The use of methanol based fuels for automobiles presents a challenge for engineering plastics and elastomers to provide durability and reliability in automotive fuel system components. Methanol based fuels are highly corrosive and render the use of conventional metals inappropriate for some applications, requiring redesign of components in chemical and fuel- resistant plastics and elastomers.
Fuel system applications for these materials include fuel sender modules, fuel lines, connectors, filters, pumps, injectors and rails. Some of the current and potential materials options include polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyester, acetals, nylon 1212 and other nylons, fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers.
The following is a performance evaluation of these materials after various time and temperature exposures ASTM Fuel “C” and methanol based fuel compositions, including M10, M15, M20 and M85.
From these tests, materials recommendations can be made with respect to durability and design in anticipation of changes in automotive fuel system design.
The materials tested were selected based on their current industry acceptance as cost-effective products with proven performance in the application.