Over the last 25 years, many new ASTM Standards using the Rubber Process Analyzer have been developed in ASTM International, accepted as new test standards, published, and used extensively all over the world as routine RPA rubber tests. Many times, the test configurations for each of these new ASTM RPA standards already are present in the software of the individual RPA units, ready to be brought up by the specific ASTM number. Sometimes only minor adjustments in test times and temperatures are needed before new testing is started.
Some of these established RPA ASTM Tests are ASTM D6204, Part A, for low strain processability testing; ASTM D6204, Part B, for high strain processability testing; ASTM D6204, Part C, a variable temperature analysis for better characterization of curing properties; ASTM D6601, for in-situ curing and measurements of after-cure dynamic properties; ASTM D6048, for measuring stress relaxation of raw rubber or rubber compounds; ASTM D7050, for classifying natural rubber regarding processability; ASTM D7605, for characterizing TPEs and TPVs; and ASTM D8059, for using the Payne Effect to measure the quality of mix involving carbon black and/or silica.
Each of these methods are reviewed and compared.