Session: MF-13-01 Composite and Non-Metallic Systems for Pressure Vessels and Piping (Joint with D&A)

Paper Number: 155800

155800 - Recyclable Composite Hydrogen Storage Tanks 

Abstract: 

Hydrogen fuel is becoming more important and viable as an alternative to fossil fuels, particularly for transportation.  Hydrogen must be stored at high pressures in high-performance composite over-wrapped pressure vessels (COPV) to maintain efficiency. Currently, the only end-of-life option for COPV tanks is landfilling, which will become less acceptable as demand and number of hydrogen tanks increases. By deploying a vitrimer matrix for the carbon fiber overwrap, tanks can be disassembled and unwound at end-of-life (EOL). This process imparts full recyclability, as both fibers and matrix can be reused. In this project, filament winding was used to produce both tubular and flat specimens for mechanical testing and process characterization. The tensile strength of longitudinally reinforced vitrimer samples was less than epoxy composite control materials. This decrease was consistent with the trend of neat matrix tensile strength differences between the two materials. However, the longitudinal strength properties were expected to be  similar, as they are fiber dominated. Results indicated that the processing of the vitrimer led to variation in volume fraction and void content. While the vitrimer technology is still under development, this work represents the first step towards fully recyclable COPVs and the ability for recover long tows of valuable carbon fibers.

Presenting Author: Alison Kennedy University of Southern California

Presenting Author Biography: Alison is currently attending the University of Southern California, pursuing her PhD in Chemical Engineering. She works on manufacturing of polymer matrix composites for high performance applications. Previous work includes producing thermal protection systems with additive manufacturing. Currently, she is working to utilize filament winding to produce hydrogen vessels with full recyclability.

Authors:

Alison Kennedy University of Southern California
Carineh Ghafafian University of Southern California
Steve Nutt University of Southern California