Effects of temperature, repeated exposure, and aging on polybutylene permeation by organic chemicals

The permeation parameters, partition coefficient and diffusion coefficient, were obtained for polybutylene (PB) with toluene using a gravimetric method. A PB sample was repeatedly exposed and desorbed, and the partition coefficient and diffusion coefficient were measured. Permeation parameters were also measured at different temperatures. The results were compared with those obtained from a 12‐year‐old PB pipe sample, which had experienced structural failure. Tests at an elevated temperature of 45°C failed to simulate the effect of polymer aging, whereas repeated sorption/desorption tests produced permeation parameters compatible with those of a 12‐year‐old PB pipe in service.