1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers quantitative procedures for the evaluation of the compatibility of automotive engine oils with several reference elastomers typical of those used in the sealing materials in contact with these oils. Compatibility is evaluated by determining the changes in volume, Durometer A hardness and tensile properties when the elastomer specimens are immersed in the oil for a specified time and temperature.

1.2 Effective sealing action requires that the physical properties of elastomers used for any seal have a high level of resistance to the liquid or oil in which they are immersed. When such a high level of resistance exists, the elastomer is said to be compatible with the liquid or oil.

Note 1The user of this test method should be proficient in the use of Test Methods D412 (tensile properties), D471 (effect of rubber immersion in liquids), D2240 (Durometer hardness), and D5662 (gear oil compatibility with typical oil seal elastomers), all of which are involved in the execution of the operations of this test method.

1.3 This test method provides a preliminary or first order evaluation of oil/elastomer compatibility only. Because seals may be subjected to static or dynamic loads, or both, and they may operate over a range of conditions, a complete evaluation of the potential sealing performance of any elastomer-oil combination in any service condition usually requires tests additional to those described in this test method.

1.4 The several reference elastomer formulations specified in this test method were chosen to be representative of those used in both heavy-duty diesel engines and passenger-car spark-ignition engines (the latter are covered in Annex A2). The procedures described in this test method can, however, also be used to evaluate the compatibility of automotive engine oils with different elastomer types/formulations or different test durations and temperatures to those employed in this test method.

Note 2In such cases, the precision and bias statement in Section 12 does not apply. In addition to agreeing acceptable limits of precision, where relevant, the user and supplier should also agree: (1) test temperatures and immersion times to be used; (2) the formulations and typical properties of the elastomers; and (3) the sourcing and quality control of the elastomer sheets.

Note 3The TMC may also issue Information Letters on this matter.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D297 Test Methods for Rubber Products--Chemical Analysis

D412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers--Tension

D471 Test Method for Rubber Property--Effect of Liquids

D1193 Specification for Reagent Water

D1566 Terminology Relating to Rubber

D2240 Test Method for Rubber Property--Durometer Hardness

D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum, Petroleum Products, and Lubricants

D4485 Specification for Performance of Active API Service Category Engine Oils

D5662 Test Method for Determining Automotive Gear Oil Compatibility with Typical Oil Seal Elastomers

E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications

E178 Practice for Dealing With Outlying Observations

SAE Standard

Keywords

automotive engine oil; compatibility; elastomer; engine oil; immersion; seal(s);

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 75.100 (Lubricants, industrial oils and related products)

DOI: 10.1520/D7216-10

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