Effects of Lubricants on Seal Elastomers

Oil Resistant elastomers are used in a wide variety of applications for the retention of lubricant and/or the exclusion of contaminants. These elastomers are formulated to produce specific static and dynamic properties. However, at elevated temperatures, the lubricants that the elastomer components are designed to seal can cause long term property deterioration of the elastomer. This paper will focus on the effects of lubricants on seal elastomers with emphasis on base oil trends, specific additive effects, synthetic lubricants, and the combined effects of high temperature, lubricant and oxygen.