DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOMOBILE GASKETS FROM LOCAL FIBRES

Abstract

Bamboo (Ozizentera arbonica) coconut husk (Cocus nucifera), sponges (Mornodica bracteate) and wood (cordial) were used as fibres for the development of low temperature tolerance automobile gaskets. The materials were sourced locally. The materials after collection were sun dried and then cut into smaller pieces for easy comminution. The materials were further prepared by pulverizing using laboratory ball mill followed by sieving to obtain uniform particle size. The particles of each material were mixed in different proportion which was later used for the production of different samples. Binder was then added to produce homogenous pastes. The pastes were then poured into prepared moulds to obtain the shape of the desired products. The casts were allowed to solidify and after which they were removed and sun dried The dried samples were cut into shape for creep and hardness tests. The creep test was carried out at room temperature while the hardness tests were carried out at both room and at an elevated temperature of 200°C. The results of the analysis were used to select the materials that have close properties to the commercially sourced gasket materials. Suitability test was carried out on the materials using water, engine oil and petrol media. The materials maintained their respective structures in engine oil and petrol whereas it softens in water The compatibility and suitability tests confirmed the possible applicability of the materials as gaskets in fuel pumps, carburetors and as well as engine oil sumps