High Temperature Resistance of Fluoropolymers in Automotive Fuels

Materials used in automotive fuel line constructions must offer dependable and predictable performance when exposed to a variety of fuel compositions at high temperatures. This paper presents data from a comprehensive study which demonstrates the high temperature chemical resistance of fluoropolymer resins after exposure to several fuel compositions at various temperatures. Fuel exposure tests were performed at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 120 C (250 F). The test included six different plastics, exposed to four fuel compositions. The exposed samples were tested for weight change, volume change, and retained physical properties. Tensile property testing was conducted at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 204 C (400 F). This data demonstrates that the superior high temperature properties and outstanding chemical resistance of fluoropolymer resins make them well suited for use in fuel handling systems.