Development of An Elastomeric Material That Swells in Water-Based Fluids

Elastomeric materials that swell in water based fluids are well known in the pharmaceutical, oil field, agricultural and general water stop industries.  Numerous parameters such as polymer class, filler type, percent swell and its’ corresponding effects on physical properties affect the development of a water swelling elastomer. Various forms of swell inducing fillers were formulated into a standard recipe to assess percent swell and saturated material property changes. The kinetics of the swelling mechanism were additionally investigated to determine the effect of time on the rate and severity of the swell process.

Once the material formulation was optimized, o-ring prototypes were compression molded and tested in a static sealing application to validate a potential application.  In this concept, a mechanical reaction would energize or apply additional contact pressure reducing leakage or weeping of fluid from the system.