Does rubber deteriorate when exposed to engine oil?

[DiEmilio]

Rubber does deteriorate when exposed to engine oil. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Cause: If rubber remains in prolonged contact with oil-based substances during use, the oil can penetrate into the rubber, causing it to swell and resulting in reduced strength and other mechanical properties. The swelling occurs because the oil infiltrates the rubber, leading to molecular diffusion that alters the cross-linked structure of the vulcanized rubber. 2. Manifestations: During processing, storage, and usage, rubber and its products undergo gradual deterioration in physical, chemical, and mechanical properties due to combined internal and external factors, eventually losing their functional value. This process is called rubber aging. It manifests as cracking, stickiness, hardening, softening, powdering, discoloration, and mold growth.