Automotive Fuel Permeation Resistance - A Comparison of Elastomeric Materials

Data is presented that compares the permeation resistance of current elastomeric fuel hose construction materials to those based on fluorocarbon elastomers and fluorocarbon elastomer/hydrocarbon elastomer blends. The permeation resistance of a fluorocarbon elastomer hose compound is superior to all current hydrocarbon elastomer materials tested. Permeation rates, in some cases, are more than one hundred times better than present materials. In addition, fluorocarbon elastomers have excellent resistance to degradation from heat, ozone and the high aromatic content in current fuels. No other class of elastomers possesses this unique balance of properties.