Specifies storage in compressed oxygen at high pressure (traditionally known as "oxygen bomb" testing), though modern industrial testing increasingly favors atmospheric heat aging as it more closely mimics real-world sealing environments. Property Assessment:
It is important to note that DIN 53508 is largely harmonized with the international standard (Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic – Accelerated ageing and heat resistance tests). However, the DIN version often includes specific tolerances and procedural clarifications preferred in Central European automotive and industrial sectors.
Standard exposure intervals include: 24, 48, 72, 96 hours, and up to 7, 14, 28, or 42 days. The choice depends on the expected service life.
Specimens are prepared according to other standards (like DIN 53504 for tensile testing).
Imagine a rubber gasket sealing a flange on a high-pressure engine. Over time, that rubber is compressed. If the material is of low quality, it will lose its "memory." When you remove the pressure, the rubber doesn't spring back to its original shape; it stays squashed. This permanent deformation is the "compression set."