Manufacturing lightweight and cost-effective tanks for hydrogen vehicles
As automakers advance hydrogen vehicle technology, ensuring the safety and durability of hydrogen fuel tanks is paramount. While High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is commonly used in tank manufacturing, it requires thicker walls to meet permeation standards and is prone to blistering. Standard PA6 materials offer a cost-effective solution with excellent thermal resistance but may become brittle at sub-zero temperatures. Manufacturers looking to stay ahead of the competition need a thermoplastic solution that balances design, performance, and cost.
Our Durethan® PA6 materials provide superior thermal stability, greater impact resistance down to -60°C, and better barrier performance than conventional PA6 alternatives. Suitable for both thermoset and thermoplastic composites, these materials ensure safe, lightweight, and sustainable pressurized hydrogen tanks.
Comparing Polyamide 6 Liners Over Metal and Polymer Alternatives
Steel, aluminum, and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) are commonly used materials for hydrogen tanks, but each has limitations. Steel is three times heavier than plastic and more expensive, while aluminum is lighter than steel but still not as light as plastic. HDPE has higher permeation and a greater risk of blistering. Advanced Polyamide 6 (PA6) materials provide a superior alternative, offering lightweight durability, low permeation, excellent thermal performance, and cost-effective monolayer processing.
Advantages of PA6 Liners vs Metal Designs (T1-T3)
- Up to 50% weight reduction, lowering CO2 emissions.
- Single-step blow molding uses less energy than steel or aluminum processing.
- Eliminates costly forming and welding steps.
- Integrated design allows for molded valve ports, reducing complexity.
Advantages of PA6 Liners vs Alternative Polymer Liners (T4)
- Superior impermeability to natural gas, enabling thinner walls and increased capacity (100x greater than HDPE, 10x greater than POM).
- Excellent low-temperature impact performance, safe operation and filling at -40°C.
- Better thermal stability, reducing curing time for composite reinforcement.
- High dimensional stability ensures quality pinch welds during molding.