The experts at Smithers have years of experience conducting moisture content testing for rubber and elastomeric materials.
Some service environments can lead to moisture absorption in rubber and elastomeric materials. Understanding the moisture content of a given material can provide an indication of how it will perform.
High moisture content in certain materials can lead to detrimental effects such as:
Stress concentration
Poor processability
Chemical reactions
Corrosion of the surface that the material is in contact with
Hygroscopic materials absorb moisture from the surrounding environment and typically require storage in sealed containers. The water content of materials is generally measured through titration on a volumetric or gravimetric basis.
Common Standards
ASTM D6304—Standard Test Method for Determination of Water in Petroleum Products, Lubricating Oils, and Additives by Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration
ASTM D6738—Standard Test Method for Precipitated Silica—Volatile Content