Klass-Nr.

55 15 2 November 2003

Norm vor Anwendung auf Aktualität prüfen / Check standard for current issue prior to usage.
Elastomers VW
Material Requirements and Testing 2.8.1
Konzernnorm
Descriptors: rubber, elastomer, elastomer material
In case of discrepancies the German version shall govern.
The English translation is believed to be accurate.

Changes
The following changes have been made as compared to VW 2.8.1: 1997-06:
─ Standard completely revised

Previous issues
1960-08; 1965-08; 1970-04; 1970-12; 1973-07; 1974-11; 1976-03; 1978-10; 1980-09; 1989-09;
1989-11; 1997-06

1 Scope
This standard describes material requirements and tests for elastomer materials for components in
motor vehicles.

2 Requirements

2.1 Basic specifications

Approval of first supply and changes according to Volkswagen standard VW 011 55.
Avoidance of hazardous substances according to VW 911 01.
Elastomer quality is tested on components, component sections or, in exceptional cases, on test
plates (see Section 3.1).
Samples must always be delivered with an indication of the manufacturer’s quality designation.
The number of parts required for laboratory evaluation must be agreed upon with the responsible
material laboratory.
Deviations from this standard must be specified in drawings and test reports.
Parts whose grades cannot be classified on the basis of this standard require a separate Technical
Supply Specification.

2.2 Evaluation of the measuring results

The required numeric values apply to each individual measurement.
Form FE 41 - 01.03

Page 1 of 10
Fachverantwortung/Responsibility Normung/Standards (EZTD, 1733)
K-QS-31 Schulz Tel.: -24365 Frau Krenz Tel.: +49-5361-9-48869 Sobanski

Confidential. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be transmitted or reproduced without the prior written permission of a Standards Department of the Volkswagen Group.
Parties to a contract can only obtain this standard via the responsible procurement department.
 VOLKSWAGEN AG
Page 2
VW 2.8.1: 2003-11

2.3 Specifications in technical references

Example of designation for a black, fuel-resistant acrylonitrile butadiene elastomer with a preferred
hardness of 60 Shore A:
NBR, VW 2.8.1 – A, black.
Example of designation for a black, transmission-oil resistant acrylate elastomer with an
operational temperature of max. +100 °C and a hardness of 60 Shore A:
ACM, VW 2.8.1 – E60, black, temperature +100 °C.
Example of designation for a black ethylene propylene elastomer resistant to daylight, weather,
ozone, and hot air up to a temperature of +100 °C, and that has a rebound resilience between 35%
to 55% and a hardness of 50 Shore A:
EPDM, VW 2.8.1 – G50, black, ozone resistant, rebound resilient, resistant to hot air of
+100 °C

2.4 Identification
For the recycling of vehicles and engines, the components are marked as specified in VDA 260.
The codes acc. to VDA 673 400 shall be used for this.

2.4.1 Examples for codes

The codes listed in the following represent only an incomplete selection. As a rule, polymer
materials for components shall be designated as specified in VDA 673 400.
ACM Acrylate elastomer
AEM Ethylene acrylate elastomer
BR Butyl rubber
CM Chlorinated polyethylene elastomer
CO Epichlorohydrin elastomer
CR Chlorobutadiene rubber
CSM Chlorosulphonated polyethylene rubber
ECO Epichlorohydrin ethylene oxide elastomer
EPDM Ethylene propylene terpolymer
EPM Ethylene propylene elastomer
FPM Fluorocarbon elastomer
FVMQ Fluorosilicone elastomer
IIR Butyl rubber
NBR Acrylonitrile butadiene elastomer
NR Natural rubber
SBR Styrene butadiene elastomer
VMQ Silicone elastomer
 Page 3
VW 2.8.1: 2003-11

2.5 Appearance
On delivery, components must display a flawless surface appearance. Tackiness, inclusions,
cavities, cracks, damage, etc. are not permitted.
Component color: see drawing.

2.6 Properties, grades

See Table 1and Table 2.
Table 1
Resistant to contact medium Fuel Oil
Test temperature (°C) (23 ± 2) ≥ (70 ± 3) (23 ± 2)
(deviating requirements acc. to drawing) The required temperature must be
specified.
Test fluid Gasoline Limited Diesel fuel Engine oil Hypoid Oil acc. to Limited
acc. to resistance acc. to acc. to trans- drawing resistance
Section to gasoline TL 788 and TL 521 85 mission oil spec. to engine
3.4.1 acc. to vegetable and ATF oil acc. to
Section oil methyl acc. to TL 521 85
3.4.1 ester acc. drawing
to DIN V spec.
51606
Grade A W T C E P U
Notes on
testing see
No. Properties Section
1 Ignition residue in %, Acc. to sample; tolerances acc. to VDA 675 130
VDA 675 130
2 Thermogravimetric Acc. to sample
analysis
Contents (%)
VDA 675 135 and/or
pyrolysis-gas
chromatography-mass
spectrometry as
identification test
3
3 Density in g/cm , Acc. to sample; tolerances acc. to VDA 675 106
VDA 675 106
4 Hardness in Shore A,
VDA 675 202
4.1 Preferred hardness in as- 3.2 60 ± 5 70 ± 5 75 ± 5 60 ± 5 75 ± 5 60 ± 5 60 ± 5
received condition
4.2 Changes as compared to
as-received condition
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
4.2.1 After aging at elevated 3.3 0 to +3 0 to +3 0 to +3 0 to +3 0 to +3 0 to +3 0 to +3
temperature,
the required temperature
must be specified.
VDA 675 310
4.2.2 After aging in contact 3.4 0 to -18 0 to -25 ±4 ±4 ±4 ±4 -4 to 0
medium
4.2.2.1 After subsequent drying 3.5 0 to +18, 0 to +18, - - - - -
but < 90 but < 90
5 Weight change in %
5.1 After aging in contact 3.4 0 to +25 0 to +45 -1 to +4 -2 to +6 -2 to +6 -2 to +6 -2 to +6
medium
5.1.1 After subsequent drying 3.5 0 to -18 0 to -20 - - - - -
2
6 Tensile strength in N/mm , 3.6
VDA 675 205
6.1 In as-received condition >8 >8 >8 >6 >6 >6 >6
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
6.2 After aging at elevated 3.3 >8 >8 >8 >6 >6 >6 >6
temperature,
the required temperature
must be specified.
VDA 675 310
6.3 After aging in contact 3.4 >6 > 4.5 >6 >6 >6 >6 >6
medium
6.3.1 After subsequent drying 3.5 >8 >8 - - - - -
Page 4
VW 2.8.1: 2003-11

Resistant to contact medium Fuel Oil

Test temperature (°C) (23 ± 2) ≥ (70 ± 3) (23 ± 2)
(deviating requirements acc. to drawing) The required temperature must be
specified.
Test fluid Gasoline Limited Diesel fuel Engine oil Hypoid Oil acc. to Limited
acc. to resistance acc. to acc. to trans- drawing resistance
Section to gasoline TL 788 and TL 521 85 mission oil spec. to engine
3.4.1 acc. to vegetable and ATF oil acc. to
Section oil methyl acc. to TL 521 85
3.4.1 ester acc. drawing
to DIN V spec.
51606
Grade A W T C E P U
Notes on
testing see
No. Properties Section
7 Elongation at tear in %, 3.7
VDA 675 205
7.1 In as-received condition 200 250 250 250 250 250
to to to to > 100 to to
550 550 550 550 550 550
1 1 1 1 1 1
7.2 After aging at elevated 3.3 200 to 550 200 to 550 200 to 550 200 to 550 200 to 550 200 to 550
temperature,
the required temperature > 100
must be specified.
VDA 675 310
7.3 After aging in contact 3.4 200 200 200 200
medium > 100 > 100 to to > 100 to to
550 550 550 550
7.3.1 After subsequent drying 3.5 > 200 > 200 - - - - -
8 Low-temperature 3.8 -35 -35 -35 -35 -35 -35 -35
resistance in °C, min.
9 Ozone resistance 3.9 No cracks if additional “ozone resistance” is specified in the drawing.
10 Lightfastness 3.10 No changes compared to as-received condition, e.g. discoloring, embrittlement,
decomposition, cracks.
Always required for grade G; other grades: only required if additional “lightfastness” is
specified in the drawing.
11 Weather fastness 3.11 No changes compared to as-received condition, e.g. discoloring, embrittlement,
decomposition, cracks.
Always required for grade G; other grades: only required if additional "weather fastness"
is specified in the drawing.
12 Paint indifference, 3.12 There shall be no corona formation, no leaching, slight contact discoloration permissible.
VDA 675 242 Only required if additional “paint indifference” is specified in the drawing.
13 Rebound resilience in %, Only required if additional “rebound resilience > ...%” is specified in the drawing.
VDA 675 219
14 Insulation resistance in > 1.000. Only required if additional “insulation resistance” is specified in the drawing.
MΩ,
DIN IEC 60167
15 Self-lubricating 3.13 - - - Only required if additional “self-lubrication” is
specified in the drawing.
16 Corrosion behavior, Grade 1 and 2 permissible.
VDA 675 241
2
17 Abrasion in mm , 3.14 < 200. Only required if additional “abrasion resistance” is specified in the drawing.
VDA 675 235
18 Emission behavior, Only required, if additional “emission behavior acc. to VW 501 80” is specified in the
VW 501 80 drawing.
19 Permanent deformation Only required if additional “permanent deformation ... h... °C < ...%” is specified in the
in %, drawing.
VDA 675 218
1)
Deviating limit values may be specified in justified cases.
 Page 5
VW 2.8.1: 2003-11

Table 2
Resistant to contact medium Grease Coolant Air
Test temperature in °C (deviating requirements (70 ± 3) (135 ± 3) (70 ± 3)
acc. to drawing)
Test fluid Calcium Lithium Grease acc. Coolant Daylight and Without
lithium grease acc. to drawing additive acc. weather special
grease acc. to TL 735 specification to TL 774 fastness properties
to TL 745
Grade K L M S G H
Notes on
testing see
No. Properties Section
1 Ignition residue in %, Acc. to sample, tolerances acc. to VDA 675 130
VDA 675 130
2 Thermogravimetric Acc. to sample
analysis
Contents (%),
VDA 675 135 and/or
pyrolysis-
gaschromatography-mass
spectrometry as
identification test
3
3 Density in g/cm , Acc. to sample; tolerances acc. to VDA 675 106
VDA 675 106
4 Hardness in Shore A,
VDA 675 202
4.1 Preferred hardness in as- 3.2 60 ± 5 75 ± 5 60 ± 5 60 ± 5 60 ± 5 65 ± 5
received condition
4.2 Changes as compared to
as-received condition
1 1 1 1 1 1
4.2.1 After aging at elevated 3.3 0 to +3 0 to +3 0 to +3 0 to +3 0 to +3 0 to +3
temperature, the required
temperature must be
specified.
VDA 675 310
4.2.2 After aging in contact 3.4 -4 to +1 -4 to +1 -4 to +1 -4 to +5 - -
medium
5 Weight change in %
5.1 After aging in contact 3.4 -2 to +8 -2 to +8 -2 to +8 -4 to +5 - -
medium
2
6 Tensile strength in N/mm , 3.6
VDA 675 205
6.1 In as-received condition >6 >6 >6 >7 >6 >6
1 1 1 1 1 1
6.2 After aging at elevated 3.3 >8 >8 >6 >7 >6 >6
temperature, the required
temperature must be
specified.
VDA 675 310
6.3 After aging in contact 3.4 >6 >6 >6 >6 - -
medium
7 Elongation at tear in %, 3.7
VDA 675 205
7.1 In as-received condition 250 250 250 250 250 250
to to to to to to
550 550 550 550 550 550
7.2 After aging at elevated 3.3 200 200 200 200 200 200
temperature, the required to to to to to to
1 1 1 1 1 1
temperature must be 550 550 550 550 550 550
specified.
VDA 675 310
7.3 After aging in contact 3.4 200 200 200 200 - -
medium to to to to
550 550 550 550
8 Low-temperature 3.8 -35 -35 -35 -35 -35 -35
resistance in °C, min.
9 Ozone resistance 3.9 No cracks if additional “ozone resistance” is specified in the drawing.

10 Lightfastness 3.10 No changes compared to as-received condition, e.g. discoloring, embrittlement,

decomposition, cracks.
Always required for grade G; other grades: only required if additional "weather
fastness" is specified in the drawing.
Page 6
VW 2.8.1: 2003-11

Resistant to contact medium Grease Coolant Air

Test temperature in °C (deviating requirements (70 ± 3) (135 ± 3) (70 ± 3)
acc. to drawing)
Test fluid Calcium Lithium Grease acc. Coolant Daylight and Without
lithium grease acc. to drawing additive acc. weather special
grease acc. to TL 735 specification to TL 774 fastness properties
to TL 745
Grade K L M S G H
Notes on
testing see
No. Properties Section
11 Weather fastness 3.11 No changes compared to as-received condition, e.g. discoloring, embrittlement,
decomposition, cracks.
Always required for grade G; other grades: only required if additional "weather
fastness" is specified in the drawing.
12 Paint indifference, 3.12 No changes as compared to leaching, slight contact discoloration permissible.
VDA 675 242 Only required if additional “paint indifference” is specified in the drawing.
13 Rebound resilience in %, Only required if additional “rebound resilience > ...%” is specified in the drawing.
VDA 675 219
14 Insulation resistance in > 1 000. Only required if additional “insulation resistance” is specified in the drawing.
MΩ,
DIN IEC 60167
15 Self-lubricating 3.13 Only required if additional “self-lubrication” is specified in the drawing.
16 Corrosion behavior, Grade 1 and 2 permissible.
VDA 675 241
2
17 Abrasion in mm , 3.14 < 200. Only required if additional “abrasion resistance” is specified in the drawing.
VDA 675 235
18 Emission behavior, Only required if additional “emission behavior acc. to VW 501 80" is specified in the
VW 501 80 drawing.
19 Permanent deformation Only required if additional “permanent deformation ... h... °C < ...%” is specified in the
in %, drawing.
VDA 675 218
1)
Deviating limit values may be specified in justified cases.

3 Notes on testing
When parts are aged in fuels, oils and greases, the volume of the medium shall be equal to
(80 ± 5) times the volume of the test specimen. Test containers and specimen holders (where
required for aging of the specimen in the fluid) acc. to PV 3323 shall be used.
The tolerances specified in VDA 674 002 apply for the specified aging times.
Unless otherwise specified, measurements shall be taken 30 minutes after removal of the
specimen from the test medium. The specimens shall be cleaned immediately after removal by
means of a cloth free from fluff.
Test conditions deviating from this standard must be specified in drawings and test reports.

3.1 Specimen
Tests shall be performed on S3A standard test specimens acc. to VDA 675 205, which shall be
taken from the finished part. For certain finished part dimensions (e.g. radial shaft seal). S3
standard test specimens may alternatively be used. In exceptional cases, if standard test
specimens cannot be extracted from the finished parts by means of, for example, a belt stripping
machine, test plates (thickness 2 mm) may be used.

3.2 Preferred hardness

In those cases where a hardness other than the preferred hardness must be used, the selected
hardness shall be specified following the grade designation, e.g. E60. The tolerance shall always
be ± 5 Shore A.
 Page 7
VW 2.8.1: 2003-11

3.3 Aging at elevated temperature

Age specimen for 94 h in a mechanical circulation oven acc. to VDA 675 310. In justified cases,
other aging times can be agreed upon. Take measurements after cooling to room temperature
(23 ± 2) °C.

3.4 Aging in contact medium

The conditions described in Sections 3.4.1 to 3.4.5 apply to aging of specimens in contact
mediums.

3.4.1 Gasoline
The specimens are aged in FAM test fluid acc. to DIN 51604-B (FAM 2).
Composition:
84.5 volume percent FAM test fluid acc. to DIN 51604-A (FAM 1)
15.0 volume percent methanol
0.5 volume percent water
Other test fluids may be used if required (deviations acc. to drawing).
Age specimen for 48 h (other aging times, e.g. 168 h, acc. to drawing) at room temperature
(23 ± 2) °C; the specimen shall be dabbed off with filter paper (e.g. black band) after aging;
evaluation shall begin after 1 minute (under certain circumstances, which must be approved,
evaluation may also begin 15 minutes after removal).

3.4.2 Diesel fuel, vegetable oil methyl ester (PME)

The following test composition shall be used for aging of the specimens in diesel fuel:95 volume
percent standard diesel A20 NPII by Haltermann company acc. to DIN 53521;
5 volume percent vegetable oil methyl ester acc. to DIN V 51606.
For aging of the specimens in biodiesel, vegetable oil methyl ester acc. to DIN V 51606 shall be
used.
Aging time: Age specimen for 48 h at room temperature (23 ± 2) °C. The specimens shall be
cleaned immediately after removal by means of a cloth free from fluff. Evaluation shall begin
1 minute after removal of the specimen. In justified cases, other aging times and test temperatures
can be agreed upon.

3.4.3 Oil

Aging time: 48 h and 96 h. Specimens of quality grade U shall be aged in oil for 24 h at (23 ± 2) °C.
For aging of the specimens in engine oil, Reference Engine Oil C.20 acc. to TL 521 85 shall be
used as test fluid. Other test oils may be used upon agreement.

3.4.4 Grease
Aging time: 48 h.
Page 8
VW 2.8.1: 2003-11

3.4.5 Coolant additive

S3A standard specimens acc. to VDA 675 205 are aged in test fluid consisting of 50 volume parts
de-ionized water and 50 volume parts coolant additive acc. to TL 774, type D, at +135 °C in an
autoclave. The fluid volume must be 150 to 180 times the specimen volume. Subsequently, within
2 h, the specimens are cooled off to (23 ± 2) °C in the test fluid and measured.
Aging time: 94 h. In justified cases, other aging times can also be agreed upon.

3.5 Drying
The specimens are pre-dried for 2 to 4 hours at room temperature and subsequently dried for 22 h
at +85 °C in a natural convection oven acc. to DIN 53508. The specimens shall be aged in a way
that there is complete circulation of air around them.

3.6 Tensile strength

The tensile strength of the aged standard test specimen shall be based on its cross-section prior to
aging.

3.7 Elongation at tear

Elongation at tear of the aged standard test specimen shall be based on its condition after aging.

3.8 Low-temperature resistance

Test specimens shall still be elastic after 24 h low-temperature aging. There shall be no break or
tear during the bending test. Where the shape of the specimen does not permit bending by hand,
hardness of the specimens shall be less than 90 Shore A (measured after aging in a cold
chamber). Deviations shall be indicated in the drawing. The hardness is determined by means of a
test device conditioned at low temperature.

3.9 Ozone resistance

The test is conducted for 46 h in the ozone climate chamber at 2 ppm (-15%) ozone concentration,
(25 + 3)°C and (60 ± 5)% relative humidity. For this purpose, the parts shall be mounted as
installed in the vehicle or in a similar manner. Certain load conditions have been specified for some
parts, e.g. profiles shall be aged on a mandrel with a 30 mm radius; profiles less than 5 mm thick
shall be elongated in a clamping device by 20 to 25% (see PV 3305), or shall be tested on a
mandrel with a radius five times the thickness of the specimen.
The specimen parts are put into the ozone atmosphere 15 min after mounting.
Determination of the ozone concentration acc. to DIN 53509-2.
Evaluation of cracking acc. to PV 3316.

3.10 Lightfastness
Inner parts shall be tested as specified in PV 1303 (the number of periods is to be agreed upon);
outer parts shall be tested as specified in PV 3929 and PV 3930 (test cycle: one year each).

3.11 Weather fastness

Open-air weathering for 1 year in moist heat (Florida) and in dry heat (Kalahari, Arizona).
 Page 9
VW 2.8.1: 2003-11

3.12 Paint indifference

Testing is performed after aging at elevated temperatures (24 h at +70 °C) and after rain simulation
(24 h acc. PV 3930).

3.13 Greasing
Parts shall exhibit a clearly discernible wax film in as-received condition. The parts shall be cleaned
by moving the specimen for 5 seconds in FAM test fluid acc. to DIN 51604-B = FAM 2 at room
temperature by means of a pinzette. After this, the specimens shall be aged for 94 h at 70 °C in a
mechanical circulation oven acc. to VDA 675 310. After the aging period, a new, discernible wax
film shall have formed on the specimens (produced by exudation.)

3.14 Abrasion behavior

The abrasion behavior shall be tested under 10 N load. Deviations shall be indicated in the
drawing.

4 Referenced standards1
PV 1303 Non-Metallic Materials; Exposure Test of Passenger Compartment
Components
PV 3305 Vulcanized Rubber Products; Test of Ozone Resistance and Permanent
Deformation
PV 3316 Rubber Products, Reference Photographs for Ozone Cracking
PV 3323 Test Vessels and Specimen Holders for Aging Standard Specimens
PV 3929 Non-Metallic Materials; Weathering in Dry, Hot Climate
PV 3930 Non-Metallic Materials; Weathering in Humid Heat
TL 735 Multi-Purpose Grease, Lubricant Requirements
TL 745 Multi-Purpose Low-Temperature Grease, Lubricant Requirements
TL 774 Ethylene Glycol-Based Coolant Additive; Material Requirements
TL 788 Diesel Fuel, Fuel Requirements
TL 521 85 Reference Engine Oil C.20 SAE 5W-40, Compatibility Testing Engine-Oil
Elastomer Materials; Requirement, Testing
VW 011 55 Vehicle Supply Parts, General; Approval of First Supply and Changes
VW 501 80 Components in Passenger Compartment; Emission Behavior
VW 911 01 Vehicle Environmental Standard; Vehicle Parts, Materials, Operating Fluids;
Avoidance of Hazardous Substances
DIN V 51606 Liquid Fuels; Diesel Fuel from Vegetable Oil Methyl Ester, Minimum
Requirements
DIN 51604-1 FAM Testing Fluid for Polymer Materials; Composition and Requirements
DIN 51604-2 Methanolic FAM Testing Fluid for Polymer Materials; Composition and
Requirements
DIN 53508 Testing of Rubber – Accelerated Ageing

1
In this section terminological inconsistencies may occur as the original titles are used.
Page 10
VW 2.8.1: 2003-11

DIN 53509-2 Testing of Rubber – Determination of Resistance to Ozone Cracking – Part

2: Reference Method for Determining Ozone Concentration in Laboratory
Test Chambers
DIN 53521 Determination of the Behaviour of Rubber and Elastomers when Exposed to
Fluids and Vapours
DIN IEC 60167 Methods of Test for Insulating Materials for Electrical Purposes; Insulation
Resistance of Solid Materials
VDA 260 Automotive Components; Identification of Materials
VDA 673 400 Elastomer Components in Vehicles; Rubber Designation; Polymer Raw
Materials
VDA 674 002 Test durations
VDA 675 106 Elastomer Components in Motor Vehicles; Test Methods for Identification;
Density
VDA 675 130 Elastomer Components in Motor Vehicles; Test Methods for Identification;
Ignition Residue without Chemical Treatment
VDA 675 135 Elastomer Components in Motor Vehicles; Test Methods for Identification;
Thermogravimetry, TGA
VDA 675 202 Elastomer Components in Motor Vehicles; Test Methods for Determination
of Properties; Shore A and D
VDA 675 205 Elastomer Components in Motor Vehicles; Test Methods for Determination
of Properties; Stress-Strain Behavior; Tensile Test
VDA 675 218 Elastomer Components in Motor Vehicles; Test Methods for Determination
of Properties; Creep and Relaxation; Plastic and Elastic Deformation
VDA 675 219 Elastomer Components in Motor Vehicles; Test Methods for Determination
of Properties; Creeping and Relaxation, Rebound Resilience
VDA 675 235 Rubber Components in Motor Vehicles; Test Methods for Determining
Properties; Friction and Wear, Abrasion
VDA 675 241 Elastomer Components in Motor Vehicles; Test Methods for Determination
of Properties; Corrosion Effect on Copper
VDA 675 242 Rubber Components in Motor Vehicles; Test Methods for Determination of
Properties; Discoloration of Organic Materials due to Elastomers (Paint
Indifference)
VDA 675 310 Elastomer Components in Motor Vehicles; Test Methods for Resistance
Testing; Aging at Elevated Temperature