Studies of the Influence of High Temperatures and Aggressive Media on the Performance Properties of O-Rings Used in the Automotive Industry

The paper provides the results of the studies on the influence of high temperatures and aggressive media on the performance properties of O-rings having one name but made by different manufacturers. O-rings by supplier No. 1 are made from fluorosilicone rubber, and O-rings by supplier No. 2 are made from fluororubber. The analysis of O-rings showed that the color of O-rings made from fluorosilicone rubber changed and their physical mechanical properties decreased after operation when subjected to G-energy Si-OAT and G-energy SNF coolants. The comparative analysis of TGA curves of O-rings showed that O-rings made from fluororubber were more heat stable than O-rings made from fluorosilicone rubber, i.e. they can withstand higher operating temperatures in an air atmosphere. Fluoroelastomers can recover quickly and are used to manufacture products which should have a high heat resistance during operation and high resistance to aggressive coolants.