This document specifies two methods for the determination of the compression set characteristics of vulcanized and thermoplastic rubbers at low temperatures.

Method 1 derives from the methodology used in ISO 815-1. Method 2 uses a specified testing device, allowing to measure and record the test piece thickness during recovery. Due to the load applied during recovery in method 2, no correlation can be established between the results given by both methods.

NOTE When rubber is held under compression, physical or chemical changes that prevent the rubber returning to its original dimensions after release of the deforming force can occur. The result is a set, where the magnitude of which depends on the time and temperature of compression as well as on the time, temperature, and conditions of recovery. At low temperatures, changes resulting from the effects of glass hardening or crystallization become predominant and, since these effects are reversed by raising the temperature, therefore, the measurements are always taken at the test temperature.