The test gives an estimate of the ability of a rubber vulcanizate to resist crack growth of a pierced specimen when subjected to bending or flexing.

No exact correlation between these test results and service is implied due to the varied nature of service conditions.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of crack growth of vulcanized rubber when subjected to repeated bending strain or flexing. It is particularly applicable to tests of synthetic rubber compounds which resist the initiation of cracking due to flexing when tested by Method B of Test Methods D 430. Cracking initiated in these materials by small cuts or tears in service, may rapidly increase in size and progress to complete failure even though the material is extremely resistant to the original flexing-fatigue cracking. Because of this characteristic of synthetic compounds, particularly those of the SBR type, this test method in which the specimens are first artificially punctured in the flex area should be used in evaluating the fatigue-cracking properties of this class of material.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.