At what elongation percentage does ozone damage start in rubber?

Ozone damage in rubber typically begins at elongation percentages between 2% to 3%. At these levels, the rubber starts to undergo oxidative degradation due to ozone exposure, leading to visible cracks, surface erosion, and a reduction in mechanical properties. The rubber's structure becomes compromised because ozone attacks the polymer chains, initiating a breakdown process that can worsen with further elongation and exposure.

Understanding this threshold is essential for applications where rubber components are used in environments with ozone, such as automotive, industrial, and outdoor settings. It emphasizes the importance of selecting ozone-resistant materials or implementing protective measures when designing products that will experience stretching or dynamic movement in potentially ozone-rich atmospheres.