ISO 3384-2 specifies two methods for determining the decrease in counterforce exerted by a test piece of vulcanized or thermoplastic rubber which has been compressed to a constant deformation and then undergoes temperature cycling.
The counterforce is determined by means of a continuous-measurement system.
Two forms of test pieces are specified in ISO 3384-2: cylindrical test pieces and rings. Comparison of results is valid only when made on test pieces of similar size and shape.
The use of ring test pieces is particularly suitable for the determination of stress relaxation in liquid environments.
ISO 3384-2 on Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic is relevant to:
Vulcanization process involves heating rubber with sulphur, accelerator and activator at 140–160°C.
ISO 3384-2 specifies two test methods in which in method A the compression and all measurements of counterforce are made at test temperature and in method B the compression and all measurements of counterforce are made at standard laboratory temperature.
ISO 3384-2 provides two cycling test methods, which are designed to perform the following tasks:
Overall, ISO 3384-2 is a comprehensive guide to provide methods for determining the stress relaxation in compression with temperature cycling, so users will gain a comprehensive understanding of the quality of vulcanized rubber to improve durability and strength.
BS EN 3384-2:2019 supersedes BS EN 3384-2:2012, which is withdrawn and includes:
ISO 3384-1