Choosing the wrong elastomer for seals, O-rings, hoses and rubber parts leads to chemical incompatibility and early failure. Rubber identification shows which elastomer a part is made of and whether it matches the order. Analysis is performed on an FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectrometer using the ATR (attenuated total reflection) technique; solid, liquid, paste and film samples are usually measured without preparation. The spectrum is compared with reference libraries to identify the material. For highly filled rubbers, the pyrolysate can be measured where needed.
Identified
- NBR, HNBR, EPDM, FKM (Viton), SBR, NR, CR (neoprene), IIR, VMQ (silicone), polyurethane and thermoplastic elastomers
- Spectral comparison with a reference part
Reference Standards
- ASTM D3677 – Rubber identification by infrared spectrophotometry
- ISO 4650 – Rubber, identification, infrared spectrometric method
Reporting
The report includes the sample spectrum, the closest library matches with match quality, and an evaluation. Where a comparison is required, a reference (approved) sample should also be sent.