ISO 6916-1:1995

Overview

ISO 6916-1:1995 specifies requirements and classification for flexible cellular polymeric materials in the form of sheeting - commonly known as sponge rubber (open‑cell) and expanded rubber (closed‑cell). The standard covers sheets manufactured from natural, reclaimed or synthetic rubbers (alone or blended). It excludes latex foam rubbers, shoe soling, ebonite cellular rubbers, semi‑rigid urethane foams, PVC or PVC blends. Annexes A–G are integral and define test procedures and supplementary requirements.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Classification system:
  • Types: Type 1 = open‑cell (sponge); Type 2 = closed‑cell (expanded).
  • Classes (A–D): based on oil resistance and temperature performance (A = non‑oil‑resistant; B–C = oil‑resistant with different swell levels; D = high‑temperature resistant).
  • Grades (0–6): indicate firmness by compression‑deflection (e.g., Grade 0 ≈ 2.5–15 kPa; Grade 6 ≈ 200.1–300 kPa).
• Suffix letters & numbers: Additional properties (ozone resistance, low‑temperature resistance, fluid/oil resistance, water absorption, compression set, etc.) are shown by suffix letters; suffix numbers reference specific test methods/time‑conditions.
• Primary tests and properties:
  • Compression‑deflection and compression set (firmness and recovery).
  • Fluid / oil resistance (Oil No.3 or Liquid B depending on closed/open cell).
  • Ozone resistance (specified strain and ppm levels).
  • Low‑temperature resistance (specified temperatures like –40 °C, –55 °C, –75 °C).
  • Water absorption (for closed‑cell materials) and staining/fading where applicable.
• Quality & inspection: Tests are performed at the place of manufacture unless otherwise agreed; purchaser may re‑test within 15 days of receipt.

Applications and who uses this standard

ISO 6916-1 is used by:

• Rubber manufacturers for product specification and quality control of sponge/expanded rubber sheeting.
• Design engineers and specifiers selecting materials for gasketing, seals, cushioning, vibration damping, weatherstripping, insulation and padding where defined firmness, oil/ozone/temperature resistance or water resistance are critical.
• Procurement and testing laboratories to verify compliance using the annexed test methods.
• Regulatory and safety auditors checking conformity with health/safety/regulatory requirements referenced by the standard.

Keywords: ISO 6916-1, sponge rubber, expanded cellular rubber, flexible cellular polymeric materials, sheeting, compression‑deflection, oil resistance, ozone resistance, low‑temperature resistance, water absorption.

Related standards

Normative references (examples included in ISO 6916-1): ISO 188, ISO 815, ISO 1431‑1, ISO 1817, ISO 1923, ISO 3865, ISO 5893 - these specify ageing, compression set, ozone testing, fluid effect, dimensional checks and staining/fading test procedures.