Corrosive infiltration of sealing systems

Sealing systems must withstand various stresses. One of these is corrosion: if electrolytes penetrate through a gap and attack metallic surfaces that are susceptible to rust , the sealing effect can be significantly impaired.

As rust forms, the volume of the attacked metal increases: increasing pressure is exerted from the edge, and the seal is eventually lifted. Additional electrolytes penetrate through capillary action until the seal loses its sealing effect.

However, corrosive infiltration can be prevented in the design by providing a groove geometry between the edge of the housing and the actual seal, which reduces the capillary effect of the gap. Also important: a sealing geometry that is as wide as possible, a high degree of hardness of the sealing material and a rigid design of the two housing parts.