The Effect of TemperatureOver time, excessive heat degrades O-ring materials physically and/or chemically, which may render them non-functional. Excessive heat is known to cause O-ring materials to both swell and harden, taking a permanent compression set (deformation of shape) within the gland. Cold temperatures, without proper material selection to resist the effect of extreme cold, results in O-ring shrinkage and possible leakage due to reduction in surface contact. Extreme cold also effects O-rings by making them brittle and less flexible. For optimum sealing performance, always attempt to keep the O-ring application within the temperature ranges listed on the individual material data sheets shown in the Material Selection Guide in Section 6. For quick reference, O-ring material working temperature ranges are as shown in Illustration 5.4. This chart refers to the range of temperatures for families of compounds. A specific compound may not have the full temperature range shown. |
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