Fluoroelastomers can lengthen engine seal life, says research.
The Freudenberg-NOK study was launched amid concerns from agricultural and construction manufacturers that their vehicles were being contaminated by the increasing use of biodiesel fuels, thus damaging engine seals.
Longer life for tractor seals? Image: Roger Davies |
Joseph Walker, global director, Advanced Materials Development for Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies says, "Biodiesel fuels have a much higher boiling point, and the fuel is miscible with the engine oil. This means more fuel remains in the oil during use, and this diluted oil mixture impacts engine and component operation."
Studies into the way lubricants are affected by oil/fuel dilution already exist but, according to Walker, this latest study has shown positive results with careful management. He states: "The seal life can be improved through the use of specific grades of fluoroelastomers – those whose molecular architecture is designed for specific types of crosslinking by organic peroxides."