The sealing ring is not resistant to aging. How to deal with it?

Regarding the problem of the sealing ring being not resistant to aging, comprehensive solutions can be implemented from multiple aspects such as material selection, daily maintenance, repair treatment, environmental control, and the application of advanced technologies. The specific methods are as follows:

I. Material Selection: Enhance Anti-Aging Performance from the Source

Select materials with excellent anti-aging properties

Fluorine rubber: The main chain is a Si-O bond structure, with excellent air aging resistance. It retains elasticity even after five years of outdoor exposure, and its hardness only increases by 2 degrees after continuous aging in 200°C hot air for 10 days, while its tensile strength and elongation at break remain good.

Silicone rubber: Resistant to high temperatures, ozone, and ultraviolet rays, suitable for sealing scenarios exposed to harsh environments for a long time.

Nitrile rubber (NBR): Has good oil resistance, wear resistance, and anti-aging properties, suitable for general industrial applications.

Optimize formulation design

Add antioxidants (such as 3-hydroxybutyric acid-α-naphthylamine, N-phenyl-β-naphthylamine) and anti-ultraviolet agents (such as salicylate esters, benzophenone derivatives) to slow down rubber oxidation and photolysis rates.

Add composite anti-aging agents and nano-silica and other fillers to enhance the anti-aging performance and mechanical strength of the sealing ring.

II. Daily Maintenance: Delay the Aging Process

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regularly clean the surface of the sealing ring to remove oil stains, dust, and other impurities, avoiding the residue of corrosive substances.

Apply rubber maintenance agent or food-grade silicone grease evenly on the surface of the sealing ring to enhance flexibility and anti-aging ability.

Avoid harsh environments

Prevent the sealing ring from coming into contact with mineral oil, corrosive chemical liquids, etc., as these substances may cause expansion, contraction, or accelerate aging.

Avoid long-term exposure to high temperatures, strong light, and humid environments to reduce the effects of thermal aging, photolysis, and hygrothermal aging.

III. Repair Treatment: Addressing Minor Aging Issues

Surface Repair

Slight hardening: Wipe the sealing ring with medical alcohol or a dedicated cleaner, dry it, and apply silicone grease to restore elasticity.

Local cracks: Fill the cracks with sealing ring repair glue (such as silicone repair glue), test the sealing performance after curing.

Physical Repair Method

Minor deformation: Restore through natural room temperature or hot water soaking to soften and adjust the shape.

Severe aging: Sand the surface with fine sandpaper and apply rubber protection agent, but if severely deformed or broken, replace directly.

IV. Environmental Control: Reducing Aging Factors

Temperature and Humidity Management

Avoid using the sealing ring in extreme temperatures. High temperatures accelerate thermal aging and oxidation reactions, while low temperatures may cause the rubber to harden and become brittle.

Control humidity to prevent changes in the rubber's molecular structure under humid conditions, which leads to performance degradation.

Light Protection

For transparent or light-colored sealing rings, use anti-ultraviolet coatings or shading materials to reduce the impact of light aging.

V. Advanced Technology Application: Enhancing Sealing Ring Performance

3D Printing Technology

Select weather-resistant materials (such as ASA) for 3D printing to produce outdoor-use sealing components. Select the most suitable material through anti-aging performance testing.

Laser Manufacturing Technology

Utilize the high precision and material control advantages of laser to process complex-structured sealing rings, enhancing anti-aging performance and sealing effect.

VI. Regular Inspection and Replacement: Ensuring Long-Term Reliability Visual inspection

Check whether there are any cracks, deformations, hardening or whitening phenomena on the surface of the sealing ring, and observe whether the texture is soft and elastic. Functional testing

Use the paper strip test method (place a thin strip of paper between the sealed area, close it and then try to pull it out) or the soap water test method (apply soap water and then vacuum, observe the bubbles) to locate the leak point.

Replace promptly

If the sealing ring is severely aged (such as large cracks or poor sealing), it is necessary to immediately replace it with a high-quality sealing ring that matches the equipment and ensure proper installation.

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