Effect of ethanol as gasoline additive on vehicle fuel delivery system corrosion

Abstract

In this research, the effect of ethanol as gasoline additive has been investigated into metal corrosion of a fuel delivery system. Corrosion tests have been performed in gasoline with different percentages of ethanol, using weight loss (immersion test) and electrochemical impedance stereoscopy (EIS) procedures. Surface of test specimens were checked by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after 144 days of immersion in test solution. Also corroded components were analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) method. Test results, investigations, and analyses, altogether show more corrosion with the increase in ethanol percentage and water content in gasoline. Test results show that among different materials in fuel delivery system, aluminum alloys and hard soldering alloys have less corrosion than the others. Also chloride and sulfide were recognized as the main compound of corrosion products; therefore, the control of these two elements in fuel delivery system is a must in case of using ethanol as fuel additive in near future.

Corrosion of martensitic stainless steel in ethanol-containing gasoline: Influence of contamination by chloride, H 2 O and acetic acid

“…Homogeneously distributed pits can be seen on the surface of the sample exposed to the single-phase solution, whereas for the 2-phase solution, distinctly different corrosion morphologies are observed in the two different phase fields. This is related to an uneven distribution of H 2 content is increased by a factor of ca. 180 as compared with the fuel-rich phase, whereas the H 2 O content is increased only by a factor of ca.…”

“…One common strategy is the addition of alcohols, mainly ethanol, to gasoline. As different metallic materials are used in fuel injection equipments in vehicles, questions arise on aggressive effects of different fuel mixtures on these metals [1][2][3][4][5]. Regarding possible corrosion-triggering factors, the addition of ethanol to gasoline leads to the presence of water in the fuel, due to the hygroscopic nature of ethanol.…”

Intermediate Blends Infrastructure Materials Compatibility Study

“…Several studies have been undertaken to evaluate the compatibility of ethanol with engine materials, especially those used in fuel system components such as pumps, and much of this work has recently focused on the intermediate E15, E20, and E25 blends. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18] However, little work has been reported on the compatibility of these fuels to standard fuel dispenser materials, including sealants. Additionally the ethanol compatibility of high-performance fluoroelastomers needs to be evaluated since these materials are considered potential alternatives to the current rubber materials used dispenser seals and o-rings.…”

Swelling and mechanical properties of (acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber)/(hydrogenated acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber) blends with precipitated silica filled in gasohol fuels

“…Ethanol is usually mixed with gasoline to form gasohol oils, such as a mixture of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline by volume called “E10.” Higher concentrations of ethanol, for example, 85% and 95% ethanol, have also been added to gasoline (called “E85” or “E95,” respectively). Ethanol‐blended gasoline acts as an electrolyte, and if it used in an engine, the rubber parts of the fuel line may encounter corrosion problems, causing the plug fuel system parts to wear out . In this respect, oil‐resistant rubber used in automobiles in contact with gasohol oil is required and their properties must be modified to enhance the resistance against the polar components.…”