ABSTRACT
When a rubber sample is in contact with a liquid, a complex interaction between these two materials may take place. The action of the liquid on rubber results in absorption of the liquid by the rubber, sometimes followed by extraction of soluble constituents from the rubber. As usual, absorption is greater than extraction, so an increase in volume (or weight) results. It should be said that a decrease in volume or in weight of the rubber under these conditions implies more serious damage to the rubber than when swelling is observed.
