Rationale

ASTM C564 4.2 requires gaskets manufactured for use in couplings complying with Specification C1277or CISPI 310 shall be manufactured from a properly vulcanized virgin in which the primary elastomer is polychloroprene (neoprene). C564 additionally requires multiple tests for hardness, elongation, tensile, tear strength, compression set, heat aging, water absorption, ozone resistance, and oil immersion. The purpose of this work items is to evaluate alternative materials that comply with the physical requirements of these test methods but do not use neoprene as the primary elastomer.