Permeation Comparisons for Elastomeric Engine Sealing Applications

This paper will discuss the background and concerns over the permeation of elastomer seals. Comparisons will be made between the permeation of materials and the permeation of components. Specific configurations used will be discussed in relation to test methodology and how it relates to sealing applications. It will show how the results of gravimetric weight loss tests compare to results obtained by speciation and mini-SHED testing. It will provide a perspective of the importance of developing good techniques to measure permeation, and how it is useful to validate procedures across test methods and understand what is happening, rather than just “running the test”.