ASTM D5964-07(2014)

3.1 The reference immersion oils described in this practice are required for the development of oil-resistant rubber compounds for use in environments where contact with petroleum-based solvents and oils is encountered. Tests for tensile strength, percent elongation at break, hardness, and percent volume swell are performed after a specified immersion time period (at a specified temperature) in the evaluation of oil-resistant rubbers. The results of such testing by rubber product manufacturers and their customers are used to develop oil-resistant rubbers or compounds, or both.

3.2 Testing with ASTM Oils No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 is used to verify compliance with purchase specifications which reference the oil-resistant classes of rubbers and elastomers listed in Table 6 of Classification D2000. These oils are also used in comparative performance evaluation testing of O-rings and O-ring compounds as cited in Test Methods D1414. The use of these reference oils is required for the development and selection of oil-resistant rubber compounds having acceptable or optimum performance characteristics, or both.

1.1 This practice covers three immersion oils to be used as replacements for ASTM No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 immersion oils as called for in Test Method D471. The immersion oils will be designated as IRM 901 as a replacement for ASTM No. 1 oil, IRM 902 as a replacement for ASTM No. 2 oil, and IRM 903 as a replacement for ASTM No. 3 oil. The new reference oils have been developed under a new Committee D11 policy on reference materials (see Practice D4678 for background on the new policy and procedures).

1.2 The oils, IRM 901, IRM 902, and IRM 903, are similar but not fully equivalent to ASTM No.1, ASTM No. 2, and ASTM No. 3 oil, respectively. Refer to Table 1 for a description of the typical properties and specifications for these oils.

1.3 This practice gives the necessary background and details on the changeover from the previous oils to the new oils. See Annex A1 for additional information on the commercial oils selected to replace ASTM No. 2 and No. 3 oil and the test program conducted for this selection process. The changeover from ASTM to IRM oils is proposed in two steps:

1.4 The EVS values are calculated on the basis of “correction equations” derived from one of two sources.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.