Automobile Fuels

Gasoline is a varying blend of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Alcohols at varying levels are being used to decrease oil consumption. Alcohols are very oxidizing and can cause increased swell.

Assurance of desired O-ring resistance to gasoline, therefore, requires an elastomer that is resistant to a minimum of three chemical agents, with additional consideration being given to the temperature range(s) routinely encountered in automobile operation.

Best Choice(s)

A check of the General Properties of O-ring Elastomers chart in Section 6, shows that Teflon^®, Fluorocarbon and Epicholorhydrin possess enhanced resistance's to exposure to aromatics, aliphatics and alcohols, over a working temperature range suitable for automotive use.

Additionally, Nitriles, specially compounded to reduce swelling in gasoline, are sometimes employed for automotive use.