Recommendations regarding the storage of sealing elements may cause changes in the mechanical and physical properties of rubber parts and plastic products during storage. This change may occur as a result of a combination of many factors:
- Oxygen
- Ozone
- Direct sunlight
- High heat
- Ultraviolet rays
- Humidity
- Dirt and chemical effects
Rubber and plastic products stored in good conditions do not lose any of their properties even for long periods of time.
Environment, humidity and temperature
The ideal temperature in storage conditions should be between 5°C and 25°C and the humidity rate should be around 60%. Lower temperatures do not change the technical characteristics. However, we recommend that the felt temperature be around 20-25°C before installation. In addition, it is recommended not to be affected by direct heat sources.
Dirt
Dirt can change the mechanical properties of the product. Therefore, it must be cleaned of dirt before assembly and during storage.
Light and ultraviolet rays
Recommended storage conditions are rooms protected from long-term exposure to fluorescent lamps, ultraviolet rays, strong light sources and direct sunlight. It is recommended to provide illumination with red or orange colored light.
Oxygen and ozone
Oxygen or ozone are oxidizing agents. It should be stored and packaged in polyethylene materials suitable for felts. Ozone is a particular destroyer. Therefore, there should be no high-voltage electrical devices, electric motors and similar elements in the warehouse.
Deformation
Deformation should be avoided, especially during storage. It is necessary to avoid forceful compression of rubber parts and plastic felts during storage. Stresses rapidly change mechanical properties and resistance to agents in nature.
Contact with greases and fluids
During storage, solvents, oils and other fluids should not come into contact.
Contact with metals
Some metals (such as manganese and copper) can have destructive effects on some types of rubber. Therefore, it is recommended that the sealing elements not be in direct contact with metals or their alloys.