Graphene-incorporated automotive fuel coverless plastic molded parts

Abstract

A coverless fuel device has an elongate housing open at each end and defining first and second longitudinally spaced fluid ports. The first and second door assemblies each include a flapper valve associated with the first fluid port and a second flapper valve associated with the second fluid port, the flapper valves being movable between open and closed positions and being resiliently urged toward their respective closed positions. The pressure relief valve is at least partially contained within the flapper valve. Various plastic components of the coverless device incorporate graphene or graphene derivatives for preventing hydrocarbon emissions from fuel vapors from escaping from the device to the atmosphere.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to USSN 18 / 143,184 filed on May 4, 2023, which claims the benefit of USSN 63 / 340,138 filed on May 10, 2022. The entire contents of both are incorporated herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to plasticized molded materials used in hydrocarbon related applications where permeation of the material is a problem. More specifically, the present invention discloses a combined polymer / graphene composite material for limiting hydrocarbon permeation, such as for various vehicle applications, not limited to capless devices, fuel caps (for various types of refueling, fuel storage, vapor recovery or fuel delivery systems). Background Art

[0004] Over the past few decades, the automotive industry has been shifting from metal materials to plastic materials due to cost and the need to reduce weight. One area that has seen a large amount of material conversion is in vehicle fuel systems along with the addition of ORVR (Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery) systems. One disadvantage of using plastic materials compared to metals is the hydrocarbon permeability of plastics. Stringent government regulations related to increased awareness of climate issues have led to calls for increased control of automotive fuel emissions. In the late 1990s, automotive suppliers in the United States were forced to begin implementing ORVR systems to meet EPA requirements to reduce automotive hydrocarbon emissions. The use of low permeability plastic materials is a key component in reducing emissions to meet government requirements.

[0005] Components made of plastic materials are also found in modern vehicle fuel systems, most commonly some types of nylon, such as used in fuel pump thread rings, quick connectors, fill limit vent valves / combination valves, intake check valves, fuel caps and capless devices. All of these components contribute to and contribute to the total amount of vehicle hydrocarbon emissions, such as the amount of emissions limited by government regulations. Adding graphene to nylon (PA / PPA) or other plastics such as acetal (POM) reduces the amount of hydrocarbons that permeate through the material.

[0006] More specifically, for plastics used in capless refueling systems, there are typically one or two doors, and an inner or outer body containing the door assembly. In addition, there may be some type of pressure relief valve that is designed to allow fuel vapor pressure to escape from the fuel tank under adverse conditions. These components are often constructed of nylon or are used to reduce the amount of vapor emissions located within the fuel filler pipe after refueling or even under normal vehicle operating conditions.

[0007] As we all know, graphene is a kind of sp 2 A two-dimensional, planar nanomaterial composed of bonded carbon atoms. Many of the material properties of graphene that make it so profitable, such as high tensile strength, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and chemical and permeation resistance, stem from the unique bonding structure of planar graphene. However, macro-scale application of graphene in the automotive industry remains a challenge. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention describes the use of graphene polymer or copolymer composite systems to provide a premium automotive scale fluid delivery tube with improved mechanical and barrier properties. Specifically, the present invention discloses the use of graphene derivatives incorporated into plastic components of a capless device associated with a fuel filler tube to provide a premium automotive scale capless device with improved mechanical and barrier properties. This further includes incorporating graphene derivatives in plastic components of the capless device and includes but is not limited to each of the main cylindrical body, the end-most outer body, the door assembly, and the pressure relief valve.

[0009] In non-limiting applications, a capless fuel filler system includes an elongated tubular and cylindrical housing that is open at each end. Typically, the cylindrical housing is constructed of a plastic material to provide an inexpensive but durable construction.

[0010] First and second axially spaced fluid ports are formed in the housing, with the first fluid port being located proximate an inlet of the housing and the second fluid port being located proximate an outlet of the housing. The fluid ports are substantially axially aligned with one another and are sized to receive a standard fuel filler nozzle (not shown) therethrough. The design of the fluid ports in the capless arrangement further prevents unauthorized hose insertion (such as for siphoning gas stored in the tank).

[0011] A flapper valve is associated with each fluid port and is movable between an open and closed position. A spring urges each valve toward the closed position. When moving from the closed position to the open position, such as in response to the insertion of a fuel filler tube or nozzle, both flapper valves move away from the housing inlet and toward the housing outlet. In this manner, a fuel filler nozzle inserted into the housing inlet end passes through both the first fluid port and the second fluid port and, in the process, causes the first and second flapper valves to pivot from the open position to the closed position.

[0012] The plastic components of the uncovered device may include any of a thermoplastic, a thermoset, an elastomer, or other natural or synthetic polymer or copolymer, and may be selected from (but not limited to) any of polypropylene, nylon 6, nylon-12, nylon-6,12, polyethylene, HDPE, terephthalate, polybutylene, polyvinyl fluoride, polyphthalamide, polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, and polyurethane.

[0013] As further depicted, the capless device includes an elastomeric seal arrangement including each pair of outer annular body seals, and inner annular door seals and pressure relief seals associated with each of the first and second fluid ports.

[0014] Other contemplated applications of the present invention include incorporating the graphene-derived material into a plastic component associated with a fuel system quick connector device, the connector device including a male connector defining a first body and a female connector defining a second body, the male connector engaging with the female connector to define a fluid communication passage. An elastomeric seal arrangement is incorporated within at least one of the bodies and in combination with the graphene / graphene derivative impregnated plastic component, hydrocarbon emissions from fuel vapors are prevented from escaping the device into the atmosphere.

[0015] Other variations include incorporating graphene-derivative materials into a combined EVAP canister body and cover, including a plastic component associated with at least one of the canister body and cover incorporating the graphene-derivative material, which is used to prevent hydrocarbon emissions from fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere.

[0016] In another related application, an EVAP seepage emissions scrubber body and cap includes a body containing an adsorbent material that can adsorb vaporized hydrocarbons for preventing seepage emissions. As a canister variant, a plastic component of the body incorporates a graphene derivative component for blocking hydrocarbon emissions from fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, when read in conjunction with the following detailed description, and wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an uncovered vehicle device incorporating graphene derivatives into various plastic parts according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a plan cross-sectional view of the vehicle shown without the cover and depicting the internal arrangement of the outer body, pressure relief valve, door assembly and seal;

[0020] Figure 3 is with Figure 2 a further cross-sectional view similarly and additionally depicting an arrangement of plastic components for preventing hydrocarbon vapor emissions from escaping into the atmosphere;

[0021] Figure 4 is a front view of a fluid quick connector device incorporating graphene derivatives into various plastic parts according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid connector device illustrating a tube having an annular extending protrusion in an intermediate engagement position with a retainer latch;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 4-5 A further subsequent planar cross-sectional view of a fluid connector device of the present invention is shown and illustrates the tube being installed by a latch and the side of a separate verifier being held open by alignment with an annular bead indicating that the tube is in the installed position.

[0024] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an integrated evaporative emission control system utilizing an adsorbent material within an EVAP vapor canister according to a further application of the present invention, the evaporative emission control system incorporating a graphene derivative into a plastic body or cover component;

[0025] Figure 8 For example Figure 7 A partially exploded view and a plan cross-sectional view of an EVAP canister body and cover for use in an evaporative emission control system of the present invention, and describing a first non-limiting variation in which a graphene derivative is incorporated into either or both of the plastic body and cover, a first fleece layer is located at a first end of the canister to which load and purge lines are attached, and a second fleece layer is located at an opposite end of the canister in communication with a fresh air port; and

[0026] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a scrubber element connected to a tank via a tank vent and having a honeycomb extrusion structure including any combination of lignocellulose, charcoal, ceramic, binder and flux materials. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the present invention discloses a capless fuel device or assembly, such as one that incorporates a plastic component arrangement that integrates a graphene derivative. Specifically, Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle uncovered device, generally 10 , incorporating a plastic component arrangement incorporating a graphene derivative in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0028] Figure 2 Further provided Figure 1 A plan cross-sectional view of a vehicle without a cap is shown, and depicts the internal arrangement of each of the outer body, first and second pressure relief valves, door assembly, and seal. Figure 3 Describes the Figure 2 Further cross-sectional views are similar and additionally depict a graphene derivative-incorporated plastic component arrangement for inhibiting hydrocarbon vapor emissions from escaping into the atmosphere.

[0029] Referring again to the schematic diagram, when viewed together, there is shown an elongated tubular and cylindrical outer body housing 12 having a plastic, polymer or copolymer structure and not limited to nylon, and open at each end. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 12 is incorporated into the fuel filler pipe 14 (see Figure 3 ), so that it is exposed to the presence of hydrocarbon fuel vapors emanating from a connected fuel tank (not shown). As further shown, a separate outermost body portion 15 is provided and, after being assembled to the upper end of the main housing 12, this portion defines the inlet of the fuel filler pipe or hose 14.

[0030] As further shown, the housing defines first and second longitudinally spaced fluid ports corresponding to the first flapper valve 16 and the second flapper valve 18 (also Figure 2-3 ) are each movable between an open and closed position. In one non-limiting configuration, each of the first flapper valve 16 and the second flapper valve 18 incorporates first and second valve parts, respectively, secured together by snap fittings. A pair of springs 20 and 22 are also depicted, which resiliently urge the flapper valves 16 / 18 toward their respective closed positions.

[0031] exist Figure 2-3 Also depicted in each of the drawings are first and second pressure relief valves 24 and 26 corresponding to the first and second flapper valves 16 and 18 and are further biased open by respective coil springs 25 and 27. As shown, the pressure relief valves are shown contained within the flapper valves 16 / 18.

[0032] The present invention further depicts an elastomeric seal arrangement positioned within the housing adjacent the flapper valve for sealing hydrocarbon fuel and vapor within the filler pipe and cap to prevent them from escaping to the atmosphere. As depicted, these include each of a first pressure relief seal 28 and a second pressure relief seal 30 located at the pressure relief valve 24 / 26.

[0033] Also included are first and second elastomeric door seals 32 and 34 disposed in correspondence with first and second flapper valves 16 and 18. Additional body seals disposed in axially spaced locations are depicted at 36 (corresponding to outer body portion 15) and 38 (at another intermediate location along main cylindrical housing 12).

[0034] Incorporating graphene derivative materials into plastic components, such as, again specifically, each of the main cylindrical housing 12, upper end outer body 15, pressure relief valves 24 / 26, and door assemblies / flapper valves 16 / 18, operates to prevent hydrocarbon vapor emissions from permeating and venting to the atmosphere.

[0035] refer to Figure 4 , a front view is shown at 100 of a fluid coupling according to a further embodiment of the present invention, and some or all of the plastic parts incorporate graphene derivative materials. The coupling has a housing 102 with a female part and an inter-connected insert tube 104. The tube 104 also includes a flange 106 extending radially outwardly adjacent its end (see Figure 5-6 ), the flange 106 extends around the circumference of the cylindrical tube 104.

[0036] The housing female part 102 incorporates a through hole 108 that communicates the female part with a connected male part (malepart) 110, which receives a tube 104 having an annular extending flange 106. Without limitation, the female part 102 and the male part 110 of the quick connect housing can be constructed of suitable materials, including plastics that typically incorporate graphene derivatives, and it is also contemplated that another hose or conduit (not shown) is fixed to the male part 110 of narrowed diameter so that the through hole communicates the installed tube 104 with the outlet of the male part 110.

[0037] A heat staking operation is used to secure a tubular outer spacer 118 within the female housing part adjacent the receiving end of the tube 104 and the annular flange 106. The spacer 118 is provided in combination with the arrangement of seals 120 and 122 and an interposed annular support member 124 compressed between the outer spacer 118 and an inward annular shoulder locator 126 to provide pressurized sealing support between the female portion 102 and the male portion 110 of the housing.

[0038] Without limitation, the heat staking operation can be provided according to any number and angle offsets, such as but not limited to placing the heat staking locators at 60 degree offsets (six total), as well as providing any other shape or profile. In any application, the heat staking operation ensures that the outer spacer remains within the body head and avoids axial separation, such as after the tube and flange are disassembled and separated in the manner described later.

[0039] The housing female part 102 further integrates an insertion end 128 (which is shown in cross-section in the remaining views) having a profile corresponding to each of the latch 130 and the verifier 132. The latch and verifier are constructed of similar plastic and elastic materials, which, along with the female part 102 and the male part 110, can similarly incorporate graphene derivative materials and are arranged in a stacked arrangement and mounted within the female part 102, which is connected to the insertion direction of the tube 104 through the internal through hole 108, which is further arranged in a stacked arrangement and supported within the end 128 by a mounting slot located at the top (see the internal extended edge profile 134). The insertion end 128 further exhibits opposing side cut profiles, one of which is formed by Figure 1 The peripheral edge 136 in FIG. 1 is shown as an extended pair of extended sides or legs for accommodating each of the latch 130 and the verifier 132 and causing the latch and verifier to each present a generally "U" shape surrounding the cross-sectional profile of the insertion tube 14 on three sides.

[0040] Insertion of the tube 104 causes a pair of downwardly extending sides associated with each latch 30 to expand outwardly and similarly expand similarly oriented and extending sides of the checker 132 ( Figure 4 138). When the tube support flange 106 passes through the latch 130, the latch is in the engaged position and the verifier 132 is held open by being aligned with the annular flange 106. The verifier is then moved (downward) to the fully engaged position to lock the latch engagement and indicate that the fluid coupling is fluidly connected.

[0041] Reference now Figure 7 , a schematic diagram of an evaporative emission control system (generally referenced 200) is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention, which system utilizes an adsorbent material capable of adsorbing hydrocarbons. The system includes a fuel tank 202 having an extended filler neck 204 and a sealed fuel cap or no cap 206. The fuel tank is shown in a cross-sectional view and depicts liquid gasoline, which defines a fill level 208 read by a fuel level sensor 212. Above the fill level, the unoccupied upper expansion space or volume of the fuel tank is occupied by fuel vapor 214 (e.g., pentane, butane, etc.). A fuel tank pressure sensor 216 is also located in the tank 202 and, in combination with the fuel level sensor 212, provides fill level and fuel tank pressure readings to a suitable powertrain control module (PCM) 218.

[0042] An EVAP vapor canister 220 is provided and communicated with by a vapor inlet line 222 extending from the fuel tank 202, which communicates with a ventilation control valve, allowing fuel vapor to flow from the fuel tank into the EVAP canister 220. An EVAP vent 223 extending from the canister 220 includes a normally open EVAP solenoid valve 224. Another line 226 extends from the canister 220 to a purge flow sensor 228, and then to an EVAP purge sensor (normally closed) 230, which is connected to the intake system and allows the engine intake vacuum to siphon (desorb) a precise amount of fuel vapor previously adsorbed in the EVAP canister for delivery to the engine intake manifold and ultimately combustion. The PCM module 218 also receives input from each of the EVAP ventilation solenoid valve 224, the purge flow sensor 228, and the EVAP purge solenoid valve 230.

[0043] Next Figure 8 , a partially exploded view and a plan cross-sectional view of the EVAP canister are generally shown at 240 , such as Figure 7 The canister used in the evaporative emission control system of FIG. 2 is depicted again at 220. The EVAP canister includes a main housing 242 (also shown in a non-limiting manner as a cylindrical shape with a hollow interior), a bottom cover 252, and a top cover 258, which are constructed of a suitable material, typically including a plastic incorporating a graphene derivative. Although Figure 8 A linear tank is described in the present invention, but it is further understood that any configuration of tank is contemplated within the scope of the present invention, including non-linear tanks.

[0044] Housing 242 encloses a volume of adsorbent material capable of adsorbing hydrocarbon vapors. The adsorbent material is depicted as an upper portion 244 and a lower portion 246, which are separated by a compression device 248 that is used to maintain the volume of the canister and enable proper adsorption of fuel vapors in the canister.

[0045] A first felt layer 250 is located at one end of the tank body 242 and has attached thereto a top cover 252 incorporating a fresh air port 254. A second felt layer 256 is located at the opposite end of the tank body 242 and has attached thereto another cover 258 incorporating each of a load line 260 and a purge line 262, the felt layers provided in each embodiment being used to help compact the adsorbent material within the tank.

[0046] The operation of the EVAP canister 240 is similar to that previously described and includes a vapor canister connected via a vapor inlet (load) line 260 extending from the fuel tank and which again communicates with a purge control valve to allow fuel vapor to flow from the fuel tank into the EVAP canister. An EVAP vent (also air port 254) extends from the canister 240 and includes a normally open EVAP solenoid valve (again see Figure 7224 in the figure), another line 262 extends from the tank 240 to the purge flow sensor (as previously shown) Figure 1 228 as described in the drawings and extends to an EVAP purge sensor 230 (normally closed) which is connected to the intake system and allows the engine intake vacuum to siphon (desorb) a precise amount of fuel vapor previously adsorbed within the EVAP canister for delivery to the engine intake manifold and ultimate combustion during engine operation.

[0047] at last, Fig. 9 A further cross-sectional schematic diagram of an improved EVAP canister, generally 300, is presented, such as previously depicted, and which may be filled with activated carbon material 302, surrounded by a main canister plastic body 304. As shown, the canister further illustrates various chambers associated with the adsorption process for drawing hydrocarbon vapors from the fuel tank through the vent line, as well as a separate purge port for desorbing retained hydrocarbons into the engine intake manifold during combustion.

[0048] Fig. 9 Also depicted is a scrubber 320, which can be incorporated into the tank housing 304, or as shown, is depicted as being separate but connected to the tank 300 via a line 306. The scrubber construction consists of a housing 312 having a port, but is not limited to this, which is connected to the tank 300 via a line 306. A cover 310 with a fresh air line (airline) port and a scrubber element 308 contained within the scrubber tank 320 are provided with a gasket to protect the scrubber element (not shown). The interior of the scrubber 308 exhibits a honeycomb extrusion structure that includes any combination of activated lignocellulose, charcoal, ceramic, binder, and flux materials. The cover 310 and housing 312 of the scrubber described herein are similar to the main tank 304, and as shown in FIG. Figure 8 Shown separately, it is also made of plastic with graphene derivative material.

[0049] Without limiting Figure 1-3 , 4-6, 8 and 9, the graphene derivative group may again include, but is not limited to, any one of graphene, single-layer graphene, few-layer graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide and functionalized graphene. The loading concentration of the graphene derivative may vary between 0.1-50% by weight. The polymer or copolymer may include any one of a thermoplastic polymer and may be selected from, but is not limited to, polyurethane, polyester, polypropylene, nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon-12, nylon-6,12, polyethylene, terephthalate, polybutylene, polyphthalamide, polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate and polyvinyl chloride.

[0050] Having described the present invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The detailed description and the accompanying drawings are further understood to support the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the claims. Although some best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claimed teachings have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments to practice the disclosure defined in the appended claims.

[0051] The above disclosure is further understood to be not intended to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed or to the specific field of use. Therefore, it is contemplated that various alternative embodiments and / or modifications to the disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described the embodiments of the disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[0052] In the above description, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments disclosed herein may be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the description should be considered illustrative and is intended to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the various embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood that the form of the disclosure shown and described herein will be considered as a representative embodiment. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may replace those represented and described herein. In addition, certain features of the disclosure may be used independently of the use of other features, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art after benefiting from the description of the disclosure. Expressions used to describe and claim the disclosure, such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "consisting of", "having", "is" are intended to be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., allowing for the presence of items, parts or elements that are not explicitly described. Mentioning the singular should also be interpreted as being related to the plural.

[0053] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to have illustrative and explanatory meanings, and should never be interpreted as limitations to the present disclosure. All connection references (e.g., attach, adhere, connect, connect, etc.) are only used to help readers understand the present disclosure, and may not cause limitations, particularly the position, orientation or use of the system and / or method disclosed herein. Therefore, connection references (if present) should be interpreted broadly. In addition, this connection reference does not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.

[0054] Furthermore, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, "first," "second," "third," "primary," "secondary," "main," or any other general and / or numerical terms, shall also be considered merely as identifiers to assist the reader in understanding the various elements, embodiments, variations and / or modifications of the present disclosure, and shall not create any limitations, especially as to the order or preference of any element, embodiment, variation or modification relative to or over another element, embodiment, variation and / or modification.

[0055] It will also be understood that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings / figures may also be implemented in a more separate or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered inoperable in some cases, which is useful depending on the particular application. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, any signal shading in the drawings / figures should be regarded as exemplary only and not limiting.

Claims

1. A capless fuel device, which is composed of plastic parts and comprises: An elongated shell open at each end; at least one flapper valve associated with a fluid port contained within the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position, the flapper valve being resiliently urged to the closed position; and an elastomeric seal arrangement positioned within said housing proximate said flapper valve; and At least one or more of the plastic components incorporating a graphene derivative is used to prevent hydrocarbon emissions from fuel vapors from escaping from the device into the atmosphere.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, the at least one flapper valve further comprising a first flapper valve associated with the first fluid port and a second flapper valve associated with the second longitudinally spaced fluid port.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a pressure relief valve contained within each of the flapper valves.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising an outer body attachable to the housing.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the plastic component further comprises at least one of thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, elastomers or other natural or synthetic polymers, and can be selected from but not limited to any one of polypropylene, nylon 6, nylon-12, nylon-6,12, polyethylene, HDPE, terephthalate, polybutylene, polyvinyl fluoride, polyphthalamide, polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyester and polyurethane.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a spring urging each of said flapper valves toward a closed position.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, said elastomeric seal further comprising a door seal surrounding said flapper valve.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, said elastomeric seal further comprising a body seal disposed at first and second axially spaced locations on said housing.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the graphene derivative further comprises at least one selected from graphene, single-layer graphene, few-layer graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and functionalized graphene.

10. The apparatus of claim 2, each of the first and second flapper valves further comprising a first valve part and a second valve part secured together by a snap fitting.

11. A capless fuel device constructed of plastic components and comprising: an elongated cylindrical housing open at each end, the housing defining first and second longitudinally spaced fluid ports, a first flapper valve associated with the first fluid port and a second flapper valve associated with the second fluid port, the flapper valves being resiliently urged from an open position to a closed position by a first spring and a second spring; a pressure relief valve contained within each of said flapper valves; and an elastomeric seal arrangement positioned within said housing proximate said flapper valve; and At least one or more of the plastic components incorporating graphene or a graphene derivative for preventing hydrocarbon emissions from fuel vapors from escaping from the device into the atmosphere.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, the elastomeric seal further comprising a door seal surrounding the flapper valve.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, said elastomeric seal further comprising a body seal disposed at first and second axially spaced locations on said cylindrical housing.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, each of the first and second flapper valves further comprising a first valve part and a second valve part secured together by a snap fitting. 15 . The device according to claim 11 , wherein the graphene derivative further comprises at least one selected from graphene, single-layer graphene, few-layer graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and functionalized graphene.

16. A quick connector device for a fuel system, comprising: a male connector defining a first body and a female connector defining a second body, the male connector engaging with the female connector to define a fluid communication passage; an elastomeric seal arrangement incorporated into at least one of said bodies; as well as At least one or more plastic components incorporating a graphene derivative for preventing hydrocarbon emissions from fuel vapors from escaping from the device into the atmosphere. 17 . The device according to claim 16 , wherein the graphene derivative further comprises at least one selected from graphene, single-layer graphene, few-layer graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and functionalized graphene.

18. The device according to claim 16, wherein the plastic component further comprises at least one of thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, elastomers or other natural or synthetic polymers, and can be selected from but not limited to any one of polypropylene, nylon 6, nylon-12, nylon-6,12, polyethylene, HDPE, terephthalate, polybutylene, polyvinyl fluoride, polyphthalamide, polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyester and polyurethane.

19. A combined EVAP canister body and cover comprising plastic components of the canister body and / or cover incorporating graphene derivatives for preventing hydrocarbon emissions from fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. 20 . The body and cover according to claim 19 , wherein the graphene derivative further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of single-layer graphene, few-layer graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and functionalized graphene.

21. The body and cover according to claim 19, wherein the plastic component further comprises at least one of thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, elastomers or other natural or synthetic polymers, and can be selected from but not limited to any one of polypropylene, nylon 6, nylon-12, nylon-6,12, polyethylene, HDPE, terephthalate, polybutylene, polyvinyl fluoride, polyphthalamide, polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyester and polyurethane.

22. An EVAP leak emissions scrubber body and cover comprising: A plastic component incorporating the body of a graphene derivative for preventing hydrocarbon emissions from fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. 23 . The body and cover according to claim 22 , wherein the graphene derivative further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of single-layer graphene, few-layer graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and functionalized graphene.

24. The body and cover according to claim 22, wherein the plastic component further comprises at least one of thermoplastics, thermosetting plastics, elastomers or other natural or synthetic polymers, and can be selected from but not limited to any one of polypropylene, nylon 6, nylon-12, nylon-6,12, polyethylene, HDPE, terephthalate, polybutylene, polyvinyl fluoride, polyphthalamide, polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, polyester and polyurethane.

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