Biofuels are liquid or gaseous substances, such as biodiesel. They serve as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels in the EU transport sector and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biofuels damage rubber, so using the wrong materials will damage the rubber. In this article we tell more.
More and more biofuel is being used
The European Union has indicated that countries should encourage the use of biofuels. By 2020, 20% of all energy consumption should come from renewable energy sources. The transport and logistics sector must obtain at least 10% of transport petrol from renewable sources.
Biofuels are made from plant material or waste:
- Biofuels from vegetable materials
Examples of vegetable materials that can be used to make biofuels are palm oil, rapeseed, sugar cane, corn and grain. - Biofuels from waste
Examples of waste where biofuels can be made are waste from animal feed, used cooking fat, wood chips or algae.
The European Union indicates that biofuels are an important item on the agenda. So more and more biofuels are being used that damage rubber that comes into contact with the fuel.
Biofuel and rubber materials
According to our expertise, there are three main points that are taken into account in the production, storage, transport and use of biofuels for rubber materials. First, the material must be able to form well to different types of seals. In addition, the material must be sustainable and the material must not be harmful to the environment.
NBR and FKM are resistant to biofuelss
After examining and testing different rubber materials, two excellent rubber materials came out of the test. These are NBR and FKM. Both suitable for forming to different seals and both durable. Both materials have been tested and have a proven advantage that they are well resistant to biofuels. Thanks to the durability of the materials, they contribute to maintaining a healthy environment.
Bio-NBR & Bio-FKM
The two materials respond to innovations in the global use of biofuels. The two materials offer a wide range of options for use in the biofuel process. Long-term test results show that these materials are resistant to biofuel degradation. Bio-NBR and Bio-FKM are seen as unique and problem-solving materials.
Liquids
The resistant materials are also resistant to various liquids. Various liquids have been tested and will be used in the future. Ethanol 10 (E10) and Biodiesel (B10) are examples of liquids tested with NBR and FKM. To ensure the resistance of the liquids, an aggressive liquid FAM B has also been added to the test liquids. Even after adding this aggressive liquid, the materials remained resistant. Do you want to know which materials are resistant to which substances? Then consult our chemical resistance list.
Want to know more about biofuel resistant rubber?
We offer various quality products to seal biofuels. Thanks to customization, we can always offer a solution for your situation. We have thorough technical knowledge, have a clear and innovative vision and stand for structured design and R&D processes. Of course we have the right certificates for the different materials. Feel free to contact us.