Oleic Acid is also commonly known as Oleum and is a fatty acid that is found in many vegetable and animal oils and fats. The most common uses of Oleic Acid are in the production of soaps, detergents, inks, and lubricants. Oleic Acid is also used in the production of rubber and plastics.
When rubber is exposed to Oleic Acid, the rubber can become brittle and crack as the acid breaks down the rubber's molecular bonds. In some cases, the acid can also cause the rubber to swell and becomes soft, reducing the rubber's ability to effectively seal the components it is designed to. In extreme cases, the acid can cause the rubber to break down completely, leading to a total loss of its sealing ability.
View some of our other material compatibility ratings with OLEUM. If you don't see what you're looking for or need more guidance, our team of experienced sealing design engineers can help select the best sealing products and material for your specific application.
View Full Chemical Compatibility Guide