Failure analysis and quality control of automotive seals by thermal analytical techniques

摘要

An integral part of any automotive fluid system are the seals. These elastomeric parts must be flexible, impervious to hostile engine environments, including hot-stressed additized motor oils. There are a number of standard tests for the tensile quality and elongation of rubber seals. Most standard seal tests are based on quasi-real world conditions. These tests will be compared to new thermal analytical tests. Thermal analysis can be used to evaluate seals for composition (TGA), mechanical strength and glass transition temperature (DMA and/or TMA) and oxidative stability (PDSC and DTA/TGA). Results of a new TMA quality control test will be discussed.