Author Topic: Properties of Lexan  (Read 1823 times)

dogmush

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Properties of Lexan
« on: June 16, 2015, 09:28:42 AM »
Does anyone here happen to know if Lexan is resistant to diesel fuel?

I'm having an issue with a sight glass on a centrifigal fuel purifier, and I'd like to replace it with PolyCarb, but can't get a difinitive answer.

You guys know all kinds of random stuff so.........

Boomhauer

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Re: Properties of Lexan
« Reply #1 on: June 16, 2015, 09:49:40 AM »
This site says it is "conditionally resistant"

http://www.eplastics.com/Plastic/Plastics_Library/Chemical-Resistance-of-Tuffak-Lexan-Makrolon-Polycarbonate

Our sight glasses that we hook up for checking out fuel flow are made of plastic, I think Lexan.

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birdman

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Re: Properties of Lexan
« Reply #2 on: June 16, 2015, 09:52:11 AM »
The various sources I checked range from conditionally resistant to excellent, so probably okay.

Another source:
http://www.apumpstore.com/documents/Gracochemcompatibility.pdf

dogmush

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Re: Properties of Lexan
« Reply #3 on: June 16, 2015, 10:03:20 AM »
Thanks, I'm gonna give it a shot.

I'll let you know if the ship burns to the waterline.

HankB

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Re: Properties of Lexan
« Reply #4 on: June 16, 2015, 11:37:47 AM »
Lexan is a brand name for polycarbonate.

According to the following, polycarbonate is rated A (Excellent) for use with diesel fuel, and satisfactory up to 120F.

http://www.coleparmer.com/Chemical-Resistance


On the other hand, this chart says "limited resistance."

http://www.curbellplastics.com/technical-resources/pdf/chemical-resistance-plastics.pdf


With conflicting data like this, I'd be a little reluctant to use it with diesel for anything important.
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Boomhauer

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Re: Properties of Lexan
« Reply #5 on: June 16, 2015, 12:23:56 PM »
Quote
With conflicting data like this, I'd be a little reluctant to use it with diesel for anything important.

Well it also occurs to me that our fuel/water separator bowls are probably polycarb.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/231571863608?lpid=82&chn=ps

So I doubt it will be much of a problem.

Quote from: Ben
Holy hell. It's like giving a loaded gun to a chimpanzee...

Quote from: bluestarlizzard
the last thing you need is rabies. You're already angry enough as it is.

OTOH, there wouldn't be a tweeker left in Georgia...

Quote from: Balog
BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD! SKULLS FOR THE SKULL THRONE! AND THROW SOME STEAK ON THE GRILL!

Firethorn

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Re: Properties of Lexan
« Reply #6 on: June 16, 2015, 01:41:08 PM »
http://www.palramamericas.com/docs/files/File/PC%20chemical%20resistance.pdf

Says 'resistant'

http://gallinausa.com/what-is-polycarbonate/chemical-resistance/
'unchanged'

http://www.lati.com/en/technical_data/chemical_resistance_01.html
PC = polycarbonate = 'A': Best.

Here's a question back:  How hot do you expect the fuel hitting the sight glass to be?  From what I'm seeing for other plastics, room temperature you're fine, but the results might change if it's hot.


KD5NRH

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Re: Properties of Lexan
« Reply #7 on: June 16, 2015, 04:10:31 PM »
If you ever need to remove it, just drop by the nearest vape shop and get a bottle of licorice flavored juice.  Apparently pineapple and banana flavors are pretty bad too, but the licorice one I had would ruin a polycarbonate tank within minutes.  Didn't look any different initially, but you could crumble the tank between two fingers.

birdman

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Re: Properties of Lexan
« Reply #8 on: June 16, 2015, 08:52:39 PM »
If you ever need to remove it, just drop by the nearest vape shop and get a bottle of licorice flavored juice.  Apparently pineapple and banana flavors are pretty bad too, but the licorice one I had would ruin a polycarbonate tank within minutes.  Didn't look any different initially, but you could crumble the tank between two fingers.

Weird reactions are weird.

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