SEDL / STP / STP986-EB / STP26750S

Factors Affecting the Impact Sensitivity of Solid Polymer Materials in Contact with Liquid Oxygen

Currie, JL
Safety adviser (materials and processes) and manager cylinders and metallurgy, BOC Limited, Priestley Centre, Guildford, Surrey>

Irani, RS
Safety adviser (materials and processes) and manager cylinders and metallurgy, BOC Limited, Priestley Centre, Guildford, Surrey>

Sanders, J
Chief analyst, BOC Limited, London,

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1988

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Abstract

The standard liquid oxygen impact test method has been modified to include a sensitizing agent, silicon carbide, with the test specimen. The silicon carbide has been shown to increase the sensitivity of the material to impact, increase the frequency of reaction, increase the intensity of the reaction, and decrease the energy required to initiate a reaction. Test data were obtained for polyethylene, nylon 66, Kel F®-81, polychlorinated tetrafluoroethylene (PCTFE), and Viton® FR58/90. The surface roughness of the striker pin, the presence of silicon carbide, and sample thickness were evaluated in the tests. The test data were used to define the general trends of the selected materials in the liquid oxygen impact test, but the conclusions require further verification by additional tests.