ASTM D 6049 - 03 (Reapproved 2013) Standard Test Method for Rubber Property - Measurement of the Viscous and Elastic Behavior of Unvulcanized Raw Rubbers and Rubber Compounds by Compression Between Parallel Plates

Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2013. Published January 2014. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D6049 – 03 (2008). — 9 p.
This test method is an adaptation of the German Standard DIN 53514, a further development of the former “Defo Test” (see Appendix X1).
This test method is capable of measuring and characterizing the rheological behavior (viscosity and elasticity) of unvulcanized raw rubbers and rubber compounds, relating to the macro structure of rubber polymers (average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, long chain branching, and micro- and macro-gel).
The viscosity and elasticity of unvulcanized rubbers and rubber compounds are determined by subjecting cylindrical test pieces to a compression/recovery cycle. The dependency on shear rate at constant shear stress is evaluated and the material fatigue behavior is determined in repeat cycle testing.
The non-Newtonian viscous and elastic behavior of rubbers and rubber compounds can also be evaluated.
Statistical evaluation of the test data provides an indication of data variation, which may be employed as an estimate of the homogeneity of the material tested.