Stress relaxation of elastomer compounds

This article discusses the importance of conducting evaluation and stress-relaxation testing of elastomers. It covers the measurement of stress relaxation and the seal-force retention properties of elastomers using compression set, compression set with reheat and compressive stress relaxation tests. In particular, it promotes the use of a compression set test with a 24-hour unconstrained reheat cycle to generate valuable stress relaxation and seal-force retention trends in elastomers.