RECYCLABLE COMPOSITE OVERWRAPPED PRESSURE VESSELS FOR HYDROGEN STORAGE

As energy producers turn towards decarbonization, hydrogen is being explored as an alternative fuel. Hydrogen is stored at high pressures to achieve an efficient energy density, which requires high performance composite tanks. There is currently no end-of-life (EOL) option for these tanks, other than landfills. If we want to sustainably position hydrogen energy for the future, EOL is an imperative consideration. Herein, the authors present a method of producing these composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV), via filament winding, with the ability to later unwind and recycle them. A vitrimer matrix was used, which has the ability to dissolve into its monomeric constituents, allowing for reuse of both the continuous fiber reinforcement and the depolymerized matrix. Neat resin analysis included dynamic mechanical analysis and rheometry, following casting in a custom-built tool. Filament winding was used to produce tubular and flat specimens using custom-designed mandrels. Mechanical testing on both neat resin and reinforced material was completed, including tensile and short beam shear loadings, determining the performance of a vitrimer-based COPV compared to existing materials.