Environmental Factors and Considerations
Gaskets and seals, by their very nature, are critical components.
Their function is to “compartmentalize” the environment
- keeping something out, or keeping something in a compartment.
There are two distinct stages in the life of a gasket or seal:
the initial fit and function and, most important, its long-life
aging, the ability to withstand the environmental factors acting
upon it over time. When proper considerations are followed,
the gasket or seal will not be the weakest link among all of
the components in a product.
The Material Specifications
The material specifications section following describes the
strengths and limitations of each material formulation. In
any gasket or seal application there are usually two or more
critical environmental factors to be addressed.
- Temperature extremes - heat, cold
- Weather - water, ozone, sunlight (ultraviol
- Flammability - UL specifications, heat resistance
- Organic materials - fungus resistance, odor, tastelessness
- Impermeability - exposure to gases
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