In situ investigation of high-pressure hydrogen-induced swelling in elastomers and its correlation with material properties

Kuang, Wenbin; Nickerson, Ethan K.; Shin, Yongsoon; Taufique, Mohammad Fuad Nur; Clelland, Dustin T.; Seffens, Robert J.; Simmons, Kevin L.

doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.151315

Title: In situ investigation of high-pressure hydrogen-induced swelling in elastomers and its correlation with material properties

Journal Article · Sat Sep 27 00:00:00 UTC 2025 · International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2025.151315 · OSTI ID:3000500

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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

The resistance of elastomeric materials to high-pressure hydrogen-induced damage is essential for ensuring the reliability of hydrogen infrastructure. Here, in this study, we systematically investigated the swelling behavior and hydrogen transport properties of four elastomer types – EPDM, NBR, FKM, and HNBR – using a custom in-situ view cell system capable of real-time monitoring during decompression from pressures up to 96.5 MPa. Each elastomer was formulated with and without fillers and plasticizers to assess the effects of formulation on swelling response. Thermal desorption analysis (TDA) was employed to determine equilibrium hydrogen content and diffusion coefficients, providing insight into gas uptake and mobility within each material. Correlation analyses using Pearson and Spearman coefficients revealed that the diffusion coefficient showed a stronger relationship with swelling behavior than hydrogen content, highlighting the dominant role of hydrogen mobility. Filled elastomers, particularly those with carbon black, consistently showed reduced swelling due to enhanced stiffness and reduced diffusivity. These results deepen our understanding of diffuso-mechanical interactions in elastomers and support the rational design of sealing materials for high-pressure hydrogen systems.

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Research Organization:: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-76RL01830

OSTI ID:: 3000500

Report Number(s):: PNNL-SA--211854

Journal Information:: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Journal Name: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy Vol. 179; ISSN 0360-3199

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Related Subjects

EPDM
FKM
HNBR
High-pressure hydrogen
In-situ elastomer swelling measurement
NBR
hydrogen
polymer

Title: In situ investigation of high-pressure hydrogen-induced swelling in elastomers and its correlation with material properties

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