Materials Compatibility

B100 will degrade, soften, or seep through some hoses, gaskets, seals, elastomers, glues, and plastics with prolonged exposure. Nitrile rubber compounds, polypropylene, polyvinyl, and Tygon materials are particularly vulnerable to B100. Before handling or using B100, ask the equipment vendor or OEM if the equipment is suitable for B100 or biodiesel. In some cases, the vendor may need the chemical family name for biodiesel (the methyl esters of fats and oils) to look up the information or even the exact chemical name of some of the biodiesel components such as methyl oleate, methyl linoleate, methyl palmitate, or methyl stearate. Oxidized biodiesel and biodiesel blends can contain organic acids and other compounds that can significantly accelerate elastomer degradation.  There have not been significant material compatibility issues with B20 unless the B20 has been oxidized.

Corrosion can also be the result of impurities like water, free glycerin, free fatty acids, or the sodium or potassium used in biodiesel processing. Oxidized biodiesel and biodiesel blends can contain organic acids and other compounds that can significantly accelerate elastomer degradation. Ensuring that all biodiesel meets the specifications when brought on site and in storage can minimize corrosion risks.

If your equipment is not compatible with B100, the materials should be replaced with materials such as Teflon, Viton, fluorinated plastics, or nylon. You should consult B100 suppliers and equipment vendors to determine material compatibility, and ask B100 vendors in other regions what problems they may have experienced and what kind of replacement materials they are using. It is advisable to set up a monitoring program to visually inspect the equipment once a month for leaks, seeps, and seal decomposition.