TOKYO, December 8, 2014 _ Ube Industries, Ltd. today announced the development of UBENYLON 1218IU, a nylon liner material for hydrogen tanks used in fuel cell vehicles, that was co-developed with Toyota Motor Corporation. UBENYLON 1218IU will be used in the high-pressure hydrogen tank of the Toyota Mirai fuel cell sedan that will launch on December 15, 2014.
UBENYLON 1218IU met stringent standards to be approved as a plastic liner material for the high-pressure hydrogen tank in the Mirai vehicle. The polyamide (nylon) 6 resin delivers superior performance for hydrogen permeation prevention and excellent mechanical performance, in terms of durability to withstand sudden changes in tank temperature from filling and discharging hydrogen, and shock resistance in extreme cold.
Ube Industries began manufacturing and marketing nylon resin in 1959, and is the third largest producer in the world with a global manufacturing capacity of 148 kilotonnes annually. Nylon resin offers superior durability compared with other plastics and is used in various automotive components including engine covers and intake manifolds.
Ube Industries will establish a global supply framework for 1218IU to be used as a liner material for high-pressure hydrogen tanks.
high-pressure hydrogen tank in the Mirai vehicle
cross-section view of the high-pressure hydrogen tank
