(Invited) H-Mat: Enhancing the Durability and Affordability of Metals and Polymers in Hydrogen Service

Abstract

The H-Mat national laboratory consortium is conducting cross-cutting, foundational R&D to enhance the durability of key polymers and metals in hydrogen service. Technologies utilized in hydrogen service commonly face stresses that influence materials compatibility, such as cryogenic temperatures, fatigue loading, and corrosive environments. Industries in which hydrogen compatibility can heavily influence materials selection are diverse, and include fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), nuclear energy technologies, oil & gas sectors, and vehicle lightweighting applications. H-Mat R&D aims to enhance fundamental understanding of materials’ behavior in hydrogen, with a current focus on materials used onboard FCEVs and at fueling stations. Key research thrusts include: 1) development of novel experimental polymers with enhanced durability in hydrogen pressure cycles, 2) microstructural engineering to enhance the fracture toughness of high-strength steels in hydrogen, 3) development of higher-fidelity predictions of crack initiation in steels in hydrogen service, and 4) evaluation of the effects of moisture on hydrogen induced degradation in aluminum alloys. These R&D thrusts are targeted to enhance durability of hydrogen seals by 50%, fracture resistance of pressure vessel steels by 50%, and life of pressure vessels by 50%. H-Mat is led by Sandia National Laboratories and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, with participation from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Savannah River National Laboratory, and Argonne National Laboratory. Members of industry and academia are encouraged to engage with the consortium through cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs) and funding opportunity announcement (FOA) awards. For more information, please see: https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/h-mat-hydrogen-materials-consortium