Measurements of Nitrile Rubber Absorption of Hydrocarbons: Trends for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Compatibility

The commercial aviation sector is seeking to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, with sustainable fuel (SAF) being the most important lever. However, SAF currently limited ASTM specifications a maximum of 50%v blending conventional jet fuel. One reason for current blend limit motivation maintain o-ring swelling consistent 100% petroleum This work explores relationships between components, model compounds, and various blends in nitrile rubber compared swelling. Specifically, optical dilatometry measurements were used gather swell propensity data 39 different hydrocarbon dopants at 8%v an iso-alkane solution, 4 7 concentrations, 19 fuels or blends. study also highlights advantages using measurements, such as those employed here, quality control metric instead aromatics requirement. Notably, potential shown range composed less than aromatics.