Rubber Ozone Aging Test Chamber

The rubber ozone aging test chamber is a specialized testing device used to simulate the ozone environment in the atmosphere and evaluate the weather resistance and long-term service life of rubber materials under the influence of ozone. The following provides a detailed introduction from five aspects: equipment principle, functional features, application areas, technical standards, and key operational points:

I. Equipment Principle

Ozone Generation

Using the principle of corona discharge, oxygen molecules (O₂) in dry air are excited into individual oxygen atoms (O), which then combine with another oxygen molecule to form ozone (O₃). Ozone concentration can be precisely controlled by adjusting the current and voltage of the generator.

Environmental Simulation

The equipment can simulate ozone concentration (5–500 ppm), temperature (25°C–70°C), and humidity (40%–98% RH) under sealed, light-free conditions, accelerating the oxidation reaction of rubber materials and shortening the aging cycle.

Dynamic Stretching

Supports both static and dynamic testing modes:

Static Test: Samples are fixed and directly exposed to the ozone environment to observe surface cracking or performance changes.

Dynamic Test: Samples are exposed to the ozone environment under tensile conditions (elongation rate of 5%–45%) to simulate the stress state during actual use.

II. Functional Features

Precise Control

Ozone Concentration Control: Utilizes ultraviolet photometers or chemical reagent sensors to monitor and feedback concentration information in real-time, automatically adjusting output through a closed-loop system to ensure concentration stability (deviation ≤ ±10%).

Temperature and Humidity Control: Equipped with high-precision temperature control and humidity regulation devices to meet various testing condition requirements.

Sample Observation

Built-in lighting system allows real-time observation of sample surface changes, such as cracking and hardness variations, facilitating recording and analysis.

Safety Protection

Includes protection functions against leakage, short circuits, overheating, and motor overheating to ensure safe equipment operation.

Data Recording

Some devices support data storage and printing functions, enabling the recording of key parameters during the testing process for traceability and analysis.

III. Application Areas

Rubber Industry

Testing the ozone aging resistance of rubber products such as tires, seals, hoses, and conveyor belts.

Evaluating the protective efficacy of anti-ozonants (e.g., p-phenylenediamines, microcrystalline wax) in rubber formulations.

Automotive Industry

Inspecting the crack and aging resistance of rubber components like door seals and engine parts in ozone environments to ensure long-term safety.

Cable Industry

Assessing the ozone resistance of cable insulation and sheath materials to prevent insulation failure due to aging.

Medical Devices

Testing the ozone resistance of medical devices containing rubber components (e.g., catheters, seals) during storage and use to ensure product safety.

Research and Development

Material scientists and engineers use the equipment to study the ozone resistance of new materials, providing data support for developing more durable products.

IV. Technical Standards

Equipment design and testing methods must comply with the following international and domestic standards:

GB/T 7762-2003: Static tensile test method for ozone cracking resistance of vulcanized or thermoplastic rubber.

GB/T 13642: Dynamic tensile test method for ozone aging resistance of rubber.

GB/T 2951.21-2008: General test methods for insulating and sheathing materials of electric cables.

ASTM D1149, ISO 1431, DIN 53509: Internationally recognized standards for ozone aging resistance testing of rubber.

V. Key Operational Points

Pre-Test Preparation

Check the connections of the power supply and gas source to ensure stable operation of the ozone generator, temperature, and humidity control systems.

Set parameters such as ozone concentration, temperature, humidity, and elongation rate according to testing standards.

Sample Installation

Static Test: Fix the sample on the sample holder, ensuring it is parallel to the airflow direction.

Dynamic Test: Adjust the distance and stretching frequency of the dynamic turntable based on sample dimensions, then initiate the stretching and rotation functions after installation.

Test Process Monitoring

Regularly observe surface changes of the sample and record data such as cracking and hardness variations.

Ensure stable environmental parameters inside the test chamber and avoid external interference.

Post-Test Handling

After the test, remove the sample for performance testing (e.g., tensile strength, elongation, hardness).

Clean the interior of the test chamber, turn off the power and gas supply, and perform equipment maintenance.