Survey of Methods for Achieving Low Gasoline Fuel-Permeation in Rotationally-Molded Articles
Abstract
The establishment of governmental regulations on the evaporative emission performance of fuel system components has caused molders and their material suppliers to develop innovative materials and processes by which to meet such requirements. Rotational molding is a common processing choice for fuel containers given its ability to produce complex, hollow geometries with consistent wall thickness. A number of strategies have been devised for meeting fuel permeation requirements in rotationally molded containers, each demonstrating significant benefits and detriments to the processor. Single, homogeneous materials have difficulty in simultaneously providing adequate fuel permeation, durability, and affordability. The ability of rotational molding to create containers having a plied, multi-polymer architecture allows molders to create articles which exhibit exceptional performance in each aspect. Multi-layer processing creates unique challenges for the rotational molder; however, different technologies have been demonstrated which enable multi-layer articles to be produced from a single material introduction, thereby maximizing processing efficiency.