THE EFFECT OF GASOLINE EXPOSURE ON POLYETHYLENE AND HIGH IMPACT POLYSTYRENE

摘要

Polyethylene (PE) and High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) have different chemical resistance to solvents. Experiments were conducted utilizing gasoline as the solvent. PE and HIPS were tested to analyze the effects of the solvent on the flexural and tensile properties.The specimens were immersed in both gasoline and water. Flexural and tensile tests were then conducted after sufficient time was allowed.During the flexural testing, it was evident that the fumes had impregnated the polymers. The experiment was then changed, and the two polymers were tested for effects from the fumes for flexural test only.