Rubber Property-Compression Set1 PDF

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This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D395 − 16´1

Standard Test Methods for


Rubber Property—Compression Set1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D395; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

ε1 NOTE—Editorially corrected 1.1 in March 2017.

1. Scope D3182 Practice for Rubber—Materials, Equipment, and Pro-


1.1 These test methods cover the testing of rubber intended cedures for Mixing Standard Compounds and Preparing
for use in applications in which the rubber will be subjected to Standard Vulcanized Sheets
compressive stresses in air or liquid media. They are applicable D3183 Practice for Rubber—Preparation of Pieces for Test
particularly to the rubber used in machinery mountings, vibra- Purposes from Products
tion dampers, and seals. Three test methods are covered as D3767 Practice for Rubber—Measurement of Dimensions
follows: D4483 Practice for Evaluating Precision for Test Method
Test Method Section Standards in the Rubber and Carbon Black Manufacturing
Industries
A—Compression Set Under Constant Force in Air 8 – 11 E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
B—Compression Set Under Constant Deflection in Air 12 – 15
C—Compression Set Under Constant Deflection in Air 16 – 21 Ventilation Ovens
Considering Material Hardness
1.2 The choice of test method is optional, but consideration 3. Summary of Test Methods
should be given to the nature of the service for which
3.1 A test specimen is compressed to either a deflection or
correlation of test results may be sought. Unless otherwise
stated in a detailed specification, Test Method B shall be used. by a specified force and maintained under this condition for a
specified time and at a specified temperature.
1.3 Test Method B is not suitable for vulcanizates harder
than 90 IRHD. 3.2 The residual deformation of a test specimen is measured
30 min after removal from a suitable compression device in
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
which the specimen had been subjected for a definite time to
standard.
compressive deformation under specified conditions.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.3 After the measurement of the residual deformation, the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- compression set, as specified in the appropriate test method, is
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- calculated according to Eq 1 and Eq 2.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 Compression set tests are intended to measure the ability
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
of rubber compounds to retain elastic properties after pro-
D1349 Practice for Rubber—Standard Conditions for Test-
longed action of compressive stresses. The actual stressing
ing
service may involve the maintenance of a definite deflection,
the constant application of a known force, or the rapidly
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D11 on repeated deformation and recovery resulting from intermittent
Rubber and Rubber-like Materials and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee compressive forces. Though the latter dynamic stressing, like
D11.10 on Physical Testing.
Current edition approved April 15, 2016. Published May 2016. Originally
the others, produces compression set, its effects as a whole are
approved in 1934. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D395 – 15. DOI: simulated more closely by compression flexing or hysteresis
10.1520/D0395-16E01. tests. Therefore, compression set tests are considered to be
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or mainly applicable to service conditions involving static
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on stresses. Tests are frequently conducted at elevated tempera-
the ASTM website. tures.

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

1
D395 − 16´1
5. Test Specimens 5.5.1 The disks shall be plied, without cementing, to the
thickness required. Such plies shall be smooth, flat, of uniform
5.1 Specimens from each sample may be tested in duplicate
thickness, and shall not exceed seven in number for Type 1
(Option 1) or triplicate (Option 2). The compression set of the
specimens and four in number for Type 2 specimens.
sample in Option 1 shall be the average of the two specimens
5.5.2 Care shall be taken during handling and placing of the
expressed as a percentage. The compression set of the sample
plied test specimen in the test fixture by keeping the circular
in Option 2 shall be the median (middle most value) of the
faces parallel and at right angles to the axis of the cylinder.
three specimens expressed as a percentage.
5.5.3 The results obtained on plied specimens may be
5.2 The standard test specimen shall be a cylindrical disk different from those obtained using solid specimens and the
cut from a laboratory prepared slab. results may be variable, particularly if air is trapped between
5.2.1 The dimensions of the standard specimens shall be: disks.
Type 1A 2B
5.5.4 The results obtained on the specimens prepared by one
of the methods may be compared only to those prepared by the
Thickness, mm (in.) 12.5 ± 0.5 6.0 ± 0.2 same method.
(0.49 ± 0.02) (0.24 ± 0.01)
Diameter, mm (in.) 29.0 ± 0.5 13.0 ± 0.2 5.6 For routine or product specification testing, it is some-
(1.14 ± 0.02) (0.51 ± 0.01)
times more convenient to prepare specimens of a different size
A
or shape, or both. When such specimens are used, the results
Type 1 specimen is used in Test Methods A, B, and C.
B
Type 2 specimen is used in Test Method B and C. should be compared only with those obtained from specimens
of similar size and shape and not with those obtained with
5.2.2 When cutting the standard specimen, the circular die standard specimen. For such cases, the product specification
having the required inside dimensions specified in 5.2.1 shall should define the specimen as to the size and shape. If suitable
be rotated in a drill press or similar device and lubricated by specimens cannot be prepared from the product, the test
means of a soap solution. A minimum distance of 13 mm (0.51 method and allowable limits must be agreed upon between the
in.) shall be maintained between the cutting edge of the die and producer and the purchaser.
the edge of the slab. The cutting pressure shall be as light as
possible to minimize cupping of the cut edges. The dies shall 6. Conditioning
be maintained carefully so that the cutting edges are sharp and 6.1 Store all vulcanized test specimens or product samples
free of nicks. to be tested at least 24 h but not more than 60 days. When the
5.3 An optional method of preparing the standard specimen date of vulcanization is not known, make tests within 60 days
may be the direct molding of a circular disk having the after delivery by the producer of the article represented by the
dimensions required for the test method used and specified in specimen.
5.2.1. 6.2 Allow buffed specimens to rest at least 30 min before
NOTE 1—It should be recognized that an equal time and temperature, if specimens are cut for testing.
used for both the slab and molded specimen, will not produce an 6.3 Condition all specimens before testing for a minimum of
equivalent state of cure in the two types of specimen. A higher degree of 3 h at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F). Specimens whose compression
cure will be obtained in the molded specimen. Adjustments, preferably in
the time of cure, must be taken into consideration if comparisons between set properties are affected by atmospheric moisture shall be
the specimens prepared by different methods are to be considered valid. conditioned for a minimum of 24 h in an atmosphere controlled
NOTE 2—It is suggested, for the purpose of uniformity and closer to a relative humidity of 50 6 10 %RH (40 to 60 %RH).
tolerances in the molded specimen, that the dimensions of the mold be
specified and shrinkage compensated for therein. A two-plate mold with a 7. Precision and Bias3
cavity 13.0 6 0.1 mm (0.510 6 0.004 in.) in thickness and 29.20 6 0.05
mm (1.148 6 0.002 in.) in diameter, with overflow grooves, will provide 7.1 These precision statements have been prepared in ac-
Type 1 specimens for Test Method A and Test Method B. A similar mold cordance with Practice D4483. Please refer to Practice D4483
but having a cavity of 6.3 6 0.3 mm (0.25 6 0.012 in.) in thickness and for terminology and other testing and statistical concepts.
13.3 6 0.1 mm (0.52 6 0.004 in.) in diameter will provide Type 2
specimens for Test Method B. 7.2 Prepared test specimens of two rubbers for Test Methods
A and B were supplied to five laboratories. These were tested
5.4 When the standard test specimen is to be replaced by a in duplicate each day on two separate testing days. A test result,
specimen taken from a vulcanized rubber part of greater therefore, is the average of two test specimens, for both Test
thickness than the one indicated in 5.2.1, the sample thickness Methods A and B.
shall be reduced first by cutting transversely with a sharp knife
and then followed by buffing to the required thickness in 7.3 One laboratory did not run the Test Method A testing;
accordance with Practice D3183. therefore, the precision for Test Method A is derived from four
laboratories.
5.5 An alternative method of preparing specimens is by
7.4 The Type 1 precision results are given in Table 1 and
plying up cylindrical disks cut from a standard sheet prepared
Table 2.
in accordance with Practice D3182 using the specimen sizes
specified in 5.2.1 and cutting as described in 5.2.2, or where a
drill press is not available cutting the specimens with a single 3
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
stroke from a cutting die. be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D11-1138.

2
D395 − 16´1
TABLE 1 Type 1 Precision Results, % Compression Set—Test
Method A
Mean Within LaboratoryA Between LaboratoryA
Material
Level Sr r (r) SR R (R)

1 1.73 (%) 0.050 0.142 8.2 0.190 0.54 31.1


2 26.1 0.898 2.54 9.7 2.37 6.71 25.7
A
Sr = within laboratory standard deviation.
r = repeatability (in measurement units).
(r) = repeatability (in percent).
SR = between laboratory standard deviation.
R = reproducibility (in measurement units).
(R) = reproducibility (in percent).

TABLE 2 Type 1 Precision Results, % Compression Set—Test


Method B
Mean Within LaboratoryA Between LaboratoryA
Material
Level Sr r (r) SR R (R)
1 13.7 (%) 0.591 1.67 12.2 1.54 4.36 31.8
2 52.8 0.567 1.60 3.0 5.92 16.8 31.7
A
Sr = within laboratory standard deviation.
r = repeatability (in measurement units).
(r) = repeatability (in percent).
SR = between laboratory standard deviation.
R = reproducibility (in measurement units).
(R) = reproducibility (in percent).

7.5 Bias—In test method statistical terminology, bias is the FIG. 1 Device for Compression Set Test, Using Calibrated Spring
Loading, Test Method A
difference between an average test value and the reference or
true test property value. Reference values do not exist for these
test methods since the value or level of the test property is
exclusively defined by the test method. Bias, therefore, cannot deflections shall have a slope of 70 6 3.5 kN/m (400 6 20
be determined. lbf/in.) at 1.8 kN (400 lbf). The slope is obtained by dividing
the two forces above and below 1.8 kN by the difference
TEST METHOD A—COMPRESSION SET UNDER between the corresponding deflections.
CONSTANT FORCE IN AIR 8.2.1.2 The original dimensions of the spring shall not
change due to fatigue by more than 0.3 mm (0.01 in.) after it
8. Apparatus has been mounted in the compression device, compressed
8.1 Micrometer—A micrometer, analog or digital, for mea- under a force of 1.8 kN (400 lbf), and heated in the oven for
suring specimen thickness, in accordance with Practice D3767, one week at 70 6 2°C (158 6 3.6°F). In ordinary use, a weekly
Method A1. check of the dimensions shall show no greater change than this
8.2 Compression Device, consisting of a force application over a period of 1 year.
spring and two parallel compression plates assembled by 8.2.1.3 The minimum force required to close the spring
means of a frame or threaded bolt in such a manner that the (solid) shall be 2.4 kN (530 lbf).
device shall be portable and self-contained after the force has 8.2.2 External Force Application—The required force shall
been applied and that the parallelism of the plates shall be be applied to the compression plates and spring by external
maintained. The force may be applied in accordance with either means after the test specimen is mounted in the apparatus.
8.2.1 or 8.2.2. Either a calibrated compression machine or known masses may
8.2.1 Calibrated Spring Force Application—The required be used for force application. Provision shall be made by the
force shall be applied by a screw mechanism for compressing use of bolts and nuts or other devices to prevent the specimen
a calibrated spring the proper amount. The spring shall be of and spring from losing their initial deflections when the
properly heat-treated spring steel with ends ground and per- external force is removed. The spring shall have essentially the
pendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spring. A suitable same characteristics as described in 8.2.1, but calibration is not
compression device is shown in Fig. 1. The spring shall required. A suitable compression device is shown in Fig. 2.
conform to the following requirements: 8.3 Plates—The plates between which the test specimen is
8.2.1.1 The spring shall be calibrated at room temperature compressed shall be made of steel of sufficient thickness to
23 6 5°C (73.4 6 9°F) by applying successive increments of withstand the compressive stresses without bending.
force not exceeding 250 N (50 lbf) and measuring the 8.3.1 The surfaces against which the specimen is held shall
corresponding deflection to the nearest 0.2 mm (0.01 in.). The have an industrial chrome (hard chrome) plated finish and shall
curve obtained by plotting the forces against the corresponding be cleaned thoroughly and wiped dry before each test.

3
D395 − 16´1
8.4.7 Automatic temperature control by means of thermo-
static regulation shall be used.
8.4.8 The following special precautions shall be taken in
order that accurate, uniform heating is obtained in all parts of
the aging chamber.
8.4.8.1 The heated air shall be thoroughly circulated in the
oven by means of mechanical agitation. When a motor driven
fan is used, the air must not come in contact with the fan motor
brush discharge because of danger of ozone formation.
8.4.8.2 Baffles shall be used as required to prevent local
overheating and dead spots.
8.4.8.3 The thermostatic control device shall be so located
as to give accurate temperature control of the heating medium.
The preferred location is adjacent to the temperature measuring
device listed in section 8.4.6.
8.4.8.4 An actual check shall be made by means of maxi-
mum reading thermometers placed in various parts of the oven
to verify the uniformity of the heating.

9. Procedure
9.1 Original Thickness Measurement—Measure the original
thickness of the specimen to the nearest 0.02 mm (0.001 in.),
in accordance with Practice D3767, Method A1. Place the
specimen on the anvil of the micrometer so that the presser foot
FIG. 2 Device for Compression Set Test, Using External Loading, will indicate the thickness at the central portion of the top and
Test Method A bottom faces.
8.3.2 The steel surfaces contacting the rubber specimens 9.2 Application of Compressive Force—Assemble the speci-
shall be ground to a maximum roughness of 0.250 µm (10 mens in the compression device, using extreme care to place
µin.), polished, and industrial chrome (hard chrome) plated. them exactly in the center between the plates to avoid tilting. If
8.3.3 The polishing and subsequent industrial chrome (hard the calibrated spring device (see Fig. 1) is used, apply the
chrome) plating shall not affect the final finish beyond the compressive force by tightening the screw until the deflection
tolerance stated in 8.3.2. as read from the scale is equivalent to that shown on the
calibration curve for the spring corresponding to a force of 1.8
NOTE 3—The specifications regarding the surface roughness (smooth-
ness) of the contact surfaces of the plates is to be considered only at the
kN (400 lbf). With the external loading device (see Fig. 2),
time of manufacture or refurbishing as it is not a property that is easily apply this force to the assembly in the compression machine or
determined in the course of routine use. The suitability for the use of the by adding required masses, but in the latter case, take care to
device is to be determined by the user. add the mass gradually without shock. Tighten the nuts and
8.4 Oven, conforming to the specification for a Type IIB bolts just sufficiently to hold the initial deflections of the
laboratory oven given in Specification E145. specimen and spring. It is imperative that no additional force
8.4.1 Type IIB ovens specified in Specification E145 are be applied in tightening the bolts.
satisfactory for use through 70°C. For higher Temperatures 9.3 Test Time and Test Temperature—Choose a suitable
Type II A ovens are necessary. temperature and time for the compression set, depending upon
8.4.2 The interior size shall be as follows or of an equivalent the conditions of the expected service. In comparative tests, use
volume: identical temperature and heating periods. It is suggested that
Interior size of air oven: the test temperature be chosen from those listed in Practice
min. 300 by 300 by 300 mm (12 by 12 by 12 in.)
max. 900 by 900 by 1200 mm (36 by 36 by 48 in.)
D1349. Suggested test periods are 22 h and 70 h. The specimen
shall be at room temperature when inserted in the compression
8.4.3 Provision shall be made for placing test specimens in
device. Place the assembled compression device in the oven
the oven without touching each other or the sides of the aging
within 2 h after completion of the assembly and allow it to
chamber.
remain there for the required test period in dry air at the test
8.4.4 The heating medium for the aging chamber shall be air
temperature selected. At the end of the test period, take the
circulated within it at atmospheric pressure.
device from the oven and remove the specimens immediately
8.4.5 The source of heat is optional but shall be located in
and allow it to cool.
the air supply outside of the aging chamber.
8.4.6 A suitable temperature measurement device located in 9.4 Cooling Period—While cooling, allow the specimens to
the upper central portion of the chamber near the test speci- rest on a poor thermally conducting surface, such as wood, for
mens shall be provided to record the actual aging temperature. 30 min before making the measurement of the final thickness.

4
D395 − 16´1
Conduct the cooling period at a standard laboratory tempera- TEST METHOD B—COMPRESSION SET UNDER
ture of 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F). Specimens whose compres- CONSTANT DEFLECTION IN AIR
sion set property is affected by atmospheric moisture shall be
cooled in an atmosphere controlled to a relative humidity of 50 12. Apparatus
6 10 %RH (40 to 60 %RH). 12.1 Micrometer—A micrometer, analog or digital, for mea-
9.5 Final Thickness Measurement—After the rest period, suring the specimen thickness, in accordance with Practice
measure the final thickness at the center of the specimen in D3767, Procedure A.
accordance with 9.1. NOTE 4—For vulcanizates having a hardness below 35 IRHD, the force
on the presser foot should be reduced to 0.2 6 0.05 N (0.04 6 0.01 lbf).
10. Calculation 12.2 Spacers, to maintain the constant deflection required
10.1 Calculate the compression set as a percentage of the under Test Method B.
original thickness as follows: 12.2.1 Spacers for Type 1 samples shall have a thickness of
C A 5 @ ~ t o 2 t i ! /t
9.5 6 0.02 mm (0.375 6 0.001 in.).
o # 3 100 (1)
12.2.2 Spacers for Type 2 samples shall have a thickness of
where: 4.50 6 0.01 mm (0.1770 6 0.0005 in.).
CA = Compression set (Test Method A) as a percentage of 12.2.3 The spacers in 12.2.1 and 12.2.2 are to be used with
the original thickness, the standard specimens described in 5.2.1.
to = original thickness (see 9.1), and 12.2.3.1 Considering the Type 1 tolerances for specimens
ti = final thickness (see 9.5). and spacers, the % compression ranges from 20 to 26 %.
12.2.3.2 The Type 2 tolerances yield a range of compression
11. Report from 23 to 29 %.
11.1 Report the following information: 12.2.3.3 It is important to consider the dimensions of the
11.1.1 Original dimensions of the test specimen, including spacers (Equation 2) and report their dimensions (refer to
15.1.4).
the original thickness, to,
11.1.2 Actual compressive force on the specimen as deter- 12.3 Compression Device, consisting of two or more flat
mined from the calibration curve of the spring and spring steel plates between the parallel faces of which the specimens
deflection reading (see 8.2.1) or as applied by an external force may be compressed as shown in Fig. 3.
(see 8.2.2), 12.3.1 When using the standard specimens described in
11.1.3 Thickness of the test specimen 30 min after removal 5.2.1, steel spacers refer to (12.2) for the required percentage of
from the clamp, ti, compression (approximately 25 %) shall be placed on each side
of the rubber specimens to control their thickness while
11.1.4 Type of test specimen used, together with the time
compressed.
and temperature of test,
12.3.2 When using specimens other than the standard
11.1.5 Compression set, expressed as a percentage of the specimens, steel spacers of a dimension that will achieve the
original thickness, required percentage of compression (approximately 25 %)
11.1.6 Test method used (Test Method A), and shall be placed on each side of the rubber specimens to control
11.1.7 Number of specimens tested. their thickness while compressed.

FIG. 3 Devices for Compression Set Test Under Constant Deflection, Test Method B

5
D395 − 16´1
12.3.3 The steel surfaces contacting the rubber specimens 13.4.1.1 It is suggested that the test temperature be chosen
shall be ground to a maximum roughness of 0.250 µm (10 from those listed in Practice D1349.
µin.), polished and then industrial chrome (hard chrome) plated 13.4.1.2 Suggested test periods are 22 h and 70 h.
(see Note 3). 13.4.1.3 The test specimen shall be at room temperature
12.4 Oven, see 8.4. when inserted in the compression device.
13.4.1.4 Place the assembled compression device in the
12.5 Plates—The plates between which the test specimen is oven within 2 h after completion of assembly and allow it to
compressed shall be made of steel of sufficient thickness to remain there for the required test period in dry air (refer to
withstand the compressive stresses without bending. Practice D1349 for recommended RH% based upon the test
12.5.1 The surfaces against which the specimen is held shall temperature tolerance) at the test temperature selected.
have an industrial chrome (hard chrome) finish and shall be 13.4.1.5 At the end of the test period, take the device from
cleaned thoroughly and wiped dry before each test. the oven, remove the test specimens immediately, and allow
12.5.2 The steel surfaces contacting the rubber specimens them to cool.
shall be ground to a maximum roughness of 0.250 µm (10
µin.), polished and then industrial chrome (hard chrome) 13.5 Cooling Period—While cooling, allow the test speci-
plated. men to rest on a poor thermally conducting surface, such as
12.5.3 The polishing and subsequent industrial chrome wood, for 30 min before making the measurement of the final
(hard chrome) plating shall not affect the final finish beyond the thickness. Maintain the conditions during the cooling period in
tolerance stated in 12.5.2. accordance with 9.4.
13.6 Final Thickness Measurement—After the rest period,
13. Procedure measure the final thickness at the center of the test specimen in
13.1 Original Specimen Thickness Measurement—Measure accordance with 13.1.
the original thickness of the specimen to the nearest 0.02 mm
(0.001 in.), in accordance with Practice D3767, Procedure A. 14. Calculation
13.1.1 Place the specimen on the anvil of the micrometer so 14.1 Calculate the compression set expressed as a percent-
that the presser foot will indicate the thickness at the central age of the original deflection as follows:
portion of the top and bottom faces. C B 5 @ ~ t o 2 t i ! / ~ t o 2 t n ! # 3 100 (2)
13.2 Spacer Thickness Measurement—Measure the thick-
where:
ness of the spacer to the nearest 0.01 mm (0.0005 in.), the
CB = compression set (Test Method B) expressed as
gauge used to measure the specimen thickness may be used.
percentage of the original deflection,
13.3 Application of Compressive Force—Place the test t0 = original thickness of specimen (13.1),
specimen between the plates of the compression device with ti = final thickness of specimen (13.6), and
the spacers on each side, allowing sufficient clearance for the tn = thickness of the spacer bar used.
bulging of the rubber when compressed (see Fig. 3).
NOTE 5—Lubrication of the operating surfaces of the compression
13.3.1 Where a lubricant is applied, it shall consist of a thin device is optional while giving more reproducible results; lubrication may
coating of a lubricant having substantially no action on the somewhat alter the compression set values.
rubber.
13.3.1.1 A silicon or fluorosilicon fluid has been found to be 15. Report
suitable. 15.1 Report the following information:
13.3.2 Tighten the bolts so that the plates are drawn together 15.1.1 Original dimensions of the test specimen including
uniformly until they are in contact with the spacers. the original thickness, to,
13.3.2.1 The amount of compression employed shall be 15.1.2 Percentage compression of the specimen actually
approximately 25 % (refer to 12.3). employed,
13.3.2.2 A suitable mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic 15.1.3 Thickness of the test specimen 30 min after removal
device may be used to facilitate assembling and disassembling from the clamp, ti,
the test fixture. 15.1.4 Dimensions of the spacers, tn,
13.3.2.3 Avoid overtightening the bolts. Overtightening 15.1.5 Type of test specimen used, together with the time
may cause the plates to deflect and not provide the desired and temperature of test,
compressive effect. 15.1.6 Whether or not the surfaces of the compression
13.4 Test Time and Temperature—Choose a suitable tem- device are lubricated. If they are, what type lubrication was
perature and time for the compression set, depending upon the used,
conditions of the expected service. 15.1.7 Compression set, expressed as a percentage of the
13.4.1 In comparative tests, use identical temperature and original deflection,
test periods. 15.1.8 Test method used (Test Method B), and

6
D395 − 16´1
15.1.9 Number of specimens tested. percentage of compression given in 17.5 shall be placed on
each side of the rubber specimens to control their thickness
while compressed, except when using a device as described in
TEST METHOD C—COMPRESSION SET UNDER 17.5.1. The steel surfaces contacting the rubber specimens
CONSTANT DEFLECTION IN AIR CONSIDERING shall be ground to a maximum roughness of 0.250 µm (10
MATERIAL HARDNESS µin.), polished and then industrial chrome (hard chrome) plated
16. Summary of Method C (see Note 3).
17.5.1 The compression device shall be equipped with an
16.1 Method C is nearly equivalent to Method B except that integral, yet removable, micrometer to gauge the percentage of
percentage of compression varies with the material’s IRHD compression by calculation: using the original thickness mea-
hardness and the compression device is of a different surement (refer to 13.1), multiply by 0.75, 0.85, or 0.90 (refer
configuration, in one form not requiring spacers as it has an to 17.5) the desired compression based upon the IRHD S2
integral measurement gauge allowing the percentage of com- hardness of the material, and apply the compressive force by
pression to be calculated. There are other specification and tightening the nut until the micrometer displays the desired
procedural differences. value.
17. Apparatus 17.6 Spacers—The height of the spacer(s) shall be chosen
17.1 Micrometer—A digital micrometer for measuring the so that the compression applied to the test specimen is:
specimen thickness, in accordance with Practice D3767, Pro- 25 6 2 % for hardness 80 IRHD S2 or below (refer to
cedure A and having a contact foot of 4.0 6 0.5 mm. 12.2.1 and 12.2.2);
15 6 2 % for hardness between 81 and 89 IRHD S2;
17.2 Timing Device, having the capability of measuring 10 6 1 % for hardness 90 IRHD S2 and above.
61 s.
17.3 Oven—Refer to 8.4. 18. Test Specimens
17.4 Plates—Refer to 12.5. 18.1 The standard Method C test specimens shall be the
17.5 Compression Device, consisting of two flat steel plates same as those described in 5.2.
between the parallel faces of which the specimens may be 18.2 Nonstandard test specimens may be tested using the
compressed as shown in Fig. 4. Steel spacers for the required device described in 17.5.1. These specimens may be acquired
from finished goods or other sources and prepared as described
in 5.4, 5.5, and 5.6.
18.3 Type 1 and Type 2 specimens do not characteristically
provide the same results. Type 1 specimens are generally used
for materials having a lower compression set, while Type 2
specimens are typically used for materials with higher com-
pression set.

19. Procedure
19.1 The procedure for Method C is as described in Section
13 for Method B with the exception of the employment of the
device described in 17.5.1 in which spacers are not used and as
otherwise specified in this section.
19.2 When using the device described in 17.5.1:
19.2.1 Place the micrometer in the device and adjust the
zero (tare).
19.2.2 Take the original thickness measurement as de-
scribed in 13.1.
19.2.3 Situate the specimens in the device and carefully
apply the compressive force until the dimensional measure-
ment displayed is equivalent to the percentage compression
desired using the calculation described in 17.5.1.
19.2.4 Remove the micrometer from the compression de-
vice prior to placing it in an elevated temperature environment.
19.3 The time between production of the specimen and
NOTE 1—1. Test Specimen 2. Spacer 3. Nut 4. Upper Plate 5. Lower testing shall be no less than 16 h.
Plate 6. Base 7. Guide Dowel 8. Compression Bolt
FIG. 4 Example of a Device for Compression Set Test Under Con- 19.4 Test specimens shall be protected from light and heat
stant Deflection, Test Method C before testing.

7
D395 − 16´1
19.5 Test exposure times shall be 22 to 24 h; 70 to 72 h; 166 21.1.2 Original dimensions of the test specimen including
to 168 h or in multiples of 166 to 168 h as measured from the the original thickness, to,
time the specimen is placed in the testing environment. 21.1.3 Percentage compression of the specimen actually
19.6 The test temperatures shall be in accordance with employed,
Practice D1349. 21.1.4 Thickness of the test specimen 30 min after removal
19.6.1 The preferred test temperatures in degrees Celsius from the clamp, ti,
(°C) are: 23; 27; 40; 55; 70; 85; 100; 125; 150; 175; 200; 225; 21.1.5 Type of test specimen used, together with the time
250, or as agreed upon between customer and supplier. and temperature of test,
21.1.6 Whether or not the surfaces of the compression
19.7 Certain materials, such as thermoplastic rubber (TPR), device are lubricated. If they are, what type lubrication was
may require annealing to relieve stress/strain introduced by the used,
molding process. After the annealing process, the specimens
21.1.7 Compression set, expressed as a percentage of the
shall be conditioned as in Sections 13 and 19.
original deflection,
20. Calculation 21.1.8 Test method used (Test Method C), and
21.1.9 Number of specimens tested.
20.1 Calculate the compression set expressed as a percent-
age as described in Section 14.
22. Keywords
21. Report 22.1 compression set; compression set under constant de-
21.1 Report the following information: flection; compression set under constant force; deflection;
21.1.1 The IRHD S2 hardness of the material, deformation; elastic property; hysteresis; recovery

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