• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.144-148
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• 2014

Compression set (CS) and weight loss by thermal degradation of the ACM rubber composite sample prepared for an automotive part were measured simultaneously at several given temperatures of $150^{\circ}C$, $160^{\circ}C$, $170^{\circ}C$, and $180^{\circ}C$. Using the relationship between them, thermal life of the sample could be predicted at a given operating temperature by applying Toops method which is based on the analysis of non-isothermal TGA thermograms. Conversion by weight loss showed a linear relationship with CS changes, exhibiting 4.2% at CS 40%. Activation energy of thermal degradation was calculated as 120.2 kJ/mol at 4.2% of weight loss from Flynn-Wall-Ozawa analysis. When the expected life was set as time to reach CS 40% at $120^{\circ}C$, the life time of the sample was calculated as 9,700 hrs when Toops method was applied.