Automated control of thermal vacuum impregnation and swelling of oil- and gasoline-resistant elastomers

Abstract

Polymeric materials used in the rolling stock are currently subject to increased requirements for durability. We present a method for accelerated and automated rapid analysis of the impregnation of polymeric materials used in various aggressive environments to determine their service life as sealing products. The results of studying changes in the physical and mechanical properties of samples are given on the example of elastomeric materials used as separating and sealing materials made of oil- and petrol resistant rubber MBS-S. Hydrocarbons based on mineral oil products with different viscosity coefficients were used as working media. It is shown that the time of impregnation of the MBS-S polymer, spent on testing according to the standard method, exceeds more than 10 times the standard terms rated for repair and maintenance. Tests using the developed express filling unit showed a reduction of the impregnation time to a level acceptable in production. The derived mathematical dependences for the process of filling MBS-S oil and petrol resistant rubber with a standard working fluid and automation of filling control make it possible to predict changes in the resistance of polymeric materials. The results obtained can be used in developing database of the swelling dynamics for various materials and predicting the service life of polymers in an aggressive environment of various etiology.