Method 4001 is a general test for Resistance to Heat, Oxygen, Air, Light, and Ozone. This group of tests is intended for determining the relative resistance of rubber insulating and jacket compounds and rubber-like compounds to deterioration influenced by heat, air, light, oxygen, and ozone.
The tests consist of exposing specimens from rubber and rubber-like compounds (with previously determined physical characteristics) to controlled deteriorating influences for a specified period of time, after which the same physical characteristics are again measured. Changes in tensile strength and elongation are most commonly used to indicate the degree of deterioration.
The results should be evaluated only as comparative performance against insulation and jacket compounds of known aging characteristics. The results of accelerated tests should not be used alone to predict the natural life of these materials.