The Effect of Fuel Components on the Mechanical Properties and Glass Transition Temperatures of Polymers Used in Multi-layer Fuel Line Tubing

With the advent of more stringent legislation for fuel and fuel vapor emissions from vehicles, it has been necessary to introduce a barrier polymer into the fuel line as a means of reducing emissions. This paper examines tensile dumbbell samples (ASTM D 638M) of a range of plasticised Nylons, tie layer polymers and fluoropolymers which were immersed in methanol, ethanol and toluene at 25°C. The percentage mass uptake and extent of swelling were determined. The mechanical properties and changes in glass transition were measured at different immersion times for up to 21 weeks.