Effect Of Different Fluids On MechanicalProperties Of A U- Liner

Tension tests were performed on dog-bone shaped samples cut from a polyethylene U-liner to evaluate the effects of exposure to various petroleumbased products on material characteristics. Material properties of the liner examined were weight, tensile strength, elongation, required time for yield and elasticity modulus. Samples were soaked in alcohol, diesel fuel, gasoline, jet fuel or kerosene for durations of 56, 84 and 112 days before testing. Additional samples were exposed to natural day light for 56 days to examine the effect of ultra-violet rays (UV). Virgin samples were used as control samples for comparison. Tensile properties of the liner material were slightly affected by the type of fluid and soaking duration, but not beyond the specified ASTM nominal requirements. Samples soaked in jet fuel, diesel fuel and kerosene exhibited more ductile behavior, whereas the samples exposed to alcohol, UV, and gasoline were more brittle than the control samples.