Metal Corrosion near Rubber: Is the Elastomer the Cause?

Metal Corrosion near Rubber: Is the Elastomer the Cause?

Problem Statement

Metal corrosion adjacent to rubber components in high-temperature, high-humidity environments. Suspected elastomer degradation causing corrosive byproducts.

Material Science Analysis

Elastomers like NBR and EPDM can degrade under prolonged exposure to heat and moisture. Degradation releases acidic compounds (e.g., acetic acid) that accelerate metal corrosion. FKM, with its high fluorine content, resists hydrolysis and thermal degradation, preventing corrosive byproduct formation.

Technical Specs

• Material: FKM (Fluorocarbon Rubber)
• Shore A Hardness: 75 ± 5
• Tensile Strength: 15 MPa
• Elongation at Break: 200%
• Temperature Range: -20°C to +200°C
• Compression Set: 15% (22 hours at 200°C)
• Chemical Resistance: Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and acids

Material Comparison

Material	FKM	NBR	EPDM
Shore A Hardness	75 ± 5	70 ± 5	65 ± 5
Tensile Strength (MPa)	15	10	12
Elongation at Break (%)	200	300	400
Temperature Range (°C)	-20 to +200	-30 to +120	-50 to +150
Compression Set (%)	15	30	25
Chemical Resistance	Excellent	Good	Fair

Standard Compliance

RubberQ adheres to IATF 16949 standards, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency. Materials comply with ASTM D2000 for elastomer callouts and ISO 3601 for sealing performance. Surface preparation and bonding processes meet ASTM D429 adhesion testing requirements.

Root Cause Analysis

• Inspect elastomer for signs of thermal degradation (cracking, discoloration).
• Analyze metal surface for corrosion products (e.g., rust, pitting).
• Test for acidic byproducts using pH analysis of adjacent surfaces.
• Verify elastomer compatibility with environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, chemicals).

For custom material compound development or IATF 16949 documentation, consult RubberQ’s engineering department.