UV exposure on materials

UV exposure on materials

UV exposure on materials

29 May 2023

UV exposure on materials
It's wonderful to be enjoying good weather but exposure to prolonged periods of UV can damage and degrade lots of materials (including our skin!). Just like when certain items are left outdoors and you notice a colour change, fading or bleaching effect - that's UV doing its work on the material. For products and seal types, remember to use the right material for the right application. Here's a quick run down on the type of material used in o-rings, seal products and more...

NR - Natural Rubber

Good abrasion and low temperature resistance but not resistant to oils, fuels or UV exposure.

  • Temperature range: -60°C to +75°C
  • Hardness shore A: 50°C to 80°C

EPDM

Excellent resistance to UV but not compatible with oils or fuels.

  • Temperature range: -50°C to +130°C
  • Hardness shore A: 50°C to 80°C

CR Neoprene

Exceptional resistance to UV. Good flame retardation qualities too.

  • Temperature range: -40°C to +95°C
  • Hardness shore A: 50°C to 80°C

NBR Nitrile

Acrylonitrilebutadiene Rubber
Not suitable for prolonged exposure to UV but exceptional resistance to oils and good resistance to fuels.

  • Temperature range: -20°C to +100°C
  • Hardness shore A: 50°C to 80°C

PVC

Excellent chemical resistance and usually has an additive applied for increased UV protection (PVC UV). Not to be confused with PVCU or uPVC which just means PVC unplasticised, or rigid PVC.

  • Temperature range: -20°C to +40°C

TBR - Thermoplastic Rubber

Excellent UV and temperature properties. Reasonable resistance to oils and fuels.

  • Temperature range: -20°C to +60°C

SI - Silicone

Excellent resistance to UV, oils and chemicals. Little resistance to fuels.

  • Temperature range: -60°C to +200°C
  • Hardness shore A: 30°C to +70°C

SBR - Styrene Butadiene Rubber

Resistance to wear and abrasion but not recommended for contacts where oils, fuels or UV are likely.

  • Temperature range: -55°C to +85°C
  • Hardness shore A: 60°C to +70°C

FPM (Viton™)

Excellent all round resistance to high temperature, chemicals, oils, fuels and UV.

  • Temperature range: -20°C to +200°C
  • Hardness shore A: 70°C to 80°C

POLYURETHANE - PU

Not recommended for applications where there is UV exposure.

  • Temperature range: -30°C to +85°C
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