Age Control/Shelf Life

As it relates to the internal chemical degradation of elastomer performance properties over time, the term "aging" is misleading. In fact, it is the exposure of O-ring elastomers to stressful environmental factors during storage that ultimately causes changes in performance properties over time.

For the maintenance of optimum O-ring properties during storage, the following conditions are recommended:

• Ambient temperature not exceeding 120°F.
• Exclusion of air (oxygen).
• Exclusion of contamination.
• Exclusion of light (especially ultra-violet).
• Exclusion of ozone-generating electrical devices.
• Exclusion of radiation.
• Storage of O-rings in sealed polyethylene bags, inside cardboard containers helps assure maximum shelf life.

NOTE: The MIL-STD-1523A ("Age Controls of Age-Sensitive Elastomeric Material") which relates to "cure dating" for seals was canceled on January 30, 1995. When a seal is stored properly, age is no longer considered a factor in seal failure.