ETHYL MERCAPTAN Resistant O-Rings and Seals

Ethyl mercaptan, also known as ethanethiol, is a colorless and flammable gas with a strong odor. It is used as a flavoring and odorant in the food and beverage industry, as a precursor in the production of rubber accelerators, and as an intermediate in the manufacture of dyes and pesticides.

When rubber is exposed to ethyl mercaptan, failures can occur in the form of swelling and hardening of the rubber, which can reduce the flexibility and strength of the material. Additionally, the chemical can cause the rubber to become more prone to chemical attack and premature degradation, leading to cracking and brittle failure. In extreme cases, the rubber can be dissolved by the chemical, resulting in complete failure of the material.