Aging and Weathering of Rubber

Abstract

Abstract Terminology in this field is confused and in need of clarification. In 1945, the various types of breakdown of rubber were classified as follows: (see PDF for table) In general, several of the effects cited above occur simultaneously, and may contribute jointly to the final result. General terms, such as aging and weathering, have been used widely, without any clear definition. Schidrowitz differentiates between the two terms as follows: weathering may perhaps be differentiated from aging by assuming that the former describes the effects of attack on rubber by the atmosphere under conditions of external exposure, i.e., to sun, air, rain, and wind, whereas the latter correlates effects produced in the absence of any continuous or excessive external exposure.