Plastic aging under hydrogen

Effects of high temperatures and pressures on plastics and polymers under hydrogen influence

Pressure autoclaves are devices used in materials research and testing to investigate the effects of high temperatures and pressures on various materials, including plastics and elastomers. Pressure autoclaves offer valuable opportunities to simulate realistic operating conditions, particularly when analyzing the service life of plastics and polymers under the influence of hydrogen.

• Simulation of operating conditions: Pressure autoclaves make it possible to create conditions that prevail in many application scenarios, such as hydrogen transport, hydrogen storage, or refueling. In the plastics department at Fraunhofer LBF, temperatures of up to 300°C and pressures of up to 300 bar can be simulated in order to study the behavior of plastics and polymers in a hydrogen-rich environment. Higher pressures are possible at the Kranichstein site.
• Hydrogen influence: The interactions between hydrogen and plastics are of great importance, as they can lead to material failure, embrittlement, or other material damage. Pressure autoclaves offer the possibility of investigating these interactions under controlled conditions.
• Long-term studies: In order to evaluate the service life of plastics and elastomers, long-term studies under extreme conditions are necessary, which are made possible by autoclaves. Pressure autoclaves can be operated for longer periods of time, allowing the aging effects and stability of the materials to be analyzed over a longer period of time.
• Material characterization: Following the application of high pressures and temperatures, the mechanical properties, such as stiffness, tensile strength, and fracture behavior, of the materials under investigation can be determined. This is crucial for evaluating the suitability of plastics for different applications, especially in areas where they are exposed to extreme conditions.
• Development of new materials: The findings gained from experiments with pressure autoclaves can contribute to the development of new, more resistant materials. By understanding how existing plastics react to hydrogen, new formulations or polymer blends with improved properties can be developed in a targeted manner.

The autoclave from Parr Instrument Company used in the plastics department at Fraunhofer LBF has a capacity of 1.2 liters and can reach maximum temperatures of up to 350°C and pressures of up to 300 bar hydrogen. This allows materials to be tested under extreme conditions in order to evaluate their resistance to hydrogen. The autoclave also enables the investigation and development of stabilizers that are used under high temperatures and pressures in a hydrogen atmosphere.