Elastomers and Composites

The Rubber Society of Korea (한국고무학회)
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Long Term Reliability of Fluroelastomer (FKM) O-ring after Exposure to High Pressure Hydrogen Gas

  • Choi, Myung-Chan (Rubber Research Division, Korea Institute of Footwear & Leather Technology) ;
  • Lee, Jin-Hyok (Rubber Research Division, Korea Institute of Footwear & Leather Technology) ;
  • Yoon, Yu-mi (Rubber Research Division, Korea Institute of Footwear & Leather Technology) ;
  • Jeon, Sang-Koo (Center for Energy Materials Metrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science) ;
  • Bae, Jong-Woo (Rubber Research Division, Korea Institute of Footwear & Leather Technology)
  • Received : 2020.08.27
  • Accepted : 2020.09.18
  • Published : 2020.12.31
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Abstract

The long-term durability of an FKM O-ring used as parts of a hydrogen station was investigated by exposing it to high-pressure gaseous hydrogen for 1, 3, and 7 days at room temperature. Changes in its sealing force were subsequently measured at 150℃ using intermittent compression stress relaxation (CSR). No changes in the tensile properties of FKM O-ring were observed, but its initial and overall sealing forces at 150℃ significantly decreased with increasing exposure time to hydrogen gas. Microvoid formation in the FKM O-ring upon exposure to high-pressure hydrogen was minimized over time after the ring was exposed to atmospheric pressure at room temperature, which prevented changes in its tensile properties. However, applying heat accelerated FKM O-ring oxidation, which decreased its sealing force. These results indicated that identifying changes in the sealing force of rubber materials using intermittent CSR is not sufficient for monitoring changes in mechanical properties under high-pressure hydrogen atmospheres; however, it is suitable for evaluating the long-term durability of sealing materials for hydrogen station applications under similar conditions.

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References

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