This undated photo shows a hydrogen charging station in the southeastern port city of Ulsan, South Korea, which is run by Hyosung Group.
SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean fiber manufacturer Hyosung TNC Corp. said Wednesday it had successfully developed a new nylon product that is used to make the liners inside the fuel tanks of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
A liner is a container inside the fuel tank that carries hydrogen and prevents it from being leaked.
The nylon material developed by Hyosung T&C is 70 percent lighter than the types of metal that are commonly used in hydrogen tanks and 50 percent lighter than high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
At the same time, it is 30 percent more effective than other types of metals in preventing hydrogen leaks and 50 percent more effective than HDPE, the company said.
Liners made with other types of metal are heavier and become less durable over time. Liners made with the new nylon, however, can retain their durability since they do not absorb or ventilate hydrogen as much.
HDPE liners are used to make high-pressure containers of up to 400 bars, which aren’t enough to withstand the pressure of 700 bars normally required for a hydrogen car.
Liners made with nylons can withstand extreme temperatures from -40 degrees to 85 degrees Celsius, the company said.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
