Assessment of Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Polymers Aiming to Replace the Stainless Steel in Distillation Column

Small scale ethanol production process faces a number of challenges that negatively impact productivity and economic costs. The present work aims at finding alternative materials with lower cost and suitable resistance to replace the stainless steel commonly used in distillation columns in small scale businesses. For that we analyzed the chemical and mechanical behavior of nine different polymeric materials. An important parameter to consider in this case is the compatibility of polymer with the ethanol, which was determined according to the ASTM D543, as well as the swelling degree and ethanol diffusion in material being also studied in this work. Three-point flexural tests were performed because the material when in service is subjected to forces or loads. The results show that some of the materials under test present chemical resistance and satisfactory mechanic performance after the contact with the ethanol in temperatures compatible with the distillation process.