Accelerated Life Prediction of Ethylene-Propylene Diene Monomer Rubber Subjected to Combined Degradation

The EPDM(ethylene-propylene diene monomer) rubbers used for manufacturing engine radiator hoses can be degraded by locally generated electrical stress in addition to thermal and mechanical stresses. This study presents an accelerated life prediction of the EPDM rubber under electrochemical stresses using the Arrhenius formula under various aging temperatures (60 degrees C, 80 degrees C, and 100 degrees C). The modified life prediction formula considers the relationship between the gradient (Ea/R) and the Arrhenius constant (C). The effects of tensile strain (5%, 10%) on the life of these rubbers were investigated. The aging temperature influences EPDM rubber life, and tensile strain was predicted. It was confirmed that the modified life prediction was within the data deviation level of the test.