At the conference, Ticona (Florence, KY and Kelsterbach, Germany) announced the availability of Fortron 6162XF, a mineral/glass-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) marketed to OEMs and processors developing applications for use in aggressive fuels, such as those containing methanol and ethanol. This new fuel-resistant Fortron PPS grade has reduced weight gain by more than 45% compared to Fortron 6165A6, which has been used successfully in fuel systems.

"In 1000-hour exposure tests in CM15A fuel conducted at 194°F (90°C), Fortron 6162XF exhibited superior fuel resistance, with a weight change of less than 1%," said Ralf Langhammer, Ticona fuel systems market development engineer. Moisture absorption typically is less than or equal to 0.02%. Typical applications could include impellers, outlet covers, and fuel injector components.

The supplier also took the opportunity to discuss the results of storage tests, which confirm that the supplier's Fortron polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), Celstran long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (LFRT, with a polypropylene or polyamide matrix) and Hostaform acetal copolymer (POM) all offer the chemical resistance necessary for their use in exhaust treatment systems of diesel vehicles that use AdBlue technology. These materials can be used in components with direct exposure to AdBlue such as pumps, valves, sensors, and control timing cases.

Without a high level of chemical resistance, direct contact with the highly pure aqueous urea solution in AdBlue can wash out the stabilizers or process additives in plastics, which can lead to contamination of the AdBlue and possible damage to the catalytic converter.—[email protected]