U.S. patent application number 11/493722 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-30 for elastomer compositions for use in a hydrocarbon resistant hose.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dayco Products, LLC. Invention is credited to Harold D. Beck.
Application Number | 20060270783 11/493722 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37448628 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060270783 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beck; Harold D. |
November 30, 2006 |
Elastomer compositions for use in a hydrocarbon resistant hose
Abstract
A heat tolerant, pressure resistant elastomeric composition
comprising a blend of a first ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer and a
second copolymer selected from the group consisting of
chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), chlorinated polyethylene
(CPE), polychloroprene (CR), ethylene-acrylic elastomer (AEM),
alkyl-acrylate copolymer (ACM), polyvinyl acetate (PVA),
nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene
rubber (HNBR), and mixtures thereof; a hose manufactured therefrom;
and a method for preparing the hose are described.
Inventors: |
Beck; Harold D.; (Strafford,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAYCO PRODUCTS, LLC
1 PRESTIGE PLACE
MIAMISBURG
OH
45342
US
|
Assignee: |
Dayco Products, LLC
|
Family ID: |
37448628 |
Appl. No.: |
11/493722 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10799865 |
Mar 11, 2004 |
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11493722 |
Jul 26, 2006 |
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10830790 |
Apr 23, 2004 |
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11493722 |
Jul 26, 2006 |
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10663324 |
Sep 15, 2003 |
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10830790 |
Apr 23, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
524/564 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 48/00 20190201;
B29C 48/06 20190201; F16L 11/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
524/564 |
International
Class: |
D06M 15/263 20060101
D06M015/263 |
Claims
1. A vulcanized, heat tolerant, pressure and hydrocarbon resistant
elastomeric automotive component exhibiting improved hydrocarbon
fluid impermeability, wherein said automotive component comprises:
about 10 to 50% by weight of a blend comprising a first
ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer and a second polymeric member
selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-acrylic
elastomer, an alkyl acrylate copolymer, and mixtures thereof; and
about 25 to 75% by weight of a plurality of additives selected from
the group consisting of process aids, fillers, plasticizers, metal
oxides, metal hydroxides, peroxides, coagents, antioxidants and
combinations thereof.
2. The automotive component of claim 1, wherein said first
ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer is an ethylene-vinyl acetate
copolymer and said second polymeric member is an ethylene-acrylic
elastomer.
3. The automotive component of claim 2, wherein said ethylene-vinyl
acetate copolymer contains about 40 to 90% vinyl acetate.
4. The automotive component of claim 2, wherein said ethylene-vinyl
acetate copolymer contains about 50 to 80% vinyl acetate.
5. The automotive component of claim 2, wherein said blend contains
about 10 to 90 weight percent ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and
about 90 to 10 weight percent ethylene-acrylic elastomer.
6. The automotive component of claim 1 further comprising 0 to
about 75% by weight of an elastomeric polymer selected from the
group consisting of chlorinated polyolefin, chlorosulfonated
polyolefin, polychloroprene, ethylene-acrylic rubber, alkyl
acrylate copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, acrylonitrile-butadiene
rubber, hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber,
ethylene-propylene diene terpolymer, styrene-butadiene rubber,
ethylene-propylene rubber, butyl rubber, cis-polybutadiene,
cis-polyisoprene, polyurethane, polyamide and combinations
thereof.
7. The automotive component of claim 1, wherein said one or more
additives comprises: about 0.1 to 8% by weight one or more
processing aids selected from the group consisting of stearic acid,
stearates, 1-octanedecanamine, polyethylene, amines, oils, organic
esters, organic phosphate esters and combinations thereof; about 20
to 60% by weight one or more fillers selected from the group
consisting of carbon black, graphite, silicone dioxide, fumed
silica, precipitated silica, diatomaceous earth, magnesium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, magnesium silicate, aluminum
silicate, titanium dioxide, talc, mica, aluminum sulfate, calcium
sulfate, wollastonite, molybdenum disulfide, clay, calcium
carbonate and combinations thereof; about 3 to 15% by weight one or
more plasticizers selected from the group consisting of
hydrocarbons, glycols, aldehydes, ethers, esters, ether-ester,
trioctyl trimellitate and combinations thereof; about 0.1 to 10% by
weight one or more metal oxides and/or hydroxides selected from the
group consisting of zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, magnesium oxide,
magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, aluminum
hydroxide and combinations thereof; about 0.5 to 4% by weight one
or more peroxides selected from the group consisting of
2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexyne-3;
2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane;
a,a'-bis-(t-butylperoxy)-p-diisopropylbenzene; dicumyl peroxide;
di-t-butyl peroxide;
1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane;
2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide; benzoyl peroxide; p-chlorobenzoyl
peroxide; 4,4-bis(t-butylperoxy) valerate; t-butylcumyl peroxide;
di-t-amyl peroxide; t-butyl hydroperoxide and combinations thereof;
about 0.1 to 5% by weight one or more coagents selected from the
group consisting of maleimides, triallyl cyanurate, triallyl
isocyanurate, diallyl terephthalate, 1,2-vinyl polybutadiene, di-
and tri-functional methacrylates, diacrylates, metal ion versions
thereof and combinations thereof; and about 0.1 to 3% by weight one
or more antioxidants selected from the group consisting of phenols,
hydrocinnamates, hydroquinones, hydroquinolines, diphenylamines,
mercaptobenzimidazoles and combinations thereof.
8. The automotive component of claim 7, wherein said composition
comprises: about 10 to 90% by weight of an ethylene-vinyl acetate
copolymer, wherein said ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer contains
about 50 to 80% vinyl acetate; about 90 to 10% by weight of an
ethylene-acrylic elastomer; about 0.2 to 0.7% by weight stearic
acid; about 23 to 38% by weight carbon black; about 2 to 5% by
weight silicon dioxide; about 3 to 7% by weight trioctyl
trimellitates; about 0.1 to 7% by weight adipate type plasticizer;
about 0.1 to 8% by weight magnesium oxide; about 0.1 to 0.75% by
weight 1-octanedecanamine; about 0.1 to 0.75% by weight organic
phosphate ester; about 0.5 to 4% by weight organic peroxide; about
0.25 to 1% by weight triallyl cyanurate; about 0.25 to 1% by weight
N,N', n-phenylenedimaleimide; about 0.25 to 2% by weight
antioxidant selected from the group consisting of phenols,
hydrocinnamates, diphenylamines, hydroquinones, hydroquinones,
hydroquinolines and mixtures thereof.
9. The automotive component of claim 1, wherein said automotive
component is selected from the group consisting of automotive
hoses, transmission belts, seals, dampers, engine mounts, air duct
housing, gaskets and CV joint boots.
10. The automotive component of claim 9, wherein said automotive
component is a hose.
11. A method for preparing a vulcanized, heat tolerant, pressure
and hydrocarbon resistant automotive component having improved
hydrocarbon fluid impermeability, said method comprising: providing
a first ethylene- vinyl ester copolymer; wherein said vinyl ester
is a vinyl ester of a C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 lower carboxylic acid;
providing a second polymeric material comprising a polymeric
material selected from the group consisting of ethylene-acrylic
elastomer (AEM), alkyl-acrylate copolymer (ACM), ), and mixtures
thereof; providing one or more additives selected from the group
consisting of process aids, fillers, plasticizers, metal oxides,
metal hydroxide, peroxides, coagents, antioxidants and combinations
thereof; blending said first ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer, said
second polymeric material, and said one or more additives to form
an elastomeric composition comprising said first ethylene-vinyl
ester copolymer, said second polymeric material, and said; one or
more additives; forming said automotive component from said
elastomeric composition; and vulcanizing said automotive
component.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said ethylene-vinyl ester is
ethylene-vinyl acetate and said second polymeric material is an
ethylene-acrylic elastomer.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said ethylene-vinyl acetate
contains about 40 to 80% vinyl acetate.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein said ethylene-vinyl acetate
copolymer contains about 50 to 80% vinyl acetate.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein said elastomeric composition
comprises about 10 to 90% by weight said first ethylene-vinyl ester
copolymer; about 90 to 10% second polymeric material, and about 25
to 75% by weight of one or more additives.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising about 0 to about 75%
by weight of an elastomeric polymer selected from the group
consisting of chlorinated polyolefin, chlorosulfonated polyolefin,
polychloroprene, polyvinyl acetate, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber,
hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and combinations
thereof.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein one or more of said additives
comprises: about 0 to 8% by weight one or more processing aids
selected from the group consisting of stearic acid, stearates,
1-octanedecanamine, polyethylene, amines, oils, organic esters,
organic phosphate esters and combinations thereof; about 20 to 60%
by weight one or more fillers selected from the group consisting of
carbon black, graphite, silicone dioxide, fumed silica,
precipitated silica, diatomaceous earth, magnesium carbonate,
calcium carbonate, magnesium silicate, aluminum silicate, titanium
dioxide, talc, mica, aluminum sulfate, calcium sulfate,
wollastonite, molybdenum disulfide, clay, calcium carbonate and
combinations thereof; about 3 to 15% by weight one or more
plasticizers selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons,
glycols, aldehydes, ethers, esters, ether-ester, trioctyl
trimellitate and combinations thereof; about 0 to 10% by weight one
or more metal oxides and/or hydroxides selected from the group
consisting of zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, magnesium oxide,
magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, aluminum
hydroxide and combinations thereof; about 0.5 to 4% by weight one
or more peroxides selected from the group consisting of
2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexyne-3;
2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane;
a,a'-bis-(t-butylperoxy)-p-diisopropylbenzene; dicumyl peroxide;
di-t-butyl peroxide;
1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane;
2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide; benzoyl peroxide; p-chlorobenzoyl
peroxide; 4,4-bis(t-butylperoxy) valerate; t-butylcumyl peroxide;
di-t-amyl peroxide; t-butyl hydroperoxide and combinations thereof;
about 0 to 5% by weight one or more coagents selected from the
group consisting of maleimides, triallyl cyanurate, triallyl
isocyanurate, diallyl terephthalate, 1,2-vinyl polybutadiene, di-
and tri-functional methacrylates, diacrylates, metal ion versions
thereof and combinations thereof; and about 0 to 3% by weight one
or more antioxidants selected from the group consisting of phenols,
hydrocinnamates, hydroquinones, hydroquinolines, diphenylamines,
mercaptobenzimidazoles and combinations thereof.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said composition comprises:
about 10 to 90% by weight of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer
containing about 50 to 80% vinyl acetate; about 90 to 10% by weight
of an ethylene-acrylic elastomer; about 0.2 to 0.7% by weight
stearic acid; about 23 to 38% by weight carbon black; about 2 to 5%
by weight silicon dioxide; about 3 to 7% by weight trioctyl
trimellitate; about 1 to 7% by weight adipate type plasticizer;
about 1 to 8% by weight magnesium oxide; about 0.1 to 0.75%
1-octanedecanamine; about 0.1 to 0.75% organic phosphate ester;
about 0.5 to 4% by weight organic peroxide; about 0.25 to 1% by
weight triallyl cyanurate; about 0.25 to 1% by weight N,N',
n-phenylenedimaleimide; about 0.25 to 2% by weight antioxidant
selected from the group consisting of phenols, hydrocinnamates,
diphenylamines, hydroquinones, hydroquinolines and mixtures
thereof.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein said automotive component is
selected from the group consisting of hoses, belts, seals, dampers,
engine mounts, and CV joint boots.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein said automotive component is
hoses, said method further comprising applying a reinforcing layer
comprising natural or synthetic fibers selected from the group
consisting of cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, and aramid; or metal
wire, said method further comprising applying a cover layer on an
outer surface of said reinforcing layer, said cover layer
comprising a synthetic elastomer selected from the group consisting
of styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber,
chloroprene rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated
polyethylene, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide copolymer, polyvinyl
chloride, and blends thereof.
21. In a vulcanized hose for conveying fluids in an automotive
engine cooler, transmission oil cooler, power transmission cooler,
radiator or heater, the improvement which comprises employing as an
inner tubular structure of the hose, a heat tolerant, pressure and
hydrocarbon resistant composition exhibiting improved hydrocarbon
fluid impermeability compared to conventional hose-forming
compositions, wherein said composition comprises: about 10 to 90%
by weight of a n ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer containing about
50 to 80% vinyl acetate; about 90 to 10% by weight of an
ethylene-acrylic elastomer; about 0.2 to 0.7% by weight stearic
acid; about 23 to 38% by weight carbon black; about 2 to 5% by
weight silicon dioxide; about 3 to 7% by weight trioctyl
trimellitate; about 1 to 7% by weight adipate type plasticizer;
about 1 to 8% by weight magnesium oxide; about 0.1 to 0.75% by
weight 1-octanedecanamine; about 0.1 to 0.75% by weight organic
phosphate ester; about 0.5 to 4% by weight organic peroxide; about
0.25 to 1% by weight triallyl cyanurate; about 0.25 to 1% by weight
N,N', n-phenylenedimaleimide; about 0.25 to 2% by weight
antioxidant selected from the group consisting of phenols,
hydrocinnamates, diphenylamines, hydroquinones, hydroquinolines and
mixtures thereof. said hose further including a reinforcing layer
over said tubular structure, said reinforcing layer comprising
natural or synthetic fibers selected from the group consisting of
cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon and aramid; or metal wire, and a
cover layer over said reinforcing layer, said cover layer
comprising a synthetic elastomeric selected from the group
consisting of styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene-acrylonitrile
rubber, chloroprene rubber, chlorinated polyethylene,
chlorosulfonated polyethylene, epichlorohydrin-ethylene oxide
copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, and blends thereof.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/830,790, filed Apr. 21, 2004, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/663,324
filed Sep. 15, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to polymeric
compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to
polymeric compositions useful in the manufacture of automotive
components, particularly automotive hoses for the transport of
automotive fluids.
[0003] Hoses, particularly rubber hoses, are used in a variety of
applications in the automotive industry as fuel feed hoses, torque
converter hoses, power steering hoses and air conditioner hoses; as
well as for industrial and household utility applications such as
hydraulic hoses, refrigeration hoses, washing machine hoses,
propane gas feed hoses, high pressure air hoses, garden hoses,
etc.
[0004] It is generally known that rubber surfaces do not always
exhibit desired resistance against chemical loads such as organic
gases and solvents. Therefore, other approaches for improving the
organic gas and solvent resistance of rubber materials included
using rubber materials which have a different polarity than the
organic gas or solvent, increasing the crosslinking of the rubber
material, adding or increasing certain additives, and increasing
the wall thickness of the rubber tube material. All of these
approaches have a down side. For example, the use of a rubber
material having a polarity different from the organic gas or
solvent requires the use of more expensive rubber materials such as
chloroprene rubber, acrylic rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, and the
like; increasing the degree of crosslinking of the rubber used
detracts from the softness and flexibility of the rubber; the
addition of additives affects the processability and certain
physical properties of the rubber; and increasing the wall
thickness of the rubber material also increases the weight of the
structure. Generally, these undesirable effects overshadow any
advantage gained in the improved gas and solvent resistance.
[0005] In order to improve the impermeability of multilayered
rubber hoses, typical approaches include the use of a metal film as
a barrier layer coated on one of the inner layers. Such disclosures
appear, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 318,458 to Fletcher where
there is disclosed a multilane tubular structure made from India
rubber and having a tin foil liner. Other prior art patents such as
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,559,793 to Hanes et al.; 4,759,455 to Campbell et
al.; 5,182,147 to Davis; 5,271,977 to Yoshikawa et al; 5,360,037 to
Lindstrom; 5,398,729 to Spurgat; and 5,476,121 to Yoshikawa et al.
have attempted similar methods to reduce the permeability of fluids
and/or gases through various tubes. Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.
6,074,717 to Little et al.; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,779,673 and
5,488,975 to Chiles et al. disclose metal coated synthetic rubber
hoses used for circulation of fluids in radiant heating systems in
houses and in businesses and disclose the use of an inner nylon
tubular layer having a metal layer surrounding the nylon layer.
[0006] Polymeric material used to form the hose for accommodating
fluids and gases under elevated pressures and/or high temperatures
such as in automotive air conditioner cooler hoses and power
steering hoses must meet other critical requirements. For example,
the polymeric material must exhibit low permeability to FREON or
other coolant gases to prevent such gases from escaping from the
hose. Also such polymeric hose must be able to prevent outside
moisture from entering the interior of the hose where it could
contaminate the fluid or gas. In addition, the polymeric hose must
be capable of withstanding high heat and pressure, be able to
withstand engine and impact vibration, and be capable of forming
gas-tight connections.
[0007] In the case of hoses for accommodating coolant fluid for
automotive air conditioners, etc., polymeric materials such as
polychloroprene (CR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR),
chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), chlorinated polyethylene
(CPE), polyacrylate (PA), ethylene-acrylic rubber (AEM), alkyl
acrylate copolymer (ACM), polyvinyl acetate,
acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), hydrogenated
acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR), ethylene-propylene-diene
terpolymer (EPDM), cis-polybutadiene, cis-polyisoprene,
polyurethane, polyamides such as nylon are often used as the
material for forming the hose. For example, nylon 6 and nylon 66
are very low in coolant gas permeability, but are relatively high
in moisture permeability. On the other hand, nylon 11 and 12 are
relatively low in moisture permeability and less susceptible to
hydrolysis, but are moderately high in gas permeability. Blends of
any of the various nylons with other nylons, olefins or other
materials are also used in such applications. For example, blends
such as nylon 6, nylon 4, nylon 66, nylon 11, nylon 12, have been
made to take advantage of desirable characteristics of one or more
of such nylons and, at the same time, reduce the effects of any
undesirable characteristics. However, blending the various
polymeric materials for the purpose of obtaining the desired
benefits of each individual component actually acts to reduce the
desired benefit because of the dilution effect of the other
component(s) employed. Therefore, while one can obtain a variety of
benefits by blending various polymers, the actual observed benefits
may be reduced.
[0008] Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (VAE) compositions are
known. For example, U.S. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,338,227 6,492,454;
5,942,580; 5,837,791; 5,830,941; 5,807,948; 5,744,566; 5,698,651;
5,362,533; 5,135,988; 4,338,227 and 4,309,332 describe various
ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and the uses thereof. Copolymers
of ethylene and vinyl acetate exhibit elastomeric characteristics
and are commonly used to improve adhesion properties of hot melt,
solvent-based and pressure-sensitive adhesives. It is generally
well known that the use of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers in the
automotive industry and commercial applications are mostly limited
to coatings, adhesives, gaskets, O-rings and the like. For example,
"Ultrathene", a series of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers
manufactured by Quantum Chemical, is typically used for adhesives,
conversion coatings and thermoplastic modifiers. Such EVA
copolymers exhibit a wide range of melt indexes. Ethylene-vinyl
acetate copolymers are also marketed by Bayer under the trade name
"Levapren". These EVA copolymers are described as oil and heat
resistant materials which may be used in air hose applications.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,327 to Ramey et al. teaches the use of two
separate layers of an ethylene-vinyl copolymer in the manufacture
of a multilayer hose.
[0009] Blends of vinyl esters with other polymers have been found
to be somewhat effective in the manufacture of automotive hoses.
For example, blends of ethylene-vinyl acetate with ethylene-vinyl
acetate-carbon monoxide terpolymers are useful in applications were
flame retardant, low smoke, oil resistant flexible systems are
desirable as coatings such as coatings for wire and cable
construction, are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,133,367 to Arhart.
However, there is no mention in the prior art of blends of a first
vinyl ester with second copolymer selected from the group
consisting of chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), chlorinated
polyethylene (CPE), polychloroprene (CR), acrylonitrile-butadiene
rubber (NBR), polyacrylate (PA), ethylene-acrylic rubber (AEM),
alkyl acrylate copolymer (ACM), polyvinyl acetate,
acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), hydrogenated
acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR), ethylene-propylene-diene
terpolymer (EPDM), cis-polybutadiene, cis-polyisoprene.
[0010] Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and blends thereof have
been employed in the wire and cable industry as a sheath or cover
material surrounding electrical wires. For example, polymeric
blends of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers with ethylene-vinyl
acetate-carbon monoxide terpolymers which are particularly useful
in applications where flame retardant, low smoke, oil resistant,
flexible systems are desirable as a wire coating. Patents
disclosing the use of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers as wire and
cable coatings include U.S. Pat. No. 4,349,605 to Biggs et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,326 to Biggs et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,523 to
Biggs et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,004 to Maringer et al.; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,225,460 to Maringer et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,489 to
Maringer et al. None of the references describe a self supporting
tubular structure, nor is there any teaching of a blend of a first
vinyl ester and a second copolymer selected from the group
consisting of polychloroprene (CR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber
(NBR), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), chlorinated
polyethylene (CPE), polyacrylate (PA), ethylene-acrylic rubber
(AEM), alkyl acrylate copolymer (ACM), polyvinyl acetate,
hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR),
ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), cis-polybutadiene,
cis-polyisoprene.
[0011] Choosing the right material or combination of materials to
be used in the construction of automotive hoses is becoming more
and more difficult because the hoses are now required to withstand
higher pressures and temperatures than previous hoses performing
the same tasks. Also mandated regulations require that the hoses
exhibit greater impermeability rates and resist stress over longer
periods of time while maintaining manufacturing costs at an
acceptable level. Therefore, the manufacturers of automotive hoses
find it necessary to come up with newer and better materials and
combinations of materials to meet these rising needs. In order to
achieve a material which meets regulations and still retains the
many desirable characteristics necessary to satisfy the
manufacturer, attempts have been made to blend various materials
which individually exhibit the desirable characteristics. However,
it is generally found that, while these blended composite materials
may exhibit all of the desirable characteristics, these desirable
characteristics have been drastically diluted to the point where
the material is no longer acceptable.
[0012] Accordingly, in the manufacture of automotive components,
particularly hoses for use in the automotive industry, it would be
desirable to find a material blended from two or more individual
polymers, each of which exhibits one or more desirable
characteristics, wherein the individual characteristics in the
resulting blend are not diluted by the other polymers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It has now been found that blends of certain copolymers
containing a vinyl ester and at least one other polymer selected
from the group consisting of ethylene-acrylic elastomer (AEM) or an
alkyl-acrylate copolymer (ACM) or mixtures thereof, exhibit
unexpected properties that are desirable in the manufacture of a
variety of industrial and automotive rubber components, such as
automotive hoses, transmission belts, seals, dampers, engine
mounts, particularly oil filled engine mounts, air duct housing,
gaskets, CV joints boots, etc. For example, such blends exhibit
high temperature and pressure resistance, improved tensile
strength, and improved hydrocarbon fluid resistance over either of
the individual components alone. The particular copolymer blends of
the present invention have been found to be particularly effective
in forming hoses useful in the transmission of various automotive
fluids and gases, e.g., engine oil cooler fluids, transmission oil
cooler fluids, power steering fluids, radiator fluids, heater
fluids, and the like. For example, blends containing a first vinyl
ester of a C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 carboxylic acid, e.g., vinyl acetate,
and a second polymer such as an ethylene-acrylic elastomer (AEM) or
an alkyl-acrylate copolymer (ACM) or mixtures thereof not only
exhibit high temperature and pressure resistance, tensile strength,
and improved hydrocarbon fluid resistance, but such blends appear
to preserve the individual characteristics of each of the copolymer
components of the blend.
[0014] Typically, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers are known to be
heat resistant elastomers which are only fairly resistant to common
fluids such as transmission fluids and power steering fluids. In
order to improve the oil resistance of an ethylene-vinyl acetate
copolymer material, one approach would be to blend an oil resistant
polymer with the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. Some of the more
common oil resistant polymers would include chlorosulfonated
polyethylene (CSM), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), polychloroprene
(CR), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR),
hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR), and the like.
However, the blending of two ore more of these materials to obtain
the beneficial characteristics of each material, more often than
not, is only marginally successful, because the blending of the two
materials simply dilutes their characteristics in the blend as
compared to the individual components alone. The diluted
characteristics of the blended material generally are most apparent
when the material is aged.
[0015] It has now been discovered that blends of an ethylene-vinyl
ester, e.g., vinyl acetate, with certain other polymers,
particularly, ethylene-acrylic elastomers (AEM) or alkyl-acrylate
copolymer (ACM) or mixtures thereof, not only provide a material
for use in the manufacture of hoses which meet government standards
with regard to permeability rates, has good tensile strength, has
good oil resistance, and has good heat and pressure resistance, but
such blends, unexpectedly, do not show the typical effects of
dilution. Such blends exhibit desirable characteristics which
unexpectedly retain the desirable characteristic of the individual
polymers when used alone. That is, the blend of polymers exhibits
the beneficial properties of each polymer without the undesirable
effects of dilution.
[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a heat tolerant, pressure and hydrocarbon resistant
composition, which exhibits, improved hydrocarbon fluid
impermeability. The heat tolerant, pressure and hydrocarbon
resistant composition of the invention comprises a blend of a first
copolymer and a second polymer wherein the first copolymer is
different from the second polymer. The first copolymer comprises an
ethylene-vinyl ester of a lower carboxylic acid and the second
polymer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene acrylic
elastomer (AEM) and alkyl-acrylate copolymer (ACM) or mixtures
thereof. Other polymeric materials may be employed in place of, or
in combination with, the ethylene-acrylic elastomer or alkyl
acrylate copolymer; however, such other polymers when blended with
ethylene-vinyl acetate are only marginally effective Most notably,
these other polymers include chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM),
chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), polychloroprene (CR),
ethylene-acrylic elastomer (AEM), alkyl-acrylate copolymer (ACM),
polyvinyl acetate (PVA), nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR),
hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR), and the like.
[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a hose especially useful if the automotive industry to
transport fuel, oil and various fluids. The hose of the present
invention is manufactured from a blend of a first vinyl ester
copolymer and a second copolymer selected from the group consisting
of ethylene-acrylic elastomer (AEM), alkyl-acrylate copolymer
(ACM), and mixtures thereof. As indicated above, other polymers
such as chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), chlorinated
polyethylene (CPE), polychloroprene (CR), polyvinyl acetate (PVA),
nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene
rubber (HNBR), and the like may be employed in addition to or in
place of the ethylene-acrylic elastomer or alkyl acrylate
copolymer, but such other polymers are only marginally effective.
Most preferably, the present invention is directed to a blend of
ethylene-vinyl ester, such as vinyl acetate, and an ethylene
acrylic elastomer or alkyl acrylate copolymer. The automotive
components formed from such ethylene-vinyl ester copolymers blended
with an ethylene-acrylic elastomer, alkyl acrylate, or mixture
thereof, exhibits excellent oil resistance, fuel impermeability,
temperature and pressure resistance, and tensile strength.
[0018] In still another embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a method for manufacturing the hose of the present
invention which comprises providing a first vinyl ester copolymer,
providing a second copolymer selected from the group consisting of
chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), chlorinated polyethylene
(CPE), polychloroprene (CR), ethylene-acrylic elastomer (AEM),
alkyl-acrylate copolymer (ACM), polyvinyl acetate (PVA),
nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene
rubber (HNBR), and the like, preferably, ethylene-acrylic elastomer
or alkyl acrylate copolymer, blending the first vinyl ester with
the second copolymer, forming a hose from said blend, and
vulcanizing the hose.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, a
polymeric composition comprises a blend of a first vinyl ester
copolymer and a second polymeric member. The first vinyl ester
copolymer comprises a vinyl ester of a C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 lower
aliphatic carboxylic acid. Preferably, the vinyl ester copolymer is
an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer wherein the vinyl-acetate
copolymer contains about 40 to 80 vinyl acetate. Vinyl-acetate
copolymers commercially available from Bayer Corporation under the
name Levapren has been found to be particularly satisfactory as the
first vinyl ester copolymer of the blend used in manufacturing the
hose of the present invention. The vinyl ester copolymer is blended
with a second polymer selected from the group consisting of
ethylene-acrylic elastomer (AEM), alkyl-acrylate copolymer (ACM),
chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), chlorinated polyethylene
(CPE), polychloroprene (CR), polyvinyl acetate (PVA),
nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene
rubber (HNBR), and the like polyvinyl acetate (PVA),
nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene
rubber (HNBR), and the like. In a preferred aspect of the
invention, the second copolymer is an ethylene-acrylic elastomer
(AEM) or an alkyl-acrylate copolymer (ACM). Most preferably, the
second copolymer is an ethylene-acrylic elastomer available from E.
I. DuPont under the name Vamac.
[0020] Additional materials may also be employed as additives
compounded into the copolymer composition for the purpose of
providing desired characteristics of the composition. These
additional materials include, for example, process aids; fillers;
plasticizers; metal oxides or hydroxides; peroxides; coagents, and
antioxidants. Other additives such as vulcanization accelerators
commonly used in polymeric compositions for use in preparing hoses
may be added in appropriate amounts to provide their desired
effect.
[0021] Suitable processing aids includes stearic acid, stearates,
polyethylene, amines, oils, organic esters, organic phosphate
esters, mixed styrenated phenylene diamine and the like.
[0022] Suitable fillers include materials, such as carbon black,
silicon dioxide, fumed silica, precipitated silica, diatomaceous
earth, magnesium carbonate, magnesium silicate, aluminum silicate
titanium dioxide, talc, mica, aluminum sulfate, calcium sulfate,
graphite, wollastonite, molybdenum disulfide, clay, calcium
carbonate and combinations thereof.
[0023] Suitable plasticizers include materials such as
hydrocarbons, glycols, aldehydes, ethers, esters, ether-esters, and
the like.
[0024] Suitable metal oxides and metal hydroxides include zinc
oxide, zinc hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide,
calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, and the
like.
[0025] Suitable peroxides include
2,5-dimethyl-2.5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexyne-3;
2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane;
a,a'-bis-(t-butylperoxy)-p-diisopropylbenzene, dicumyl peroxide,
di-t-butyl peroxide;
1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)-3,3,3-trimethylcyclohexane;
2,4-dichlorobenzoyl peroxide; benzoyl peroxoide; p-chlorobenzoyl
peroxide; 4,4-bis(t-butylperoxy) valerate; t-butylcumyl peroxide;
di-t-amyl peroxide; t-butyl hydroperoxide and combinations
thereof.
[0026] Suitable coagents include N,N', m-Phenylenedimaleimide
(HVA2) and other bismaleimides; triallyl cyanurate; tiallyl
isocyanurate; diallyl terephthalate; 1,2-vinyl polybutadienes; di-
and tri-functional methacrylates and diacrylates; and metal ion
versions of these coagents.
[0027] Suitable antioxidants include phenols, hydrocinnamates,
diphenylamines, hydroquinone, hydroquinolines,
mercaptobenzimidazoles, and the like.
[0028] Typically, the heat tolerant, pressure resistant elastomeric
composition of the present invention comprises a blend of a first
ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer of a lower carboxylic acid and a
second polymer selected from the group consisting of
ethylene-acrylic elastomer (AEM), alkyl-acrylate copolymer (ACM),
and mixtures thereof. In certain application, other polymeric
materials such as chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), chlorinated
polyethylene (CPE), polychloroprene (CR), polyvinyl acetate (PVA),
nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene
rubber (HNBR), and mixtures thereof, may also be employed in place
of or in combination with the blend of ethylene-vinyl ester and
ethylene acrylate elastomer, alkyl acrylate, or mixtures thereof.
Preferably, the composition comprises a blend of an ethylene-vinyl
acetate copolymer and an ethylene-acrylic elastomer or an
ethylene-alkyl copolymer, and most preferably, the composition
comprises a blend of ethylene-vinyl acetate and an ethylene-acrylic
elastomer.
[0029] In accordance with a one embodiment of the invention, the
composition comprises: about 10 to 75% by weight of a blend
containing about 10 to 90% by weight of an ethylene-vinyl acetate
copolymer having about 40 to 80% vinyl acetate, and about 90 to 10%
of an ethylene-acrylic elastomer, an alkyl acrylate copolymer, or
mixture thereof; and a plurality of additives in an amount of about
25 to 75% by weight, wherein the plurality of additives is selected
from the group consisting of process aids; fillers; plasticizers;
metal oxides or hydroxides; peroxides; coagents, and
antioxidants.
[0030] Preferably, the composition of the present invention
comprises:
[0031] about 10 to 50% by weight of a blend of an ethylene-vinyl
ester with a polymer selected from the group consisting of
ethylene-acrylic elastomer, alkyl acrylate, or mixtures thereof;
and
[0032] about 0.8 to 2% by weight process aids based upon the total
weight of the composition, wherein said process aids are selected
from the group consisting of stearic acid, stearates, polyethylene,
amines, oils, organic esters, organic phosphate esters and
combinations thereof;
[0033] about 20 to 60% by weight fillers based upon the total
weight of the composition, wherein said fillers are selected from
the group consisting of carbon black, silicon dioxide, fumed
silica, precipitated silica, diatomaceous earth, magnesium
carbonate, magnesium silicate, aluminum silicate titanium dioxide,
talc, mica, aluminum sulfate, calcium sulfate, graphite,
wollastonite, molybdenum disulfide, clay, calcium carbonate and
combinations thereof;
[0034] about 3 to 15% by weight plasticizers based upon the total
weight of the composition, wherein said plasticizers are selected
from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, glycols, aldehydes,
ethers, esters, ether-esters and combinations thereof;
[0035] about 0 to 10% by weight metal oxides and/or hydroxides
based upon the total weight of the composition, wherein said metal
oxide and/or hydroxides are selected from the group consisting of
zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide,
calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide and
combinations thereof;
[0036] about 0.5 to 2% by weight peroxides based upon the total
weight of the composition, wherein said peroxides are selected from
the group consisting of 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-d(t-butylperoxy)hexyne-3;
2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butyperoxy)hexane; dicumyl peroxide;
a,a'-bis-(t-butylperoxy)-p-diisopropylbenzene; di-t-butyl peroxide;
benzoyl peroxide; p-chlorobenzoyl peroxide; 4,4-bis(t-butylperoxiy)
valerate; and combinations thereof;
[0037] about 0 to 5% by weight coagents based upon the total weight
of the composition, wherein said coagents are selected from the
group consisting of maleimides, triallyl cyanurate, triallyl
isocyanurate, diallyl terephthalate, 1,2-vinyl polybutadiene, di-
and tri-functional methacrylates, diacrylates, metal ion versions
thereof and combinations thereof; and
[0038] about 0 to 0.3% by weight antioxidants based upon the total
weight of the composition, wherein said antioxidants are selected
from the group consisting of phenols, hydrocinnamates,
hydroquinones, hydroquinolines, diphenylamines,
mercaptobenzimidazoles, and combinations thereof.
[0039] In accordance with a most preferred embodiment of the
invention, the composition comprises:
[0040] about 10 to 50% by weight of a blend containing about 10 to
90% by weight vinyl acetate copolymer having about 40 to 80% by
vinyl acetate and about 90 to 10% ethylene-acrylate elastomer;
[0041] about 0.2 to 0.7% by weight stearic acid;
[0042] about 23 to 38% by weight carbon black;
[0043] about 2 to 5% by weight silicon dioxide;
[0044] about 3 to 7% by weight trioctyl trimellitate;
[0045] about 0 to 7% by weight adipate type plasticizer;
[0046] about 0 to 8% by weight magnesium oxide;
[0047] about 0.1 to 0.75% by weight 1-octanedecanamine;
[0048] about 0.1 to 0.75% weight organic phosphate ester;
[0049] about 0.5 to 4% by weight organic peroxide;
[0050] about 0.25 to 1% by weight triallyl cyanurate;
[0051] about 0.25 to 1% by weight N,N', n-phenylenedimaleimide;
[0052] about 0.25 to 2% by weight antioxidant selected from the
group consisting of phenols, hydrocinnamates, diphenylamines,
hydroquinones, hydroquinolines and mixtures thereof.
[0053] The composition of the invention is particularly
advantageous in the manufacture of tubular structures for use in
the automotive industry, for example, for transporting fuel and
other automotive fluids such as those fluids useful in engine oil
coolers, transmission oil coolers, power transmission coolers,
radiators, heaters, etc.
[0054] Hoses manufactured from the composition of the present
invention not only exhibit good heat tolerance, pressure resistance
and hydrocarbon impermeability, but such hoses unexpectedly retain
such desired heat tolerance, pressure resistance, and hydrocarbon
impermeability characteristics at a surprising effective level over
long periods of time, even after aging.
[0055] In a third embodiment of the invention, a method for
manufacturing heat tolerant, pressure and hydrocarbon resistant
automotive components, such as automotive hoses having improved
hydrocarbon fluid resistance is provided. The method includes
[0056] providing an elastomeric composition comprising a first
copolymer and a second copolymer wherein said first copolymer is
different from said second copolymer, said first copolymer is an
ethylene-vinyl ester of a C.sub.2 to C.sub.6 lower carboxylic acid
and a said second polymer comprises a copolymer selected from the
group consisting of ethylene-acrylic elastomer (AEM),
alkyl-acrylate copolymer (ACM) or mixtures thereof. Other polymers
may be employed in addition to or in place of the of
ethylene-acrylic elastomer (AEM), alkyl-acrylate copolymer (ACM) or
mixtures thereof. Such polymers include chlorosulfonated
polyethylene (CSM), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), polychloroprene
(CR), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR),
hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR), and mixtures thereof;
incorporating into said elastomeric composition, one or more
additives selected from the group consisting of process aids,
fillers, plasticizers, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, peroxides,
coagents, antioxidants and combinations thereof;
[0057] forming a hose of the blend containing the additives;
and
[0058] vulcanizing the hose in an autoclave.
[0059] In a preferred method for manufacturing the tubular
structure of the invention, a continuous spiral production method
is employed which comprises providing an inner layer of a material
produced in a mono-extrusion of an annular configuration.
[0060] A reinforcement material is generally employed in the
manufacture of the hose to provide strength to the hose structure.
The reinforcement materials include natural fibers such as cotton;
synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, rayon, aramid; and metal
wire. The reinforcement may be applied by knit or maypole type
braid methods. Typically, the reinforcement material is applied to
the annular extrudate in a two-layer spiral format in which one
layer is applied in a clockwise direction and the other layer is
applied in a counter-clockwise direction.
[0061] An outer protective cover layer may be employed over the
reinforcement layer in a mono-extrusion of an annular configuration
to provide to protect the hose from the outer environment. The
cover layer is a protective layer of any of the commercially
recognized materials for such use, e.g., elastomers, thermoplastic
polymers, thermosetting polymers and the like. Typically, the
protective cover is a synthetic elastomer having good heat
resistance, oil resistance, weather resistance and flame
resistance. Preferably, the outer protective cover layer is a
synthetic elastomer selected from the group consisting of
styrene-butadiene rubber; butadiene-nitrile rubber such as
butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber; chlorinated rubber;
chlorosulfonated polyethylene; vinylethylene-acrylic rubber;
acrylic rubber; epichlorohydrin rubber such as Hydrin 200, a
copolymer of epichlorohydrin and ethylene oxide available from
DuPont ECO; polychloroprene rubber; polyvinyl chloride;
ethylene-propylene copolymers; ethylene-propylene-diene
terpolymers; ultra high molecular weight polyethylene; high density
polyethylene; and blends thereof.
[0062] The hose of the invention is particularly useful in the
transportation of air conditioner fluids, power steering fluids,
transmission oil cooler fluids, etc. where the material forming the
hose exhibits the required heat tolerance, pressure resistance,
impermeability resistance to the fluid being transported through
the hose, etc.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0063] TABLE-US-00001 Parts per hundred of polymer (phr) Levapren
.RTM. 500 HV 100 80 90 90 Hypalon .RTM. 4085 (CSM) 10 10 Tyrin
.RTM. CM0136 (CPE) 10 10 Stearic Acid 1 1 1 1 Magnesium Oxide 10 10
10 10 N650 Carbon Black 75 75 75 75 Silicon Dioxide 5 5 5 5
Trioctyl Trimellitate 10 10 10 10 1-Octadecanamine 1 1 1 1 Triallyl
Cyanurate, 72% Dispersion 1 1 1 1 N,N'-m-Phenylene Dimaleimide 1 1
1 1 Dicumyl Peroxide; 60% Active 4 4 4 4
4,4'-Di(methylbenzyl)diphenylamine 2 2 2 2 Polyethylene 2 2 2 2
Polyethylene Glycol 2 2 2 2 Cured 20 minutes @ 175.degree. C.
Original Properties Tensile Strength; psi 1699 2083 2059 1873
Elongation % 242 195 213 243 100% Modulus; psi 785 1187 1074 923
Hardness; Shore A 77 79 79 79 Compression Set, 70 h. @ 175.degree.
C. 48 73 58 51 After 336 hours @ 175.degree. C. in Air Tensile
Strength; psi 1497 1993 2514 2114 Elongation % 136 1 14 24 100%
Modulus; psi 1407 n/a n/a n/a Hardness; Shore A 54 47 47 43 After
70 hours @ 175.degree. C. in Chrysler MS9602 Automatic Transmission
Fluid Tensile Strength; psi 1455 986 1153 1099 Elongation % 274 116
149 175 100% Modulus; psi 446 813 670 480 Hardness; Shore A 54 47
47 43 Volume Change; % 29 52 51 53 Levapren is a trademark of Bayer
Corporation Hypalon is a trademark of DuPont Dow Elastomers Tyrin
is a trademark of DuPont Dow Elastomers
Example 2
[0064] TABLE-US-00002 Parts per hundred of polymer (phr) Levapren
.RTM. 600 HV 100 75 50 25 75 50 25 Vamac .RTM. PE 2166 25 50 75 100
Vamac .RTM. DLS 25 50 75 100 Stearic Acid 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Magnesium Oxide 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 N650 Carbon Black 70 70
70 70 70 70 70 70 70 Silicon Dioxide 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Trioctyl
Trimellitate 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 Adipate
Plasticizer 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 1-Octadecanamine 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl),alpha- 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
octadecyl-omega-hydroxy,-phosphate Triallyl Cyanurate, 72%
Dispersion 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 N,N'-m-Phenylene Dimaleimide 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 Dicumyl Peroxide; 99% 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4
4,4'-Di(methylbenzyl)diphenylamine 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Cured 20
minutes @ 175.degree. C. Original Properties Tensile Strength; psi
1806 1702 1486 1361 1054 1664 1482 1336 997 Elongation % 289 284
282 294 316 282 253 306 373 100% Modulus; psi 761 691 662 632 527
670 643 583 381 Hardness; Shore A 78 79 81 79 79 78 76 75 73
Compression Set, 70 h. @ 175.degree. C. 49 62 67 73 76 66 71 80 90
After 168 hours @ 150.degree. C. in Air Tensile Strength; psi 1645
1432 1200 1045 929 1588 1501 1421 1149 Elongation % 285 311 332 300
336 293 240 271 336 100% Modulus; psi 925 863 782 689 689 924 905
954 735 Hardness; Shore A 83 84 85 90 90 86 84 86 83 After 70 hours
@ 175.degree. C. in Air Tensile Strength; psi 1584 1477 1305 1186
1010 1587 1543 1493 1168 Elongation % 286 261 290 298 317 276 240
249 295 100% Modulus; psi 1041 1048 954 918 803 1008 1039 1123 830
Hardness; Shore A 87 90 91 91 92 88 88 88 90 After 336 hours @
175.degree. C. in Air Tensile Strength; psi 1733 1844 1808 1531
1409 Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Elongation % 93
117 118 136 155 100% Modulus; psi 1453 1372 1324 1115 979 Hardness;
Shore A 92 92 94 94 94 After 70 hours @ 162.8.degree. C. in Dexron
.RTM. III Automatic Transmission Fluid Tensile Strength; psi 1491
1419 1270 1220 989 1523 1502 1354 1124 Elongation % 280 252 283 273
318 280 276 271 324 100% Modulus; psi 508 519 457 476 403 439 517
557 482 Hardness; Shore A 54 54 58 58 63 63 59 66 74 Volume Change;
% 34 28 26 24 20 25 19 13 6 After 70 hours @ 150.degree. C. in IRM
903 Oil Tensile Strength; psi 1281 1266 1159 1065 852 1310 1255
1120 1015 Elongation % 193 185 199 225 255 204 221 232 308 100%
Modulus; psi 589 622 536 471 377 541 463 439 322 Hardness; Shore A
44 49 49 50 51 44 46 50 55 Volume Change; % 67 61 55 50 47 53 45 35
22 Levapren is a trademark of Bayer Corporation Vamac is a
trademark of E. I. Dupont de Nemours and Company, Inc. Dexron is a
trademark of General Motors Corporation
[0065] The percentages by weight of the various ingredients forming
the automotive components of the present invention are defined as
weight percent based upon the total weight of the elastomeric
composition from which the automotive component is derived.
[0066] The ratios of ethylene and vinyl ester in the ethylene-vinyl
ester copolymers are defined as mol percent.
[0067] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail and exemplified in the above examples and
specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
the invention may be modified without deviating from the scope of
the invention. Therefore, the foregoing examples and description
are to be considered exemplary rather than limiting and are not to
be limited thereto.
* * * * *