ELASTOMERS FOR FUEL SYSTEMS CONTAINING MICROORGANISM-CONTROLLING ADDITIVES
Abstract
This program was part of a major study created by the undesirable growth of microorganisms in aircraft jet-fuel tanks and ground storage tanks. Problems attributed to microbial growth include plugging of fuel gauges, destruction of top coatings, and corrosion of metal parts. It was shown that certain species of bacteria and fungi, isolated from JP-4 fuel, grow rapidly on coatings in laboratory exposures. Damage to coatings after one year of exposure was minimal, suggesting that growth alone is not as important as growth augmented by other factors such as corrosive materials in fuel-tank water bottoms. For example, aircraft fuel sump samples (without microorganisms) from various USAF bases were shown to be corrosive to both uncoated and coated 7075- T6 aluminum and to cause blistering of a topcoating. Although coating damage and metal corrosion could not be attributed to microbial action alone, control of microbial growth in fuel tanks is still desirable. Several biocides were found which inhibit growth when added to coatings. Two of these in particular were effective at relatively low concentrations and are recommended for further study. It was also shown that three biocides selected for addition to fuel are not harmful to most existing fuel-system coatings and elastomeric components, although one caused embrittlement of a nitrile rubber specimen.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0462148
Entities
People
- C. W. Cooper
- Homer T. Kemp
- Robert M. Kell
Organizations
- Battelle Memorial Institute