Rubber Storage & Shelf Life
Elastomers are susceptible to deterioration by aging. The rate of deterioration depends on a number of factors:-
- Temperature store between 15-25°C (59-77°F) and away from direct heat sources
- Light avoid exposure to direct sunlight, artificial light or UV
- Humidity below <65% recommended
- Ozone avoid placing near electric motors or high voltage electrical equipment
- Chemical media avoid exposure to any liquids or vapours
- Deformation tension, bending and twisting should be avoided. Do not hang, fold or roll
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All elastomer parts manufactured by PPE are clearly marked with the cure date on the packaging.
Under the correct conditions, parts can be stored for the period of time shown in the ‘initial storage’ column below. Once this time has elapsed the parts must be visually inspected for permanent distortion, mechanical damage, cracks, hardening or tackiness (softening). If any of these are found, the parts should be discarded.
Providing the parts are satisfactory, further testing should be carried out to ensure their performance characteristics are unchanged. The parts can then be stored for the ‘extended storage’ period before further inspection and testing is necessary.
Visit the Elastomer Materials A-Z page for further details on each material type.
| Life Group | ASTM | Material Type | Inital Storage | Extended Storage |
| Group A | NR | Natural rubber | 5 years | 2 years |
| IR | Polyisopropene | |||
| BR | Polybutadiene | |||
| SBR | Styrene-Butadiene | |||
| AU | Polyurethane | |||
| EU | Polyurethane | |||
| Group B | ACM | Acrylic | 7 years | 3 years |
| ECO | Epichlorohydrin | |||
| CR | Neoprene | |||
| HNBR | Hydrongenated Nitrile | |||
| IIR | Butyl | |||
| NBR | Nitrile | |||
| Group C/X | CSM | Chlorosulfon Polyethylene | 10 years | 5 years |
| EPDM | Ethylene Propylene | |||
| FKM | Fluorocarbon | |||
| FFKM | Perfluorocarbon | |||
| HPE | High Performance Elastomer (Kimura®) | |||
| VMQ | Silicone | |||
| FVMQ | Fluorosilicone |
Document Downloads
| Document | Description | Download | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Information | Rubber life groups and storage |