Future-oriented experimental characterization of 3d printed and conventional elastomers based on their swelling behavior

The present study investigates different elastomers with regard to their behavior towards liquids such as moisture, fuels, or fuel components. First, four additively manufactured materials are examined in detail with respect to their swelling in the fuel component toluene as well as in water. The chemical nature of the materials is elucidated by means of infrared spectroscopy. The experimentally derived absorption curves of the materials in the liquids are described mathematically using Fick’s diffusion law. The mechanical behavior is determined by uniaxial tensile tests, which are evaluated on the basis of stress and strain at break. The results of the study allow for deriving valuable recommendations regarding the printing process and postprocessing. Second, this article investigates the swelling behavior of new as well as thermo-oxidatively aged elastomers in synthetic fuels. For this purpose, an analysis routine is presented using sorption experiments combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and is thus capable of analyzing the swelling behavior multifacetted. The transition of elastomer constituents into the surrounding fuel at different aging and sorption times is determined precisely. The change in mechanical properties is quantified using density measurements, micro Shore A hardness measurements, and the parameters stress and strain at break from uniaxial tensile tests.