EFFECT OF GASOLINE CONTAMINATION ON THE PERMEATION OF ORGANIC LIQUIDS THROUGH RUBBER MEMBRANES

The effect of gasoline and oil contamination on the barrier properties of natural rubber, nitrite rubber and bromobutyl rubber have been experimentally studied for the following organic environmental contaminants: dichloromethane, acetone and toluene. Oil contamination has little effect on the subsequent transport of these organic penetrants. However, gasoline contamination alters the subsequent transport behavior of these organic penetrants, depending on the nature of the rubber and the contamination conditions. Nitrile rubber experiences minor effects, while natural rubber is severely affected. Penetrant breakthrough times as well as limiting diffusion coefficients increase with increasing temperature and/or contamination time.