EFFECTS OF CONTAMINATED BIODIESEL DILUTION ON THE SEALS OF AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54554/jmet.2025.17.01.003Keywords:
Biodiesel blends, Elastomers, Carbon Black Contamination, Material Compatibility, Automotive TribologyAbstract
This study investigates the degradation of automotive elastomeric seals exposed to contaminated biodiesel blends, specifically B10 and B20 under long-term immersion. Biodiesel. Although renewable and environmentally favourable, exhibits chemical characteristics such as oxidation susceptibility, higher water absorption, and unsaturated compounds that may accelerate elastomer degradation. In this work, B20 biodiesel was intentionally contaminated with carbon black and engine lubricant to mimic real-world fuel degradation. Three elastomers, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), chloroprene rubber (CR) and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) were immersed in four fuel-contaminant blends for 900 hours. The physicochemical properties of biodiesel (kinematic viscosity, total acid number, water content) and the mechanical properties of elastomers (mass change, hardness, tensile strength) were evaluated following ASTM standards. The results demonstrated significant material degradation, particularly in NBR and EPDM, with increased swelling, reduced tensile strength and changes in hardness. Microscopic inspection revealed surface irregularities such as pits and micro-cracks associated with fuel oxidation and particulate contamination. Biodiesel blends containing higher carbon black concentrations contributed to greater deterioration, indicating strong interactions between contaminates and elastomer matrices. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of selecting chemically resistant elastomers such as fluorinated materials for biodiesel compatible fuels systems and emphasize the need to address contaminated biodiesel stability to ensure reliable automotive operation.
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