Effects of Polymer Structure & Type On Resistance to Methanol Containing Fuels

The uses of methanol blended fuels are prevalent in China. This provides challenges and opportunities for sealing materials selection. The objective of this investigation is to develop a fundamental understanding or benchmark for the behavior of conventional sealing materials in a methanol environment of continuously varying concentration. Seventeen elastomer compositions are examined and include FKM, HNBR, ACM, AEM, VMQ, FVMQ and NBR. Twelve methanol concentrations with eight exposure times were investigated for each elastomer composition. Extensive treatment is given to fluorocarbon materials during this study. Polymer architecture is discussed extensively as well as the effects of compounding ingredients.