Ingress Ratings Sold as Marketing against a Real Test Report
Verify ingress claims using ISO IEC 17025 accredited test reports detailing pre and post electrical insulation checks rather than marketing datasheets.
EPDM Seal Degradation
Material Breakdown
Environmental factors weaken elastomeric materials, leading to the failure of industrial enclosures and fluid pathways. Then, epdm seal degradation occurs when exposure to ozone, heat, or non-compatible fluids breaks the polymer chains. This chemical change results in loss of elasticity, cracking, or swelling of the seal.
The reaction progress depends on the temperature and the concentration of the aggressive agents.
Chemical Influence
Ultraviolet radiation and atmospheric oxygen accelerate the oxidation of the rubber compounds used in gaskets. When epdm seal degradation takes place, the material surface hardens and develops micro-cracks that permit fluid migration. Hydrocarbon solvents or petroleum-based oils also destroy the polymer matrix through swelling and softening.
This restriction prevents the use of such gaskets in oil-rich environments.
Mechanical Consequence
The loss of sealing force allows moisture and particulate matter to bypass the protective barrier. As epdm seal degradation progresses, the compression set increases, meaning the gasket cannot spring back to its original shape. This failure mechanism is particularly severe in systems that experience frequent thermal cycling.
Regular maintenance schedules prevent leaks by replacing the seals before this state is reached.
Analytical Verification
Hardness tests and infrared spectroscopy determine the extent of chemical change in the rubber. These tests confirm the degradation.