Characterization of Aging Kinetics and DLO-effect in Rubbers

The service life of elastomer components is limited by aging processes. This paper focuses specifically on the time and temperature dependency or kinetic aspects of reaction mechanisms and the spatial development of material changes. The diffusion limited oxidation effect (DLO) is of high interest because of material changes at the surface and makes the material sensitive against tears during mechanical load.

The investigations are carried out by means of different chemical analytical tools and nano-indentation.