The first set of SAE J2643 Standard Reference Elastomers (SRE)
was developed in 2004. It was composed of a group of 10 compounds
covering multiple elastomer families. Since then, more advanced
materials from many elastomer families have been introduced to the
automotive industry. The purpose of this study is to add a few more
reference compounds to SAE J2643, to enhance the portfolio on FKM,
AEM and ACM to reflect advancements in elastomer technology, and
make it suitable for a variety of fluids, such as transmission
fluid and engine oil.
Fourteen standard elastomer compounds were involved in this
study, covering various materials currently used in automotive
powertrain static and dynamic sealing applications. Participants
include OEMs, major rubber manufacturers, a fluid additive company
and an independent lab. Manufacturers of each test compound
provided formulations, designated ingredients from defined sources,
and detailed mixing and molding procedures. All fourteen compounds
were molded at Akron Rubber Development Lab (ARDL), the only
approved mixing facility for SAE J2643 SRE compounds. Testing
specimens were also die-cut by ARDL to minimize sample preparation
variation.
Two fluids were utilized for the study: ASTM SF105 fluid and
General Motors Company DEXRON®-VI automatic transmission fluid
(ATF). Elastomer specimens were aged in the designated fluids per
ASTM D471. This paper only reports test results for the ASTM SF105
fluid. The DEXRON®-VI results will be reported internally within
General Motors Company.
