AbstractThree commercial rubber compounds used in marine applications were immersed in water or in 3.5 NaCl solution for up to 250 days. Tear strengths, measured with the “trousers” test piece, decreased in the order dry>salt water exposed>fresh water exposed, and changes of up to 50 were seen. Tensile strengths also decreased, but not always in the same proportion, suggesting a possible change in structure of the voids which initiate fracture. Results are discussed in terms of osmotic swelling and extraction of rubber compone
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