This study investigates the pressure-dependent mechanical behavior and surface degradation of fluorocarbon elastomer (FKM, Viton®) O-ring seals following prolonged high-pressure hydrogen exposure. Specimens were aged at up to 7000 psi for 192 h and evaluated using tensile testing and optical image analysis. The results show a non-monotonic evolution of peak force, stiffness, and energy absorption, with increased load-bearing response at higher pressures accompanied by reduced displacement capacity. Normalized force–displacement behavior shows broadly similar loading profiles across pressure conditions; however, this representation is used for comparative visualization and does not establish preservation of the deformation mechanism. Image-based analysis reveals a significant increase in micro-defect density and surface heterogeneity with pressure, suggesting increased formation of surface micro-defects. These findings highlight pressure-dependent changes in polymer network response and surface morphology under hydrogen exposure. The study provides insights into structure–property relationships governing elastomer performance in hydrogen environments.
Subedi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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