Material Solutions for Hydrogen Fuel Management

The tank liner plays a crucial role in securing the safe storage of hydrogen at high pressure within Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), with high-performance polymers like Rilsan^® Polyamide 11 leading the charge due to its outstanding intrinsic resistance to low temperatures, making it an effective barrier layer. Given the significant internal pressure variations experienced by hydrogen tanks, Rilsan^® Polyamide 11 demonstrates the ability to withstand crack formation and blistering during cycles of compression and decompression is invaluable. Rilsan^® Polyamide 11 also stands out for its versatility in processing techniques, including rotomolding, extrusion blow molding, injection molding, welding, and extrusion, offering a suitable grade for each method. This adaptability, coupled with its material solutions for hydrogen fuel management, makes Rilsan^® Polyamide 11 not only vital for onboard hydrogen tanks but also for hydrogen supply infrastructures, such as filling stations, underscoring its broad applicability and value in supporting sustainable transportation solutions.

The production of hydrogen fuel lines and connectors faces demanding requirements closely mirroring those of traditional fuel lines in thermal vehicles, necessitating the use of high-performance polymers for hydrogen fuel management. Given that these plastic components are predominantly located under the chassis, they are subjected to severe external conditions, including exposure to road salts and rocks. Rilsan^® Polyamide 11 stands out for its proven efficacy in fuel line applications, attributed to its superior chemical resistance and robust mechanical properties, such as impact, temperature, and pressure resistance. Crucially, Rilsan^® Polyamide 11 exhibits outstanding barrier properties relative to other thermoplastics, a vital characteristic for minimizing hydrogen loss. Arkema enhances these benefits by incorporating Rilsan^® Polyamide 11 into multi-layer structures alongside other materials, offering a comprehensive suite of grades that are readily processable for diverse applications.

Watch our webinar and discover the benefits of Rilsan^® PA11 for hydrogen storage tanks !

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Bio-based Materials 

Arkema is the leader of Advanced and Bio-circular material for automotive applications, coming from castor oil. Our flagship Rilsan® Polyamide 11 has a proven legacy in meeting some of the world’s most demanding material challenges and it is derived from the castor bean, a renewable crop that does not compete with food and does not cause deforestation. Arkema is a leading driver of renewable castor farming in India. More about our sustainable solutions: 

More about our sustainable solutions

Virtucycle^® program: partially recycled material

The Virtucycle^® program is a partnership program offered to Arkema’s high-performance polymers customers and downstream users. 
The program enables our partners to “step into the loop” by providing polymer for reprocessing or to source new materials with minimum recycled content and no compromise in performance 

MORE ABOUT OUR VIRTUCYCLE® RECYCLING PROGRAM