Degradation Behaviour Of O-Ring Elastomer Subjected To Palm Biodiesel Immersion

Chin, Kah Chun (2020) Degradation Behaviour Of O-Ring Elastomer Subjected To Palm Biodiesel Immersion. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

It is common to find the use of elastomer in fuel lines of diesel automobile engines as well as a sealant for the engine parts. However, a polymer is well-known to be detrimental to elevated temperatures. In this study, two types of biodiesel sources of fuel were considered to evaluate the degradation behavior of the O-ring component based on nitrile rubber (NBR) in terms of the physical properties. The physical property is investigated in terms of the change in mass, in accordance with the ASTM D471. The weight of the samples was recorded before and after immersion. At the soaking stage, the O-ring samples were immersed up to 28 days in B10 and B30 biodiesel at the room temperature and 40℃ condition. The mass loss test results suggest that there is a decrease in mass loss with increasing biodiesel concentration for the NBR O-ring, from B10 to B30 biodiesel usage. Moreover, deterioration of elastomer is due to the increased polarity of biodiesel; these are related to carboxylic (ester) functional group in the biodiesel formation. Besides that, SEM micrographs at the cross-section show evidence of deterioration in the sample. Once immersed for up to 28 days (4 weeks) at 40℃, the O-ring sample in biodiesel B30 exhibits more holes and cracks than those in the B10 medium. It is possibly due to the absorption of biodiesel into elastomer, through which biodiesel may interfere with the cross-linking agent. These results suggest that NBR O-ring is acceptable for uses in the specified environment and biodiesel

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