Ozone cracking, also known as ozone stress cracking or ozone-induced cracking, is a type of deterioration that affects certain materials, particularly elastic polymers like rubber. It occurs when rubber materials are exposed to ozone gas, typically in the atmosphere, especially at higher altitudes or in industrial environments where ozone levels may be elevated. Ozone molecules can penetrate the surface of the rubber material and react with the polymer chains, leading to the formation of cracks.
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