Solubility analysis of elastomers in a bio-based lubricant using Hansen parameters Academic Article in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.The solubility of automotive elastomers, namely, silicone rubber (VMQ), flouroelastomer (FKM) and ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) in Jatropha bio-based lubricant (bio-oil), an engine mineral oil (EMO) and a blend of the bio-oil with EMO, respectively, was analyzed by using the Hansen solubility method. In addition, an experimental compatibility analysis, consisting on standard immersion tests and measurements of changes in mass, volume, hardness and tensile and tear strengths, was conducted to complement and validate the results obtained using the Hansen method. The Hansen method was found to be in good agreement with the compatibility tests and provided an appropiate description of the dissolution/degradation behavior of the seals upon exposure to the lubricants. Finally, it was found that FKM was the most compatible in the three lubricants, while EPDM was very prone to dissolution/degradation in EMO and B20, and VMQ in the bio-oil.

publication date

  • January 1, 2019