High-performance polyamides play a crucial role in hydrogen storage, particularly in Type IV hydrogen tanks, which are essential for sustainable mobility, such as in fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). These vehicles are considered a valuable and complementary alternative to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the pursuit of zero-emission targets.
The current state of fuel cell technology is analyzed, highlighting both available commercial vehicles and new market additions. Additionally, the existing infrastructure for FCVs and BEVs is compared, with a particular focus on electric charging stations and hydrogen refueling stations.
Type IV hydrogen tanks used in fuel cell vehicles must meet stringent requirements, such as low hydrogen permeability, high mechanical resistance at low temperatures, and blistering resistance, while also adhering to international regulations like the Global Technical Regulation No. 13 and UN/ECE Regulation No. 134. These tanks are composed of an inner polyamide layer, a middle layer of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, and an outer layer of glass fiber-reinforced plastic.
UBE Corporation stands out for offering a wide range of polyamide solutions tailored to various molding technologies, including injection and blow molding. Their portfolio includes homopolymers, copolymers, and terpolymers, some of which have been approved by manufacturers like Toyota and Hyundai.
The customized polyamides developed by UBE are essential for hydrogen mobility due to their low hydrogen permeability and excellent mechanical performance, solidifying UBE’s position as a key player in the sustainable mobility industry. Download our presentation to know more about the role of high performance polyamides in hydrogen storage!
