Dynamic testing for compatibility assessment of non-metal automotive components with biodiesel fuel: a concept study

Abstract

Over the years, concern on the compatibility issue of the blended biodiesel fuel with non-metal material components in diesel engine vehicles had received many attentions. Assessing the compatibility of non-metal material components like elastomer and plastics usually rely on the measurement of mechanical and physical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, hardness, surface morphology, weight and volume changes. These properties are typically measured after the static immersion test is done accordingly to the ASTM D471. However, data and results given from the static immersion test is only applicable when the samples are in a static condition and not in a dynamic situation. Thus, this paper attempts to review some common issues related to the biodiesel fuel and non-metal components and introducing the dynamic testing approach that can be applied when assessing the compatibility study of biodiesel fuel with some potential problems that might be encountered.