Resources

Rubber storage & shelf life

Elastomers are susceptible to deterioration by aging.

The rate of deterioration depends on a number of factors:

All elastomer parts manufactured by PPE are clearly marked with the cure date on the packaging.

  • 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% is 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

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 remain 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 groupASTMMaterial typeInitial storageExtended storage


Group A
NR
IR
BR
SBR
AU
EU
Natural rubber
Polyisopropene
Polybutadiene
Styrene-Butadiene
Polyurethane
Polyurethane


5 years


2 years


Group B
ACM
ECO
CR
HNBR
IIR
NBR
Acrylic
Epichlorohydrin
Neoprene
Hydrongenated Nitrile
Butyl
Nitrile


7 years


3 years



Group C
CSM
EPDM
FKM
FFKM
HPE
VMQ
FVMQ
Chlorosulfon Polyethylene
Ethylene Propylene
Fluorocarbon
Perfluorocarbon
High Performance Elastomer (Kimura®)
Silicone
Fluorosilicone



10 years



5 years