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This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D395 − 18

Standard Test Methods for

Rubber Property—Compression Set1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D395; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 These test methods cover the testing of rubber intended 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
for use in applications in which the rubber will be subjected to D1349 Practice for Rubber—Standard Conditions for Test-
compressive stresses in air or liquid media. They are applicable ing
particularly to the rubber used in machinery mountings, vibra- D3182 Practice for Rubber—Materials, Equipment, and Pro-
tion dampers, and seals. Three test methods are covered as cedures for Mixing Standard Compounds and Preparing
follows: Standard Vulcanized Sheets
Test Method Section D3183 Practice for Rubber—Preparation of Pieces for Test
Purposes from Products
A—Compression Set Under Constant Force in Air 8 – 11
B—Compression Set Under Constant Deflection in Air 12 – 15
D3767 Practice for Rubber—Measurement of Dimensions
C—Compression Set Under Constant Deflection in Air 16 – 21 D4483 Practice for Evaluating Precision for Test Method
Considering Material Hardness Standards in the Rubber and Carbon Black Manufacturing
1.2 The choice of test method is optional, but consideration Industries
should be given to the nature of the service for which E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
correlation of test results may be sought. Unless otherwise Ventilation Ovens
stated in a detailed specification, Test Method B shall be used.
3. Summary of Test Methods
1.3 Test Method B is not suitable for vulcanizates harder
3.1 A test specimen is compressed to either a deflection or
than 90 IRHD.
by a specified force and maintained under this condition for a
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the specified time and at a specified temperature.
standard.
3.2 The residual deformation of a test specimen is measured
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the 30 min after removal from a suitable compression device in
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the which the specimen had been subjected for a definite time to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- compressive deformation under specified conditions.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.3 After the measurement of the residual deformation, the
compression set, as specified in the appropriate test method, is
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
calculated according to Eq 1 and Eq 2.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 4. Significance and Use
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 4.1 Compression set tests are intended to measure the ability
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. of rubber compounds to retain elastic properties after pro-
longed action of compressive stresses. The actual stressing
service may involve the maintenance of a definite deflection,
the constant application of a known force, or the rapidly
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D11 on
Rubber and Rubber-like Materials and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
2
D11.10 on Physical Testing. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2018. Published September 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1934. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D395 – 16ε1. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D0395-18. the ASTM website.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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D395 − 18
repeated deformation and recovery resulting from intermittent and then followed by buffing to the required thickness in
compressive forces. Though the latter dynamic stressing, like accordance with Practice D3183.
the others, produces compression set, its effects as a whole are 5.5 An alternative method of preparing specimens is by
simulated more closely by compression flexing or hysteresis plying up cylindrical disks cut from a standard sheet prepared
tests. Therefore, compression set tests are considered to be in accordance with Practice D3182 using the specimen sizes
mainly applicable to service conditions involving static specified in 5.2.1 and cutting as described in 5.2.2, or where a
stresses. Tests are frequently conducted at elevated tempera- drill press is not available cutting the specimens with a single
tures. stroke from a cutting die.
5.5.1 The disks shall be plied, without cementing, to the
5. Test Specimens thickness required. Such plies shall be smooth, flat, of uniform
5.1 Specimens from each sample may be tested in duplicate thickness, and shall not exceed seven in number for Type 1
(Option 1) or triplicate (Option 2). The compression set of the specimens and four in number for Type 2 specimens.
sample in Option 1 shall be the average of the two specimens 5.5.2 Care shall be taken during handling and placing of the
expressed as a percentage. The compression set of the sample plied test specimen in the test fixture by keeping the circular
in Option 2 shall be the median (middle most value) of the faces parallel and at right angles to the axis of the cylinder.
three specimens expressed as a percentage. 5.5.3 The results obtained on plied specimens may be
different from those obtained using solid specimens and the
5.2 The standard test specimen shall be a cylindrical disk
results may be variable, particularly if air is trapped between
cut from a laboratory prepared slab.
disks.
5.2.1 The dimensions of the standard specimens shall be: 5.5.4 The results obtained on the specimens prepared by one
Type 1A 2B of the methods may be compared only to those prepared by the
Thickness, mm (in.) 12.5 ± 0.5 6.0 ± 0.2 same method.
(0.49 ± 0.02) (0.24 ± 0.01)
Diameter, mm (in.) 29.0 ± 0.5 13.0 ± 0.2
5.6 For routine or product specification testing, it is some-
(1.14 ± 0.02) (0.51 ± 0.01) times more convenient to prepare specimens of a different size
or shape, or both. When such specimens are used, the results
A
B
Type 1 specimen is used in Test Methods A, B, and C. should be compared only with those obtained from specimens
Type 2 specimen is used in Test Method B and C.
of similar size and shape and not with those obtained with
5.2.2 When cutting the standard specimen, the circular die standard specimen. For such cases, the product specification
having the required inside dimensions specified in 5.2.1 shall should define the specimen as to the size and shape. If suitable
be rotated in a drill press or similar device and lubricated by specimens cannot be prepared from the product, the test
means of a soap solution. A minimum distance of 13 mm (0.51 method and allowable limits must be agreed upon between the
in.) shall be maintained between the cutting edge of the die and producer and the purchaser.
the edge of the slab. The cutting pressure shall be as light as
possible to minimize cupping of the cut edges. The dies shall 6. Conditioning
be maintained carefully so that the cutting edges are sharp and 6.1 Store all vulcanized test specimens or product samples
free of nicks. to be tested at least 24 h but not more than 60 days. When the
5.3 An optional method of preparing the standard specimen date of vulcanization is not known, make tests within 60 days
may be the direct molding of a circular disk having the after delivery by the producer of the article represented by the
dimensions required for the test method used and specified in specimen.
5.2.1. 6.2 Allow buffed specimens to rest at least 30 min before
specimens are cut for testing.
NOTE 1—It should be recognized that an equal time and temperature, if
used for both the slab and molded specimen, will not produce an 6.3 Condition all specimens before testing for a minimum of
equivalent state of cure in the two types of specimen. A higher degree of 3 h at 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F). Specimens whose compression
cure will be obtained in the molded specimen. Adjustments, preferably in set properties are affected by atmospheric moisture shall be
the time of cure, must be taken into consideration if comparisons between
the specimens prepared by different methods are to be considered valid. conditioned for a minimum of 24 h in an atmosphere controlled
NOTE 2—It is suggested, for the purpose of uniformity and closer to a relative humidity of 50 6 10 %RH (40 to 60 %RH).
tolerances in the molded specimen, that the dimensions of the mold be
specified and shrinkage compensated for therein. A two-plate mold with a 7. Precision and Bias3
cavity 13.0 6 0.1 mm (0.510 6 0.004 in.) in thickness and 29.20 6 0.05
mm (1.148 6 0.002 in.) in diameter, with overflow grooves, will provide 7.1 These precision statements have been prepared in ac-
Type 1 specimens for Test Method A and Test Method B. A similar mold cordance with Practice D4483. Please refer to Practice D4483
but having a cavity of 6.3 6 0.3 mm (0.25 6 0.012 in.) in thickness and for terminology and other testing and statistical concepts.
13.3 6 0.1 mm (0.52 6 0.004 in.) in diameter will provide Type 2
specimens for Test Method B. 7.2 Prepared test specimens of two rubbers for Test Methods
A and B were supplied to five laboratories. These were tested
5.4 When the standard test specimen is to be replaced by a
specimen taken from a vulcanized rubber part of greater
thickness than the one indicated in 5.2.1, the sample thickness 3
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
shall be reduced first by cutting transversely with a sharp knife be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D11-1138.

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D395 − 18
in duplicate each day on two separate testing days. A test result, TABLE 2 Type 1 Precision Results, % Compression Set—Test
therefore, is the average of two test specimens, for both Test Method B
Methods A and B. Mean Within LaboratoryA Between LaboratoryA
Material
Level Sr r (r) SR R (R)
7.3 One laboratory did not run the Test Method A testing; 1 13.7 (%) 0.591 1.67 12.2 1.54 4.36 31.8
therefore, the precision for Test Method A is derived from four 2 52.8 0.567 1.60 3.0 5.92 16.8 31.7
A
laboratories. Sr = within laboratory standard deviation.
r = repeatability (in measurement units).
7.4 The Type 1 precision results are given in Table 1 and (r) = repeatability (in percent).
SR = between laboratory standard deviation.
Table 2. R = reproducibility (in measurement units).
7.5 Bias—In test method statistical terminology, bias is the (R) = reproducibility (in percent).
difference between an average test value and the reference or
true test property value. Reference values do not exist for these
test methods since the value or level of the test property is
exclusively defined by the test method. Bias, therefore, cannot
be determined.
TEST METHOD A—COMPRESSION SET UNDER
CONSTANT FORCE IN AIR

8. Apparatus
8.1 Micrometer—A micrometer, analog or digital, for mea-
suring specimen thickness, in accordance with Practice D3767,
Method A1.
8.2 Compression Device, consisting of a force application
spring and two parallel compression plates assembled by
means of a frame or threaded bolt in such a manner that the
device shall be portable and self-contained after the force has
been applied and that the parallelism of the plates shall be
maintained. The force may be applied in accordance with either
8.2.1 or 8.2.2.
8.2.1 Calibrated Spring Force Application—The required
force shall be applied by a screw mechanism for compressing
a calibrated spring the proper amount. The spring shall be of
properly heat-treated spring steel with ends ground and per-
pendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spring. A suitable
compression device is shown in Fig. 1. The spring shall
conform to the following requirements:
8.2.1.1 The spring shall be calibrated at room temperature FIG. 1 Device for Compression Set Test, Using Calibrated Spring
Loading, Test Method A
23 6 5°C (73.4 6 9°F) by applying successive increments of
force not exceeding 250 N (50 lbf) and measuring the
corresponding deflection to the nearest 0.2 mm (0.01 in.). The
the two forces above and below 1.8 kN by the difference
curve obtained by plotting the forces against the corresponding
between the corresponding deflections.
deflections shall have a slope of 70 6 3.5 kN/m (400 6 20
8.2.1.2 The original dimensions of the spring shall not
lbf/in.) at 1.8 kN (400 lbf). The slope is obtained by dividing
change due to fatigue by more than 0.3 mm (0.01 in.) after it
has been mounted in the compression device, compressed
under a force of 1.8 kN (400 lbf), and heated in the oven for
TABLE 1 Type 1 Precision Results, % Compression Set—Test one week at 70 6 2°C (158 6 3.6°F). In ordinary use, a weekly
Method A check of the dimensions shall show no greater change than this
Mean Within LaboratoryA Between LaboratoryA over a period of 1 year.
Material
Level Sr r (r) SR R (R) 8.2.1.3 The minimum force required to close the spring
(solid) shall be 2.4 kN (530 lbf).
1 1.73 (%) 0.050 0.142 8.2 0.190 0.54 31.1 8.2.2 External Force Application—The required force shall
2 26.1 0.898 2.54 9.7 2.37 6.71 25.7
A
be applied to the compression plates and spring by external
Sr = within laboratory standard deviation.
r = repeatability (in measurement units).
means after the test specimen is mounted in the apparatus.
(r) = repeatability (in percent). Either a calibrated compression machine or known masses may
SR = between laboratory standard deviation. be used for force application. Provision shall be made by the
R = reproducibility (in measurement units).
(R) = reproducibility (in percent). use of bolts and nuts or other devices to prevent the specimen
and spring from losing their initial deflections when the

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D395 − 18
external force is removed. The spring shall have essentially the 8.4.3 Provision shall be made for placing test specimens in
same characteristics as described in 8.2.1, but calibration is not the oven without touching each other or the sides of the aging
required. A suitable compression device is shown in Fig. 2. chamber.
8.3 Plates—The plates between which the test specimen is 8.4.4 The heating medium for the aging chamber shall be air
compressed shall be made of steel of sufficient thickness to circulated within it at atmospheric pressure.
withstand the compressive stresses without bending. 8.4.5 The source of heat is optional but shall be located in
8.3.1 The surfaces against which the specimen is held shall the air supply outside of the aging chamber.
have an industrial chrome (hard chrome) plated finish and shall 8.4.6 A suitable temperature measurement device located in
be cleaned thoroughly and wiped dry before each test. the upper central portion of the chamber near the test speci-
8.3.2 The steel surfaces contacting the rubber specimens mens shall be provided to record the actual aging temperature.
shall be ground to a maximum roughness of 0.250 µm (10 8.4.7 Automatic temperature control by means of thermo-
µin.), polished, and industrial chrome (hard chrome) plated. static regulation shall be used.
8.3.3 The polishing and subsequent industrial chrome (hard 8.4.8 The following special precautions shall be taken in
chrome) plating shall not affect the final finish beyond the order that accurate, uniform heating is obtained in all parts of
tolerance stated in 8.3.2. the aging chamber.
8.4.8.1 The heated air shall be thoroughly circulated in the
NOTE 3—The specifications regarding the surface roughness (smooth- oven by means of mechanical agitation. When a motor driven
ness) of the contact surfaces of the plates is to be considered only at the
time of manufacture or refurbishing as it is not a property that is easily
fan is used, the air must not come in contact with the fan motor
determined in the course of routine use. The suitability for the use of the brush discharge because of danger of ozone formation.
device is to be determined by the user. 8.4.8.2 Baffles shall be used as required to prevent local
8.4 Oven, conforming to the specification for a Type IIB overheating and dead spots.
laboratory oven given in Specification E145. 8.4.8.3 The thermostatic control device shall be so located
8.4.1 Type IIB ovens specified in Specification E145 are as to give accurate temperature control of the heating medium.
satisfactory for use through 70°C. For higher Temperatures The preferred location is adjacent to the temperature measuring
Type II A ovens are necessary. device listed in section 8.4.6.
8.4.2 The interior size shall be as follows or of an equivalent 8.4.8.4 An actual check shall be made by means of maxi-
volume: mum reading thermometers placed in various parts of the oven
to verify the uniformity of the heating.
Interior size of air oven:
min. 300 by 300 by 300 mm (12 by 12 by 12 in.)
max. 900 by 900 by 1200 mm (36 by 36 by 48 in.) 9. Procedure
9.1 Original Thickness Measurement—Measure the original
thickness of the specimen to the nearest 0.02 mm (0.001 in.),
in accordance with Practice D3767, Method A1. Place the
specimen on the anvil of the micrometer so that the presser foot
will indicate the thickness at the central portion of the top and
bottom faces.
9.2 Application of Compressive Force—Assemble the speci-
mens in the compression device, using extreme care to place
them exactly in the center between the plates to avoid tilting. If
the calibrated spring device (see Fig. 1) is used, apply the
compressive force by tightening the screw until the deflection
as read from the scale is equivalent to that shown on the
calibration curve for the spring corresponding to a force of 1.8
kN (400 lbf). With the external loading device (see Fig. 2),
apply this force to the assembly in the compression machine or
by adding required masses, but in the latter case, take care to
add the mass gradually without shock. Tighten the nuts and
bolts just sufficiently to hold the initial deflections of the
specimen and spring. It is imperative that no additional force
be applied in tightening the bolts.
9.3 Test Time and Test Temperature—Choose a suitable
temperature and time for the compression set, depending upon
the conditions of the expected service. In comparative tests, use
identical temperature and heating periods. It is suggested that
the test temperature be chosen from those listed in Practice
D1349. Suggested test periods are 22 h and 70 h. The specimen
FIG. 2 Device for Compression Set Test, Using External Loading, shall be at room temperature when inserted in the compression
Test Method A device. Place the assembled compression device in the oven

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D395 − 18
within 2 h after completion of the assembly and allow it to 11.1.5 Compression set, expressed as a percentage of the
remain there for the required test period in dry air at the test original thickness,
temperature selected. At the end of the test period, take the 11.1.6 Test method used (Test Method A), and
device from the oven and remove the specimens immediately 11.1.7 Number of specimens tested.
and allow it to cool.
TEST METHOD B—COMPRESSION SET UNDER
9.4 Cooling Period—While cooling, allow the specimens to CONSTANT DEFLECTION IN AIR
rest on a poor thermally conducting surface, such as wood, for
30 min before making the measurement of the final thickness. 12. Apparatus
Conduct the cooling period at a standard laboratory tempera-
ture of 23 6 2°C (73.4 6 3.6°F). Specimens whose compres- 12.1 Micrometer—A micrometer, analog or digital, for mea-
sion set property is affected by atmospheric moisture shall be suring the specimen thickness, in accordance with Practice
cooled in an atmosphere controlled to a relative humidity of 50 D3767, Procedure A.
6 10 %RH (40 to 60 %RH). NOTE 4—For vulcanizates having a hardness below 35 IRHD, the force
on the presser foot should be reduced to 0.2 6 0.05 N (0.04 6 0.01 lbf).
9.5 Final Thickness Measurement—After the rest period,
measure the final thickness at the center of the specimen in 12.2 Spacers, to maintain the constant deflection required
accordance with 9.1. under Test Method B.
12.2.1 Spacers for Type 1 samples shall have a thickness of
10. Calculation 9.5 6 0.02 mm (0.375 6 0.001 in.).
10.1 Calculate the compression set as a percentage of the 12.2.2 Spacers for Type 2 samples shall have a thickness of
original thickness as follows: 4.50 6 0.01 mm (0.1770 6 0.0005 in.).
12.2.3 The spacers in 12.2.1 and 12.2.2 are to be used with
C A 5 @ ~ t o 2 t i ! /t # 3 100 (1)
o the standard specimens described in 5.2.1.
where: 12.2.3.1 Considering the Type 1 tolerances for specimens
CA = Compression set (Test Method A) as a percentage of and spacers, the % compression ranges from 20 to 26 %.
the original thickness, 12.2.3.2 The Type 2 tolerances yield a range of compression
to = original thickness (see 9.1), and from 23 to 29 %.
ti = final thickness (see 9.5). 12.2.3.3 It is important to consider the dimensions of the
spacers (Equation 2) and report their dimensions (refer to
11. Report 15.1.4).
11.1 Report the following information: 12.3 Compression Device, consisting of two or more flat
11.1.1 Original dimensions of the test specimen, including steel plates between the parallel faces of which the specimens
the original thickness, to, may be compressed as shown in Fig. 3.
11.1.2 Actual compressive force on the specimen as deter- 12.3.1 When using the standard specimens described in
mined from the calibration curve of the spring and spring 5.2.1, steel spacers refer to (12.2) for the required percentage of
deflection reading (see 8.2.1) or as applied by an external force compression (approximately 25 %) shall be placed on each side
(see 8.2.2), of the rubber specimens to control their thickness while
11.1.3 Thickness of the test specimen 30 min after removal compressed.
from the clamp, ti, 12.3.2 When using specimens other than the standard
11.1.4 Type of test specimen used, together with the time specimens, steel spacers of a dimension that will achieve the
and temperature of test, required percentage of compression (approximately 25 %)

FIG. 3 Devices for Compression Set Test Under Constant Deflection, Test Method B

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D395 − 18
shall be placed on each side of the rubber specimens to control 13.4.1 In comparative tests, use identical temperature and
their thickness while compressed. test periods.
12.3.3 The steel surfaces contacting the rubber specimens 13.4.1.1 It is suggested that the test temperature be chosen
shall be ground to a maximum roughness of 0.250 µm (10 from those listed in Practice D1349.
µin.), polished and then industrial chrome (hard chrome) plated 13.4.1.2 Suggested test periods are 22 h and 70 h.
(see Note 3). 13.4.1.3 The test specimen shall be at room temperature
12.4 Oven, see 8.4. when inserted in the compression device.
13.4.1.4 Place the assembled compression device in the
12.5 Plates—The plates between which the test specimen is oven within 2 h after completion of assembly and allow it to
compressed shall be made of steel of sufficient thickness to remain there for the required test period in dry air (refer to
withstand the compressive stresses without bending. Practice D1349 for recommended RH% based upon the test
12.5.1 The surfaces against which the specimen is held shall temperature tolerance) at the test temperature selected.
have an industrial chrome (hard chrome) finish and shall be 13.4.1.5 At the end of the test period, take the device from
cleaned thoroughly and wiped dry before each test. the oven, remove the test specimens immediately, and allow
12.5.2 The steel surfaces contacting the rubber specimens them to cool.
shall be ground to a maximum roughness of 0.250 µm (10
13.5 Cooling Period—While cooling, allow the test speci-
µin.), polished and then industrial chrome (hard chrome)
men to rest on a poor thermally conducting surface, such as
plated.
wood, for 30 min before making the measurement of the final
12.5.3 The polishing and subsequent industrial chrome
thickness. Maintain the conditions during the cooling period in
(hard chrome) plating shall not affect the final finish beyond the
accordance with 9.4.
tolerance stated in 12.5.2.
13.6 Final Thickness Measurement—After the rest period,
13. Procedure measure the final thickness at the center of the test specimen in
accordance with 13.1.
13.1 Original Specimen Thickness Measurement—Measure
the original thickness of the specimen to the nearest 0.02 mm
14. Calculation
(0.001 in.), in accordance with Practice D3767, Procedure A.
13.1.1 Place the specimen on the anvil of the micrometer so 14.1 Calculate the compression set expressed as a percent-
that the presser foot will indicate the thickness at the central age of the original deflection as follows:
portion of the top and bottom faces. C B 5 @ ~ t o 2 t i ! / ~ t o 2 t n ! # 3 100 (2)
13.2 Spacer Thickness Measurement—Measure the thick- where:
ness of the spacer to the nearest 0.01 mm (0.0005 in.), the CB = compression set (Test Method B) expressed as
gauge used to measure the specimen thickness may be used. percentage of the original deflection,
13.3 Application of Compressive Force—Place the test t0 = original thickness of specimen (13.1),
specimens between the plates of the compression device with ti = final thickness of specimen (13.6), and
the spacers on each side, or placed on the outboard corners tn = thickness of the spacer bar used.
when using washer-style spacers. Allow sufficient clearance for NOTE 5—Lubrication of the operating surfaces of the compression
the bulging of the rubber when compressed (see Fig. 3) to device is optional while giving more reproducible results; lubrication may
assure that the specimens do not contact the spacers or other somewhat alter the compression set values.
specimens.
13.3.1 Where a lubricant is applied, it shall consist of a thin 15. Report
coating of a lubricant having substantially no action on the 15.1 Report the following information:
rubber. 15.1.1 Original dimensions of the test specimen including
13.3.1.1 A silicon or fluorosilicon fluid has been found to be the original thickness, to,
suitable. 15.1.2 Percentage compression of the specimen actually
13.3.2 Tighten the bolts so that the plates are drawn together employed,
uniformly until they are in contact with the spacers. 15.1.3 Thickness of the test specimen 30 min after removal
13.3.2.1 The amount of compression employed shall be from the clamp, ti,
approximately 25 % (refer to 12.3). 15.1.4 Dimensions of the spacers, tn,
13.3.2.2 A suitable mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic 15.1.5 Type of test specimen used, together with the time
device may be used to facilitate assembling and disassembling and temperature of test,
the test fixture. 15.1.6 Whether or not the surfaces of the compression
13.3.2.3 Avoid overtightening the bolts. Overtightening device are lubricated. If they are, what type lubrication was
may cause the plates to deflect and not provide the desired used,
compressive effect. 15.1.7 Compression set, expressed as a percentage of the
13.4 Test Time and Temperature—Choose a suitable tem- original deflection,
perature and time for the compression set, depending upon the 15.1.8 Test method used (Test Method B), and
conditions of the expected service. 15.1.9 Number of specimens tested.

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D395 − 18
TEST METHOD C—COMPRESSION SET UNDER 17.5.1. The steel surfaces contacting the rubber specimens
CONSTANT DEFLECTION IN AIR CONSIDERING shall be ground to a maximum roughness of 0.250 µm (10
MATERIAL HARDNESS µin.), polished and then industrial chrome (hard chrome) plated
(see Note 3).
16. Summary of Method C 17.5.1 The compression device shall be equipped with an
16.1 Method C is nearly equivalent to Method B except that integral, yet removable, micrometer to gauge the percentage of
percentage of compression varies with the material’s IRHD compression by calculation: using the original thickness mea-
hardness and the compression device is of a different surement (refer to 13.1), multiply by 0.75, 0.85, or 0.90 (refer
configuration, in one form not requiring spacers as it has an to 17.5) the desired compression based upon the IRHD S2
integral measurement gauge allowing the percentage of com- hardness of the material, and apply the compressive force by
pression to be calculated. There are other specification and tightening the nut until the micrometer displays the desired
procedural differences. value.

17. Apparatus 17.6 Spacers—The height of the spacer(s) shall be chosen

so that the compression applied to the test specimen is:
17.1 Micrometer—A digital micrometer for measuring the 25 6 2 % for hardness 80 IRHD S2 or below (refer to
specimen thickness, in accordance with Practice D3767, Pro- 12.2.1 and 12.2.2);
cedure A and having a contact foot of 4.0 6 0.5 mm. 15 6 2 % for hardness between 81 and 89 IRHD S2;
17.2 Timing Device, having the capability of measuring 10 6 1 % for hardness 90 IRHD S2 and above.
61 s.
17.3 Oven—Refer to 8.4. 18. Test Specimens

17.4 Plates—Refer to 12.5. 18.1 The standard Method C test specimens shall be the
same as those described in 5.2.
17.5 Compression Device, consisting of two flat steel plates
between the parallel faces of which the specimens may be 18.2 Nonstandard test specimens may be tested using the
compressed as shown in Fig. 4. Steel spacers for the required device described in 17.5.1. These specimens may be acquired
percentage of compression given in 17.5 shall be placed on from finished goods or other sources and prepared as described
each side of the rubber specimens to control their thickness in 5.4, 5.5, and 5.6.
while compressed, except when using a device as described in 18.3 Type 1 and Type 2 specimens do not characteristically
provide the same results. Type 1 specimens are generally used
for materials having a lower compression set, while Type 2
specimens are typically used for materials with higher com-
pression set.

19. Procedure
19.1 The procedure for Method C is as described in Section
13 for Method B with the exception of the employment of the
device described in 17.5.1 in which spacers are not used and as
otherwise specified in this section.
19.2 When using the device described in 17.5.1:
19.2.1 Place the micrometer in the device and adjust the
zero (tare).
19.2.2 Take the original thickness measurement as de-
scribed in 13.1.
19.2.3 Situate the specimens in the device, allowing suffi-
cient clearance for the bulging of the rubber when compressed
to assure that the specimens do not contact the spacers or other
specimens. Carefully apply the compressive force until the
dimensional measurement displayed is equivalent to the per-
centage compression desired using the calculation described in
17.5.1.
19.2.4 Remove the micrometer from the compression de-
vice prior to placing it in an elevated temperature environment.
19.3 The time between production of the specimen and
NOTE 1—1. Test Specimen 2. Spacer 3. Nut 4. Upper Plate 5. Lower testing shall be no less than 16 h.
Plate 6. Base 7. Guide Dowel 8. Compression Bolt
FIG. 4 Example of a Device for Compression Set Test Under Con- 19.4 Test specimens shall be protected from light and heat
stant Deflection, Test Method C before testing.

7
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D395 − 18
19.5 Test exposure times shall be 22 to 24 h; 70 to 72 h; 166 21.1.2 Original dimensions of the test specimen including
to 168 h or in multiples of 166 to 168 h as measured from the the original thickness, to,
time the specimen is placed in the testing environment. 21.1.3 Percentage compression of the specimen actually
19.6 The test temperatures shall be in accordance with employed,
Practice D1349. 21.1.4 Thickness of the test specimen 30 min after removal
19.6.1 The preferred test temperatures in degrees Celsius from the clamp, ti,
(°C) are: 23; 27; 40; 55; 70; 85; 100; 125; 150; 175; 200; 225; 21.1.5 Type of test specimen used, together with the time
250, or as agreed upon between customer and supplier. and temperature of test,
21.1.6 Whether or not the surfaces of the compression
19.7 Certain materials, such as thermoplastic rubber (TPR), device are lubricated. If they are, what type lubrication was
may require annealing to relieve stress/strain introduced by the used,
molding process. After the annealing process, the specimens
21.1.7 Compression set, expressed as a percentage of the
shall be conditioned as in Sections 13 and 19.
original deflection,
20. Calculation 21.1.8 Test method used (Test Method C), and
21.1.9 Number of specimens tested.
20.1 Calculate the compression set expressed as a percent-
age as described in Section 14.
22. Keywords
21. Report 22.1 compression set; compression set under constant de-
21.1 Report the following information: flection; compression set under constant force; deflection;
21.1.1 The IRHD S2 hardness of the material, deformation; elastic property; hysteresis; recovery

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