Resiliency of Silicone O-Rings

The recovery of silicone o-rings after 23% compression at room temperature (22 degrees C) was determined. Two sets of experiments were performed. To determine the effect of temperature on resiliency, the recovery of o-rings that had been compressed for 24 h at room temperature was measured at both 22 degrees C and -7 degrees C. To determine the effect of storage under compression on resiliency, the recovery at 22 degrees C of o-rings compressed at room temperature for 6 months or 1 year was compared with those compressed for 24 h. In addition, the effect of a silicone lubricant on the recovery of the o-rings was determined. The initial room temperature recovery of silicone o-rings after being compressed for 6 months is somewhat slower than those compressed for 24 h. There is very little change in the recovery of the o-rings compressed for 1 year compared with those compressed for 6 months. Recovery after 24 h of compression is slower at -7 degrees C than at 22 degrees C. Silicone oil lubricant appears to aid recovery after 24 h of compression but has little effect after 6 months or I year of compression. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 114: 843-846, 2009