Conductive elastomer engineering in extreme environments

Abstract There is a clear correlation between the use of high percentage of ethanol petrol and component corrosion and wear-related engine malfunctions; moreover, there is a need to develop high performance elastomeric sealing materials for Oil and Gas applications from primary use in the exploration and operational drilling applications. In this chapter we will address this need by developing new conducting elastomeric nanocomposites (elastomer plus carbon nanotubes and graphite nanoplatelets) combined with active corrosion protection and self-healing capabilities. Elastomeric nanocomposites target the specific use for components in extreme environments like those of fuel tank, fuel filler neck protector and fuel lines using high % of ethanol blended gasoline (up to 85%) and operating under high vibrations conditions; materials and components (i.e. O-ring) operating in the oil and gas sector. An overview will be given by reporting new elastomeric composites and by validating the use of such materials in terms of electrical conductivity increase, permeability reduction to prevent swelling and blistering; self-healing properties to repair damages in severe operating conditions, increase in damping properties to reduce stress cracking and vibration transmission and increase in tensile strength. Finally, few examples showing the “end of life” recycling technologies and at paving the way to a widespread exploitation will be also addressed.