ISO 10960:2017

Overview

ISO 10960:2017 is an international standard developed by ISO that specifies a test method for assessing the ozone resistance of rubber and plastics hoses under dynamic conditions. This standard applies to hoses with bore diameters up to and including 25 mm. It evaluates how hoses withstand the damaging effects of atmospheric ozone when subjected to repeated flexing or bending motions, simulating real-world operational stresses.

The test ensures that hose materials maintain their integrity and performance without cracking or degradation due to ozone exposure during dynamic use. This assessment is critical for applications where hoses are exposed to environmental ozone while undergoing mechanical flexing, ensuring safety, reliability, and longevity.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  Suitable for rubber or plastic hoses with bore diameters up to 25 mm, focusing on dynamic ozone exposure scenarios.

• Test Principle
  A hose sample is bent in a crescent shape and exposed to a controlled ozone atmosphere while undergoing continuous flexing. The hose is monitored periodically for signs of ozone-induced cracking.

• Test Apparatus and Setup

  • Ozone cabinet equipped to generate and monitor precise ozone concentration, as per ISO 1431-1 requirements
  • Test piece holder designed for dynamic bending at 0.3 Hz frequency
  • Specified geometry for mounting the hose to ensure consistent test conditions

• Test Pieces and Conditioning

  • Hose samples are cut to a length proportional to their outside diameter and tested in pairs
  • Samples must be conditioned in an ozone-free, temperature-controlled environment for 48 hours prior to testing

• Test Conditions

  • Exposure to ozone concentration of (50 ± 5) parts per hundred million (pphm) at 40 °C ± 2 °C
  • Duration of testing typically 72 hours with interim inspections for ozone cracks

• Observation and Reporting
  Cracks are identified under x2 magnification at set intervals, ignoring areas near fixing points. Detailed test reports must record hose identification, test conditions, and crack observations.

Applications

The ISO 10960:2017 standard is essential for manufacturers, quality control laboratories, and end-users involved with:

• Automotive and aerospace hoses exposed to atmospheric ozone and mechanical flexing
• Industrial fluid transfer systems where hoses face both mechanical movement and environmental ozone exposure
• Hydraulic and pneumatic hose assemblies requiring proven ozone resistance to prevent premature failure
• Rubber and plastics hose product development, allowing material and design evaluation for enhanced durability
• Compliance and certification processes to meet regulatory and customer performance requirements related to ozone resistance

By implementing this standard, stakeholders achieve improved reliability of hoses operating in ozone-rich environments under dynamic stresses, reducing maintenance costs and safety risks.

Related Standards

• ISO 1431-1:2012 – Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic - Resistance to ozone cracking - Part 1: Static and dynamic strain testing
  Provides the ozone cabinet specifications and related testing apparatus requirements referenced in ISO 10960.

• ISO 8330 – Rubber and plastics hoses and hose assemblies - Vocabulary
  Defines terminology used in hose and tubing standards, including terms specific to ozone resistance.

• ISO 23529 – Rubber - General procedures for preparing and conditioning test pieces for physical test methods
  Covers conditioning procedures prior to ozone resistance testing to ensure sample consistency.

Adhering to ISO 10960:2017 in conjunction with these standards ensures comprehensive evaluation and classification of hose materials for ozone durability under practical, dynamic usage conditions. This promotes international harmonization and quality assurance within the hose manufacturing and application industries.