When rubber is held under compression, physical or chemical changes that prevent the rubber returning to its original dimensions after release of the deforming force can occur. The result is a set, the magnitude of which depends on the time and temperature of compression as well as on the time, temperature, and conditions of recovery. At elevated temperatures, chemical changes become increasingly more important and lead to a permanent set.

Short-time compression set tests, typically for 24 h, at elevated temperatures are commonly used as a measure of the state of cure, a means of material classification, and a specification to ensure the quality of a compound. Longer tests, typically for 1 000 h, at elevated temperatures take account of the effect of ageing and are often used to predict service performance, including that of sealing materials. Short-time tests at ambient temperature show mainly the effect of physical changes (re-orientation of the molecular chains and the fillers).