Designation: D 1171 99

Standard Test Method for

Rubber DeteriorationSurface Ozone Cracking Outdoors or
Chamber (Triangular Specimens)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1171; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 3.2 Two techniques are described, the exposure rating and
1.1 This test method permits the estimation of the relative the quality-retention rating.
ability of rubber compounds used for applications requiring 3.3 Refer to D 4575 for the reference and optional alterna-
resistance to outdoor weathering or ozone chamber testing. tive methods for the measurement of the ozone partial pressure
1.2 This test method is not applicable to materials ordinarily in laboratory test chambers.
classed as hard rubber, but is adaptable to molded or extruded 4. Significance and Use
soft rubber materials and sponge rubber for use in window
weatherstripping as well as similar automotive applications. 4.1 Molded or extruded rubber products must withstand the
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the effects of ozone cracking and outdoor weathering for satisfac-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the tory use. This test enables a simple comparison of performance
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- to be made under specified test conditions, either in a labora-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- tory test chamber or in an outdoor test. No direct correlation
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific between test performance and service performance can be
hazard statement, see Note 1 and 8.1. claimed due to the wide range of service conditions.

NOTE 1WarningOzone is a hazardous chemical. 5. Apparatus

5.1 Mounting Mandrel A wood mandrel 50 mm (2 in.) in
2. Referenced Documents
outside diameter, suitably coated with spar varnish or a clear
2.1 ASTM Standards: lacquer. The mandrel may be supported by any convenient
D 518 Test Method for Rubber DeteriorationSurface method.
Cracking2 5.2 Fastening Wire Enameled copper wire.
D 1149 Test Method for Rubber DeteriorationSurface 5.3 Test Chamber An ozone chamber as described in Test
Ozone Cracking in a Chamber2 Method D 1149.
D 4575 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration: Reference
and Alternative Method(s) for Determining Ozone Level in 6. Test Specimen
Laboratory Test Chambers2 6.1 The triangular cross-section test specimen shall be a
3. Summary of Test Method molded, extruded, or sponge section with a continuous skin or
surface layer, 250 mm (10 in.) long, and cured in a straight
3.1 Procedures are given for preparing triangular cross- position. The cross-sectional dimensions shall be as shown in
section specimens, for mounting them in strained condition Fig. 1. Duplicate specimens shall be tested.
around specified circular mandrels, and for rating the effect of 6.2 It is recommended that the manufacturer observe a
exposure as evidenced by the appearance of surface cracks. minimum rest period of 24 h between compound mixing and
The type, time, temperature, and other conditions of exposure compound preparation, and a minimum rest period of 12 h
are not given but shall be agreed upon by the purchaser and the between compound preparation and curing when preparing
seller and shall be completely described in the test reports. specimens. The finish of the specimens shall be as smooth as
possible.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-11 on Rubber
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D11.15 on Degradation Tests.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1999. Published December 1999. Originally
published as D 1171 51 T. Last previous edition D 117194.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01.

Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 1171 99

FIG. 1 Cross-Sectional Dimension of Test Specimens

METHOD AEXPOSURE RATING 7.2.3.1 Outdoor Exposure The type, time, temperature,
and other essential conditions of exposure shall be agreed upon
7. Procedure by the purchaser and the seller.
7.1 Mounting of SpecimensPlace bench marks on each 7.2.3.2 Ozone-Chamber Exposure Method AExpose
specimen with a crayon, 190 mm (7.5 in.) apart and 32 mm specimens for 72 h at 40 6 1C (104 6 2F) at an ozone level
(1.25 in.) from the ends. Form the specimens into a loop by of 50 6 5 mPa partial ozone pressure, unless otherwise
placing the 19-mm (0.75-in.) sides together and tying securely specified by agreement between the purchaser and the seller.
with wire at the bench marks. Slip the complete loop over the The specimens may be removed from the test chamber after 24,
mandrel. Place as many specimens on the mandrels as length of 48 and 72-h exposure for rating.
mandrel will permit. 7.2.3.3 Ozone-Chamber Exposure Method BOn materials
7.2 Exposure of Specimens: known to be substantially resistant to ozone, test specimens
7.2.1 Conditioning Period: and fixtures as described under Procedure B in Test Method
7.2.1.1 Outdoor Exposure After the specimens are D 518 may be used. Expose specimens for 70 h at 406 1C
mounted allow them to condition for 70 to 72 h at room (104 6 2F) at an ozone level of 50 6 5 mPa partial ozone
temperature in an ozone free atmosphere. Do not touch the pressure, unless otherwise specified by agreement between the
looped part after mounting until the test is completed. purchaser and seller. The specimens may be removed from the
7.2.1.2 Ozone Chamber ExposureAfter the specimens are test chamber after 22, 46, and 70-h exposure, for examination.
mounted allow them to condition for 70 to 72 h at 40 6 C 7.3 Rating of Exposed SpecimensWhen the specified
(104 6 2F) either in a temperature controlled cabinet or exposure period is completed, examine the specimens before
preferably in the ozone cabinet itself. After this conditioning removal from the mandrel, and evaluate the degree of cracking
period transfer to the ozone chamber or, if already conditioning by comparison with the reference standards shown in Fig. 3
in this apparatus, switch on the ozone so that it rises to a level using a 2-power headgear binocular magnifier or equivalent. If
of 50 6 5 mPa partial ozone pressure. the size of the cracks at 23 magnification is less than those
7.2.2 Angle and Direction and Positioning of Exposures: shown on one photograph but greater than those shown on the
7.2.2.1 Incline specimens exposed outdoors so that the next lower rating picture, give the lower rating.
portion of the loop diametrically opposite the tied ends shall 7.4 In ozone chamber exposure Method B, no rating is
face south at an angle of 45 with the horizontal as shown in intended, rather, there shall be no cracks permitted under 23
Fig. 2. magnification.
7.2.2.2 Ozone Chamber ExposurePosition in the chamber 8. Hazards
in which ozone is controlled as described in Test Method
D 4575. The position of mounted specimens exposed in the 8.1 WarningOzone is a hazardous substance. Consult
ozone test chamber shall be such that there is complete and follow all applicable laws, rules, and regulations re-
circulation of air around the specimens and the specimens do garding exposure to ozone.
not touch anything during the necessary handling. 9. Report
7.2.3 Test Conditions: 9.1 Report the following information:
9.1.1 Description of the specimen, giving the identification
number of compound and vulcanization data, if known, includ-
ing date,
9.1.2 Date of start of exposure, and complete information
describing conditions of exposure,
9.1.3 Rating number of exposed specimens, and
9.1.4 If desired, a photograph at 23 magnification.
METHOD BQUALITY-RETENTION RATING
10. Procedure
10.1 If it is desired to apply a quality-retention rating value
based on three observations of crack rating taken at three
successive time intervals of exposure, use the following
FIG. 2 Outdoor Exposure of Test Specimen procedure:

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 D 1171 99

Rating 0 Rating 1 Rating 2 Rating 3

FIG. 3 Ratings for Weathering Tests of Rubber Compounds (Specimens mounted on mandrel.) (23)

10.1.1 Prepare the test specimens as described in Section 6, 11.1.2 Date of start of exposure and complete information
and mount and expose as described in 7.1 and 7.2 except that describing condition of exposure,
the time of exposure shall be six weeks. Other periods of 11.1.3 Crack rating number composed of three digits repre-
outdoor exposure may be used if agreed upon by producer and senting three readings taken each two weeks for six weeks or
consumer. Make the crack rating as described in 7.3 every taken at three equal intervals, and
second week or at three equal intervals. This will give three 11.1.4 Quality-retention value in percent.
ratings.
10.1.2 The three crack-growth ratings shall be put together 12. Precision and Bias
to give a three-digit number and Table 1 then used to find the
percent quality retention. The three-digit crack-growth number 12.1 Both the exposure rating and the quality-retention
in the crack-growth column corresponds to the quality reten- rating are essentially rank order or qualitative comparison
tion in the right-hand column. methods. Precision as normally expressed for quantitative-
measurement test methods is not directly applicable.
11. Report
11.1 Report the following information: 13. Keywords
11.1.1 Description of the specimen, giving the identification 13.1 crack growth; cracking; ozone; ozone cracking; surface
number of the compound and date of vulcanization, crack; triangular; weathering

TABLE 1 Quality Retention Rating

Crack Growth Quality Retention, %
000 100
001 95
011 90
111 85
002 80
012 75
112 70
022 65
122 60
222 55
003 45
013 40
113 35
023 30
123 25
223 20
033 15
133 10
233 5
333 0

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 D 1171 99
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