ASTM D6147 Compression Force Decay Testing for Vulcanized Rubber & TPE
The ASTM D6147 test provides two procedures for evaluating the decrease in counterforce exerted by a vulcanized rubber or thermoplastic elastomer test specimen that has been crushed at a constant deformation under specified time and temperature conditions.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D6147 evaluates the force decay behavior of vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic elastomers when subjected to constant compressive deformation over time. It measures the reduction in force exerted by a compressed material, which is critical for applications requiring long-term sealing or load retention.
This method provides valuable insight into the viscoelastic properties of elastomeric materials, helping manufacturers assess performance under sustained compression. It is widely used in quality control and product development to ensure materials maintain adequate sealing force and functional integrity throughout their service life.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
This test method determines the force decay characteristics of elastomeric materials under constant compression, helping evaluate their ability to retain force over time.
Includes:
- Measurement of force relaxation under compression
- Applicability to vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic elastomers
- Evaluation of viscoelastic behavior
- Monitoring of force over a defined time period
- Support for material performance assessment
Applications
- Seals and gaskets
- O-rings and sealing components
- Automotive rubber parts
- Industrial elastomer products
- Vibration isolation components
- Compression-based assemblies
Benefits
- Evaluates long-term sealing performance
- Helps select suitable elastomer materials
- Improves product durability and reliability
- Supports design optimization
- Reduces risk of leakage or failure
- Enables comparison of material performance
Test Process
Specimen Preparation
Elastomer samples are prepared to specified dimensions and conditioned before testing.
1Compression Application
The specimen is compressed to a defined deformation using a testing fixture.
2Force Monitoring
The force exerted by the specimen is recorded over time under constant compression.
3Data Analysis
Force decay is calculated as a percentage reduction from the initial force value.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Property Measured | Force decay (stress relaxation) |
| Material Type | Rubber and thermoplastic elastomers |
| Test Condition | Constant compression |
| Measurement Unit | Force (N) and percentage decay |
| Duration | Time-dependent measurement |
| Output | Force vs time data |
| Environment | Controlled temperature conditions |
| Method | Compression relaxation testing |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Compression test fixture
- Universal testing machine or force measurement system
- Load cell
- Temperature-controlled chamber
- Thickness gauge or caliper
- Data acquisition system
Results and Deliverables
- Initial and final force values
- Percentage force decay
- Force vs time curve
- Test conditions and parameters
- Material performance evaluation
- Detailed test report
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D6147 examines the compression aspect of force decay or stress relaxation in vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic elastomers, examining their operational capabilities in designs that will work over a long period and under compressive loads.
Force decay is the counterforce generated after an initial compression, creating an instant before. Thus, it sheds light on the time aspect of material relaxation.
Each of Methods A and B addresses a different situation. Although Method A deals more with applications within fixed loads at high temperatures, Method B often concerns load variations, including temperature extremes.
Force decay measures the loss of force under constant deformation, while compression set measures permanent deformation after load removal. Both properties are important but evaluate different aspects of elastomer performance.
Factors include material composition, crosslink density, temperature, compression level, and environmental conditions. These variables affect how the material relaxes over time.
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