ACCELERATED LIFE TESTING

Ozone Testing (ASTM D 470, ASTM D 1171, ASTM D 3395, ASTM D 4575)

Ozone testing is an accelerated test method used primarily for evaluating the resistance of rubber products to cracking during service life. Samples are fixtured so that the surface is in tension and placed in the exposure chamber for some time period specified by either the ASTM method or the customer. One of three ASTM methods are commonly followed in the evaluation of rubber products including: ASTM D 470, Test Methods for Crosslinked Insulations and ackets for Wire and Cable, ASTM D 1171, Test Method for Rubber Deterioration ­ Surface Ozone Cracking Outdoors or Chamber (triangular specimen), ASTM D 3395, Test Methods for Rubber Deterioration ­ Dynamic Ozone Cracking in a Chamber, and ASTM D 4575. This test has also been adapted by Touchstone Research for the evaluation of a new paint system currently in use on the space shuttle flight system. In this particular case the ozone levels were reduced to 0.5 ppm.

Index of Accelerated Life Testing