1.1 This test method covers the required procedures to evaluate the comparative ability of rubber and rubber-like compositions to withstand the effect of liquids. It is designed for testing: (1) specimens of vulcanized rubber cut from standard sheets (see Practice D3182), (2) specimens cut from fabric coated with vulcanized rubber (see Test Methods D751), or (3) finished articles of commerce (see Practice D3183). This test method is not applicable to the testing of cellular rubbers, porous compositions, and compressed sheet packing, except as described in 11.2.2.

1.2 ASTM Oils No. 2 and No. 3, formerly used in this test method as standard test liquids, are no longer commercially available and in 1993 were replaced with IRM 902 and IRM 903, respectively (see Appendix X1 for details).

1.3 ASTM No. 1 Oil, previously used in this test method as a standard test liquid, is no longer commercially available and in 2005 was replaced with IRM 901; refer to Table 1 and Appendix X3 for details.

1.4 ASTM No. 5 Oil was accepted into Specification D5900 as an industry reference material in 2010 and designated as IRM 905. The composition, and properties of this immersion oil were not changed and the data in Table 1 remains current. Refer to Appendix X4 for other details.

1.5 The specifications and properties listed in Table 1 for IRM 901, IRM 902, IRM 903, and IRM 905 are also maintained in Specification D5900.