Abstract
As weight and cost savings drive changes in performance criteria for automotive materials, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are taking a harder look at the historically terne-coated steel used for gas tanks. This article compares steel and plastic for gas tank uses according to performance attributes and a competitive analysis. Legislation issues and current OEM activity are included.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Timothy T. Maxwell and Jesse C. Jones, Alternative Fuels: Emissions, Economics and Performance (Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers, 1995), pp. 29–42.
Robert Q. Riley, Alternative Cars in the 21st Century (Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers, 1994), pp. 173–176.
Bundy International, “Fuel Supply Systems for a Healthier Environment”, ed. Michael Scarlett, Automotive Technology International ′94, pp. 37-40.
“Plastic Bounces Back in Fuel Tanks,” Automotive News (January 30, 1995).
Delphi VII Forecast and Analysis of the North American Automotive Industry (Ann Arbor, MI: Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, 1994), pp. 71–75.
Automotive Outlook: June 1995, (WestChester, P A: Autofacls, Inc.), pp. 4-1, 5-1.
“Canadian Blow Molder Expands to U.S.,” Canadian Plastics (February 1993).
“Ford′s Plastic Plant Eyes $110 Investment in Gas Tanks,” Plastic Week (August 10, 1992).
“Supplier Profile: Walbro Entering Fuel Tank Market; Manufacturer Looks to Double Sales,” Ward′s Automotive Reports (August 24, 1992).
“Air Products Develops Technology that Helps Plastic Fuel Tank Manufacturers Meet More Stringent Emission Standards,” Waste Treatment Technology News (December 1992).
“Gas Tank Molder Unfazed by CARB,” Plastics World (May 1992).
“AeroTec Fuel Tanks Designed for Safety,” Plastics News (April 12, 1993).
“Cadillac Unveils Shift from Terne to Plastics,” American Metal Market (January 27, 1992).
“Plastic Gas Tank Field is Filling Up,” Plastics News (May 11, 1992).
“ Allante to Use Plastic Tank,” Plastics News (January 13, 1992).
Steel, the Safe Solution for Flamable Liquid Storage, CN-06, (Washington, D.C.: AISI, 1990).
“Recycling and the Automobile,” Automotive Engineering (October 1993), pp. 42–50.
Asian Autotech Report, 186, (3) (1994), p. 11.
“Steel Recycling Increases in ′94,” American Metal Market (April 5, 1995), p. 10.
“Missing Link; Lack of Infrastructure Poses Huge Hurdle to Plans to Recycle Auto Plastics,” Automotive News (Supplier Spotlight) (March 14, 1994).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Alvarado, P.J. Steel vs. plastics: The competition for light-vehicle fuel tanks. JOM 48, 22–25 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03222990
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03222990