Predicting Elastomer-Fluid Compatibility for Hydraulic Systems

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Abstract
The elastomers used in sealing hydraulic and similar systems are frequently swollen or shrunk by prolonged contact with the fluids. The fundamental properties, especially the Hildebrand Solubility Parameter, of the fluid and elastomer components are related to these tendencies. Basically, the Solubility Parameter concept has been used to predict suitable elastomeric sealing materials for various fluids by avoiding close matches in solubility parameter. The present studies have shown that: (a) copolymer performance cannot always be predicted by averaging the properties of the homopolymers; (b) mixtures of solvents may not behave like an imaginary single fluid of average properties; and (c) chemical interactions, hydrogen bonding, and molecular shape factors introduce major complications. New correlations are proposed to enable the hydraulic engineer to obtain Solubility Parameters from the more common properties of heavy petroleum fractions.

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