Evaluation of New ACM Polymers in Sealing Applications Using Advances in Compressive Stress Relaxation Test Measurement

The current method for testing and evaluating sealing material candidates is plagued with concerns, issues and problems. Compressive Stress Relaxation (CSR) testing is challenging to operate. There are at least four different intermittent fixture types (Jamak, Jones-Odem, Wallace and Wykeham-Farrance) and one continuous compressive stress relaxation, CCSR fixture (Elastocon). Complicating this are four different sample geometry types and the potential use of aeration. The focus of this paper is to address these issues and offer some comparisons of the new ACM (polyacrylate) polymers that have been developed for the increasing temperature requirements in an engine compartment.