Coextruded, blowmolded fuel tanks have been recently, implemented in commercial production for ground vehicles complying with the new stricter CARB/EPA legislation on vehicular hydrocarbon emissions. The multilayer structure contains an inner layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (E/VAL) which acts as a barrier to hydrocarbon permeation from the interior of the fuel tank to the atmosphere. To maintain its barrier properties in an environment which contains water and alcohol, the E/VAL is protected on both sides by HDPE. Relative to single layer polyethylene (HDPE) tanks, the multylayered tanks have some inherently unique mechanical properties and durability issues. Extensive testing has proven that the coextruded fuel tanks meet the emissions requirement over their 10-year design life.
| Number of Pages : | 8 |
| Published : | 06/01/1996 |
