Hydrogen: Arkema's solution for carbon‑free mobility
"The basic technologies for fuel cells, storing and transporting hydrogen, are essentially ready. The key issue now is how to produce fuel in a carbon‑free way” explains Jean-Paul Moulin, Materials science Director at Arkema R&D.
While 96% of the hydrogen currently being used comes from the reforming of fossil‑based methane, renewable, water‑electrolysis production lines have yet to become economically viable.
We are closely monitoring progress in the industry and are already developing a set of dedicated solutions that will contribute to improving the performance and carbon footprint of hydrogen vehicles”
Elium® composite tanks: manufacturing gains and recyclability
Elium® liquid thermoplastic resin, combined with carbon fibers, offers the same strength properties with much better industrial efficiency. Its polymerization under the effect of UV is carried out during the winding process, saving considerable time and energy.
This technology, which could see its first applications for light vehicles on the market in 2023, also offers excellent recycling possibilities for composite tanks at the end of their life, while thermoset resins are still very hard to recover.
Kynar® PVDF: core chemical properties at the heart of batteries
The Group is also developing functionalized Kynar® grades with properties including advanced proton conduction, temperature stability and chemical degradation resistance. These will boost the performance of the exchange membranes, which conduct protons within the battery, within the next four to five years.
Electroactive polymers: the safety advantage for tanks
Used to form sensors embedded in the composite layer, they can provide a continuous monitoring function for the condition of hydrogen tanks, which also allows manufacturers to size the structure as accurately as possible with regard to safety issues, generating raw material savings. Arkema expects the first launches of this application, which is still in the R&D stage, to be within the next coming years.
Rilsan® polyamide 11: bio‑sourced solutions for the liner and for winding
Rilsan® polyamide 11, a 100% bio‑sourced high-performance polymer, combines excellent mechanical properties, particularly in cold conditions down to -80°C, with low hydrogen permeation and very low moisture absorption. These properties enable liners to be manufactured using all processing techniques (rotational molding, extrusion, etc.), offering excellent performance without poisoning the stored hydrogen. And all at a competitive cost. Type IV hydrogen tanks with Rilsan® liners are already being used on roads around the world.
At the same time, Arkema is developing a new-generation solution for the production of UDx® composite tapes. These tapes are made from carbon fibers pre-impregnated with fine Rilsan® polyamide 11 powder, enabling hot-winding to form a tank shell that also acts as a liner. This is a preferred option for manufacturers: no curing is required after winding, and less carbon fiber (the main cost factor for tanks) is needed than epoxy for the same strength.
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