The aging behavior of silicone rubber seals during long-term storage was studied by scanning electron microscope, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis and compression set test. The results show that the mechanical properties of silicone rubber seals stored in natural storehouses and sheds are seriously degraded. The grease plays a protective role in silicone rubber samples stored in natural storehouses. The degradation reactions mainly occur in the aging process. The phenyl isocyanate is migrating from inner to surface of silicone rubber samples in the long-term storage aging process. The aging mechanism of silicone rubber samples stored in natural storehouses and sheds is basically identical, and the external environment has an important impact on the microstructures and thermal stabilities of the silicone rubber seals.
