What is the reason for the aging of the sealing ring?

The aging of sealing rings is a complex process involving the interaction of multiple factors. The following are some of the main reasons for the aging of sealing rings:
High temperature impact:
High temperature is one of the main reasons for the aging of sealing rings. When the sealing ring is exposed to high temperature environment, its material will become hard and lose elasticity, making it unable to effectively maintain its original shape and function.
High temperature can also accelerate oxidation reactions in materials, leading to material decomposition and aging. For example, in a hot water kettle, the sealing ring is exposed to high temperatures for a long time, which accelerates its aging process.
Low temperature environment:
In extreme low temperature environments, sealing rings may become fragile and lose their elasticity, easily damaged or torn, and unable to effectively maintain their original shape and function.
Chemical medium action:
When the sealing ring comes into contact with a chemical medium, a series of chemical reactions occur, leading to aging. For example, oxidation reactions can cause materials to become harder, brittle, and lose their elasticity.
Acidic, corrosive, and solvent based chemical media can cause varying degrees of damage to the sealing ring, accelerating its aging process.
Mechanical stress:
The sealing ring is subjected to pressure during use, and if the pressure exceeds its design range, it may cause failure or damage.
During long-term cyclic loading and deformation, the material of the sealing ring may exhibit small cracks and deformations, thereby reducing its performance. This fatigue damage will reduce the resilience and elastic recovery of the sealing ring, thereby lowering its sealing performance.
Friction and wear:
When the sealing ring comes into contact with other components, friction will occur between them. If the friction is too high or the time is too long, it may cause wear or scratches on the surface of the sealing ring, and ultimately lead to aging.
Improper material selection:
Choosing unsuitable materials may also lead to aging of the sealing ring. For example, certain materials may not be able to withstand high or low temperatures under specific environmental conditions, thereby accelerating their aging process.
Radiation aging:
If the sealing ring is irradiated by a radiation source (such as ultraviolet rays), its material molecular structure will change, leading to aging. Especially for sealing rings used in high radiation environments such as space and aerospace, they are more susceptible to radiation aging.
Humidity and moisture:
The humid environment and the possible residual moisture in the sealing ring during use may accelerate the aging process of the sealing ring.
In summary, the aging of sealing rings is the result of multiple factors working together. In order to extend the service life of the sealing ring and maintain its stable performance, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the above factors and take corresponding measures for prevention and maintenance.