Rapid evaluation of non-metallic polymeric materials to predict long-term absorption, diffusion, and permeation properties in corrosive service remains an elusive goal in materials engineering. These properties are important because they often impact the ability of a non-metallic material to withstand an environment. A number of efforts have been reported that have used various forms of the analytical solution to the diffusion equation to make life-time predictions from mass change measurements. This paper explores the limitations of three approaches for making these predictions. The analysis is limited to absorption with no simultaneous desorption from the non-metallic material. Consideration of the dimensionless group Dt/ℓ2 (diffusion coefficient times time divided by the square of the thickness) is important in deciding on the appropriate sample thickness and test time. The results of this evaluation indicate that some results reported in the literature are incorrect.

Subject
Water, Materials, Absorption, Geometry, Diffusion, Slopes, Desorption, Permeation, Experimental data, Plastics, Linings, Rubber, Samples
Keywords:
corrosion, degradation, non-metallic materials, polymers, elastomers, plastics, diffusion, sorption, permeation, Fick's Laws
© 1991 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1991
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
You do not currently have access to this content.