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A fundamental problem in the development of automotive thermal protection strategies is the understanding of the effect of time and temperature on vehicle components life and their performance throughout the life of the vehicle. Due to restrictions on emissions and the stringent requirements for improved fuel economy, the use of polymers and synthetic materials has been widely adopted in automotive applications. It is therefore critical to develop a process to estimate life of engineering materials based on thermal testing and material physical properties. While a series of carefully selected vehicle tests can determine components temperatures during different testing conditions, a need still exists to determine the expected component life and performance throughout the life of the vehicle. Kinetic models have been widely used, in literature, to determine the aging of polymeric and composite materials over time.

Conventional engine coolant systems use primarily ethylene glycol with inorganic inhibitors. New systems based on organic acids are currently being introduced into the market. The primary advantage of these systems is non-depletion of the inhibitors, allowing extended service intervals, where the coolant is changed between 100,000 - 200,000 miles versus 30,000 - 50,000 miles with the current systems utilizing inorganic inhibitors. This benefits the consumer and the environment. Plastic components are widely used in coolant systems where radiator end tanks, water pump impellers, inlets, outlets, and thermostat housings can be polymeric. A study was conducted in which a number of engineering plastics were exposed to conventional and long life coolants at elevated temperatures and pressures to determine the effect of the coolant. The intent of the study was to provide insight into plastics which can withstand the hot acid environment of extended life coolants during usage.

The ethylene glycols which the OEM's are using today in the engine cooling systems have been under review by the federal government as proposed restricted substances, meaning that in the near future coolants must be screened by the OEM and reformulated or redesigned. In order to minimize handling of the coolant systems, ethylene glycol based systems containing organic acids as the primary corrosion inhibitors (vs. the conventional inorganic inhibitors widely utilized today) are being introduced to the market. The primary advantage of these systems is non-depletion of the inhibitors, allowing extended service intervals, where the coolant is changed between 100,000 - 200,000 miles versus 30,000 - 50,000 miles with the current systems utilizing inorganic inhibitors. This benefits the consumer and the environment. Plastic components are widely used in coolant systems where radiator end tanks, water pump impellers, inlets, outlets, and thermostat housings can be polymeric.