ABSTRACT
Rubber materials find many uses as engineering materials because of their unique combinations of elastic and viscous properties. Rubber compounds can be effectively formulated and designed to provide energy storage, energy dissipation, vibration isolation, or flexible sealing devices where material flexibility is necessary. Many elastomeric polymers are available for use in rubber formulations as well as a wide variety of fillers, extenders, softeners, tackifiers, and vulcanizing systems to provide the finished rubber product with the desired combination of properties. With such a wide variety of compounding materials available to the formulator, it is easy to understand why development of a rubber compound for a specific application can involve considerable designed experimentation and testing. However, if the effects of oxygen and ozone on the rubber product are not taken into account in the formulation and design of the rubber product, a great deal of effort can be wasted and the long-term durability of the product may be in jeopardy.
