Latest News: South Korean fiber manufacturer Hyosung T&C said recently that it has successfully developed a new type of nylon for use in the interior of hydrogen storage tanks in hydrogen-powered vehicles.

The liner is a container inside the fuel tank that stores hydrogen gas and prevents it from leaking.

The nylon material developed by Hyosung T&C is 70% lighter than metal types commonly used in hydrogen tanks and 50% lighter than high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

At the same time, it is 30 percent more effective at preventing hydrogen leaks than other types of metals and 50 percent more effective than HDPE, the company says.

Liners made from other types of metals are heavier and become less durable over time. However, bladders made from the new nylon retain their durability because they don’t absorb or expel as much hydrogen.

HDPE liners are used to make high-pressure vessels up to 400 bar, which is not enough to withstand the 700 bar that hydrogen cars typically require.

The company says the nylon liner can withstand extreme temperatures from minus 40 degrees Celsius to plus 85 degrees Celsius.