Compatibility study of high density polyethylene with bioethanol–gasoline blends

In order to evaluate the compatibility of high density polyethylene (HDPE) in E5 (5% v/v bioethanol, 95% v/v gasoline) and E10 (10% v/v bioethanol, 90% v/v gasoline), immersion tests have been performed in fuel blends at 45 °C during 2000 h. Different mechanical and physical–chemical properties of HDPE have been assessed before and after the execution of these tests. Additional information about biofuels–HDPE interaction has been obtained by infrared spectroscopy and solubility tests. Although a slight variation of mechanical properties has been observed, no effects on the chemical structure and physical properties of this polymer, which could be attributed to the E5 and E10 blends, have been detected.