Development of Biodiesel-Resistant Nitrile Rubber Compositions

Fossil fuels are the most commonly used sources of energy in the world. However, many reasons have pushed the society to search for alternative fuels to meet the world’s energy demands without increasing environmental damage. Biodiesel has appeared to be an excellent replacement for petroleum diesel fuels because of its comparable physical properties in addition to its improved environmental benefits, such as low pollutant gas emissions, non-toxicity, renewability, and biodegradability. Nonetheless, biodiesel and petroleum diesel differ greatly with respect to their chemical properties. Therefore, the compatibility of the materials, which are commonly employed in contact with diesel, must also be assured for biodiesel that has been obtained from different sources. The main recommendation found in the literature is to withdraw nitrile rubber (NBR)-based articles from biodiesel applications.