITON®) 90 DUROMETER  O-RING -230

    APG Item Number: V90230

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