appendix 5
RUBBER SHELF LIFE
7069-
E (21-04-2011)
«
Rubber products in storage can be adversely affected
by the following: temperature, humidity, ozone, sunlight,
oils, solvents, corrosive liquids and fumes, insects and
rodents and radiation.when such containers are woo-
den crates or cardboard cartons, since this will provide
protection against the deteriorating effects of oils, sol-
vents, and corrosive liquids and will also afford some
protection against ozone and sunlight. Since certain ro-
dents and insects thrive on rubber products, adequate
protection should be provided against them.»
The warehousing area should be relatively cool, dark, and
free from dampness and mildew. All rubber products should
be used on a first-in, first-out basis since even under these
conditions an unusual length of time in storage can result in
the deterioration of certain products.
The ideal storage temperature for rubber products is 50 to
70
o
F (10 to 21
o
C) with a maximum limit of 100
o
F (38
o
C). If
stored below 32
o
F (0
o
C), some products may become stiff
and should be warmed before being placed in service. Rubber
products should not be stored near sources of heat, such as
radiators and base heaters.
*
When stored in original packaging as per RMAGuidelines
ABREVIATIONS
STORAGE LIFE
TYPE OF RUBBER
ASTM D-1418
ASTM D-2000
Silicone
Q
FE
(20
years
)
Viton
FKM
HK
(5
to
20
years
)
Hypalon
CSM
CE
(5
to
10
years
)
Butyl
IIR
AA,BA
(5
to
10
years
)
Neoprene
CR
BC, BE
(5
to
10
years
)
EPDM
EPDM
BA, CA
(5
to
10
years
)
Nitrile
NBR
BF, BG, CH
(3
to 5 years)
Styrene Butadiene
SBR
AA, BA
(3
to 5 years)
Natural
NR
AA
(3
to 5 years)
Synthetic Natural
IR
AA
(3
to 5 years)
Rubber products should not be stored under conditions of high
or low humidity.
To protect against the adverse effects of ozone, rubber pro-
ducts should not be stored near electrical equipment that
may generate ozone and should not be stored for any lengthy
period in geographical areas of known high ozone concentra-
tions. Exposure to direct and reflected sunlight should also be
avoided.
Whenever feasible, rubber products should be stored in their
original shipping containers, especially when such containers
are wooden crates or cardboard cartons, since this will provide
protection against the deteriorating effects of oils, solvents,
and corrosive liquids and will also afford some protection
against ozone and sunlight.
Since certain rodents and insects thrive on rubber products,
adequate protection should be provided against them.»