Shelf Life for Rubber Products
Per the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (RMA) findings, heat and moisture are the most common hazards to affect sheet rubber in the warehousing environment. With many variables involved, it is impossible to guarantee rubber products for any specific period of time. In addition, other special situations can cause deterioration — such as storage of rubber close to ozone producing electrical equipment (i.e. generators).
Our best time estimate allows for no appreciable change in physical properties for a six-month period, and if stored in a favorable environment (cool & dry area) — at 70°F preferably covered so light, radiation, and humidity/vapors cannot get to the material — the material should have a shelf life as follows:
| COMMON / TRADE NAME | TYPE OF RUBBER POLYMER | RECOMMENDED
SHELF LIFE |
|---|
| Silicone |
Silicone |
20 Years |
| Viton® |
Fluoroelastomer |
| Butyl |
Isobutylene-isoprene |
5-10 years |
| EPDM |
Ethylene-propylene |
| Neoprene |
Polychloroprene |
| Nitrile / Buna-N |
Acrylonitrile-butadiene |
| Commercial Grade Neoprene |
Polychloroprene Blend |
3-5 years |
| Commercial Grade Nitrile / Buna-N |
Acrylonitrile-butadiene Blend |
| Natural Rubber |
|
| SBR |
Styrene-butadiene |
| Synthetic Natural Rubber |
Polyisoprene |
Storage
Rubber is a flexible material affected by temperature and humidity. Distortion can occur when parts are packed for shipment. This distortion makes it difficult to measure parts property. Some distortion can be minimized by storing parts as unstressed as possible for 24 hours at room temperature.