To prevent this serious and avoidable degradation, special care should be taken to cover the elastomer surface when cleaning equipment nearby. Daily exposure to sunlight, heat and ozone can also cause surface cracking, often appearing perpendicular to the load in the elastomer. These surface cracks are small, and are not cause for removal. As the part is cycled, these may become sites for initiation of the expected fatigue cracks. Electric generators and motors as well as bright sunlight increase the presence of ozone.
Most elastomers contain waxes designed to offer protection from ozone.
Excessive heat will cause most bearings and isolators to become brittle at the exposed surfaces. Certainly, material and adhesive selections are determined based on the expected environment and usage of the parts. If you have an environment that could be considered unusual, it may be necessary to perform more frequent inspections. Lord BTR elastomers have been developed to reduce the effects of heat, chemicals and ozone, and they are used where there is known exposure to these effects. Dampers and Isolators provide advantages that have increased their popularity and usage in high-performance helicopters.