Impact of alternative fuels and properties on elastomer compatibility

Abstract This chapter discusses the fuel interaction with aircraft materials especially in regard to elastomers, which is one of the crucial components for making the machine airworthy and operate through its life. This chapter emphasizes on the basics of seal working mechanisms and their interaction with fuels. Recent advancements in the fuels and invention of modern production mechanisms of alternative fuels in view of environmental effects, instigates new challenges to design engineers, especially the fuel compatibility issues. In this chapter authors also discuss the recent developments in seal materials and their interaction with alternative fuels- which are lacking aromatic components, role of aromatic content in fuels, need of additives for swelling enhancement, testing procedures involved with understanding the compatibility of seals, and their swelling behavior in new alternative fuels.