Solvent resistivity testing of fluoroelastomers using a gravimetric sorption method

Solvent resistivity testing of the 3M Aflas(TM) fluoroelastomer membranes has been attempted using a sorption gravimetric method. The liquids chosen for the study include benzene, toluene, mesitylene, methoxybenzene, chlorobenzene, nitrobenzene, bromobenzene and 1,2-dichlorobenzene at 30, 45 and 60 degrees C. The solvent uptake data have been obtained and the diffusion coefficients have been calculated from Fick's equation. The apparent values of activation parameters for the process of diffusion have been calculated and used in assessing the resistivity of polymers in the presence of the chosen organic liquids. Concentration profiles of the liquids have been calculated to predict the applicability of these materials under extreme service conditions. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.