Key Physical Property Tests of Rubber Materials
To guarantee rubber fenders performance and durability, it is essential to evaluate the physical properties of rubber through standardized testing. Among the various test methods, hardness, tensile strength, and elongation at break under condition of before aging and after aging are three of the most fundamental and widely used.
These tests are usually conducted in accordance with international standards such as ISO, ASTM, or DIN, depending on customer requirements.
Hardness Test (Shore A)
This test measures the resistance of rubber to indentation. It helps determine the material’s flexibility and stiffness, which are important factors in shock absorption and structural integrity.
- Typical standards: ISO 7619, ASTM D2240
- Result unit: Shore A
Tensile Strength Test
Tensile strength refers to the maximum stress the rubber can withstand while being stretched before breaking. It reflects the material’s strength and durability, especially under tension.
- Typical standards: ISO 37, ASTM D412
- Result unit: MPa (megapascal)
Elongation at Break
This measures how much the rubber can stretch before it breaks, indicating its flexibility and deformation capacity. High elongation is often desired in dynamic applications.
- Typical standards: ISO 37, ASTM D412
- Result unit: Percentage (%)
These physical property tests play a key role in material selection, quality control, and performance validation.