Experimental investigation of permanent shape deformations formed on engine thermostat seal

The aim of this research is to investigate permanent shape deformations of seals produced by different material properties using in the vehicle engine thermostats and to find out the best one among the investigated materials. Considering problem, the seals produced have high permanent shape deformation rate. This has been indicated that the EPDM rubber used was not produced due to necessary production conditions. Application of the ASTM D395 test has been decided to find out the best production conditions. Four different types of rubber, which were called as X, A, B, C, have been used as a sample. In these types, X was produced by the sulphur vulcanisation and others produced by the peroxide vulcanisation. When the samples prepared was tested, the samples, which were produced by the peroxide vulcanisation, were the long lasting as compared with the samples, which were produced by sulphur vulcanised. Due to result of these tests, the vulcanisation system has changed in the rubber production and then the rubber type with peroxide vulcanisation has begun to be used.