High-Pressure Hydrogen Influence on Cellulose Nanofibers Filled Nitrile Rubber: Performance in Storage Applications

High-pressure hydrogen storage systems (up to 100 MPa) require advanced materials for safety and reliability, particularly for rubber seals, which are prone to degradation under extreme conditions. This study explores the use of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as sustainable nanofillers for nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) latex nanocomposites. CNFs and CNCs were evaluated for their effects on mechanical properties, crosslink density, and resistance to high-pressure hydrogen exposure in rubber O-rings. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried to assess the environmental impact of these nanocomposites. The results showed that CNF-filled NBR composites exhibited better resistance to bubble formation under hydrogen exposure compared to CNC-filled ones. However, the LCA indicated relatively high environmental impacts for both, reaching up to 2.5 kg CO2 eq. in Global Warming Potential (GWP), highlighting the need for further optimization of production processes. This study demonstrates the potential of cellulose nanofillers to improve NBR performance while advancing sustainable hydrogen storage materials.