HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS

Hydrogen fuel cells offer a state-of-the-art advancement in clean energy technology. These cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen, producing only water vapor as a byproduct. This zero-emission technology marks a new era of environmentally responsible energy use. Offering numerous benefits across a range of industries in comparison to traditional fuel or batteries. The result is a clean energy technology, offering efficiency and sustainability for a range of diverse applications from automotive (cars, trucks, buses, trains), industrial machinery, aviation, materials handling equipment, microgrids, telecoms, UAV, to utility power stations and even laptop computers.

Sherwood is proud to play an integral part in providing sheet and profile extrusions to our customers for use in this new technology, as they manufacture gaskets and seals for this growing field. We are able to extrude a variety of materials including TPE's, TPO's, SEBS and more. Our most popular sheet product is made from Santoprene™ Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (TPV) from Celanese.

GASKET FUNCTION

Within a hydrogen fuel cell, you have to use a strong gasket material to have a system which has no leakage. This means that the function of the gasket is extremely important. Our extruded Santoprene is a material used as a hydrogen fuel cell sealing system gasket for GDL (Gas Diffusion Layers), BPP (Bipolar Plate), and MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) units.

GDL Gaskets prevent gas leakage and ensure that the fuel cell is sealed. They are often placed around the flow field pattern and current collectors.

BPP Gaskets go around the edges of the bipolar plate, creating a seal between the bipolar plate and the MEA to prevent gas leaks; essentially, it sits on the outer perimeter of the bipolar plate where it meets the MEA, forming a gas-tight chamber. The gasket is typically placed on the edge of the bipolar plate and not on the surface where the flow channels are.

MEA Gaskets are placed between the MEA itself and the BPP, creating a tight seal to prevent any gas leaks. The gasket compresses to fill any irregularities on the surfaces of the MEA and bipolar plate, providing a leak-proof seal.

Our extruded Santoprene products are used in these parts of the hydrogen fuel cells primarily as a material for gaskets and seals due to its excellent chemical resistance, flexibility, and ability to withstand the harsh operating conditions within a fuel cell, including high temperatures and acidic environments. All while offering long term aging resistance, superior compression set, cost effectiveness, and recyclability.

• Superior Chemical Resistance - Santoprene can withstand the acidic environment in a fuel cell, which is crucial for maintaining seal integrity.
• Superior Flexibility - Santoprene’s flexibility allows it to conform to irregular surfaces and create a tight seal even on complex configurations within the fuel cell, providing a strong seal around uneven surfaces.
• Wide Range of Temperature Tolerance - Santoprene can operate within a wide temperature range (very high and very low), making it suitable for the varying operating temperatures of a fuel cell.
• Long term Aging Resistance – Santoprene can withstand long term exposure to the operating conditions without significant degradation.
• Very Cost Effective – Santoprene is one of the best materials used for fuel cell gaskets due to its cost-effectiveness and high performance in a hydrogen environment.
• Superior Compression Set – Santoprene offers a gasket material that maintains its sealing force under continuous compression.
• Recyclability - Santoprene can be recycled and re-used, reducing waste, and providing a healthy environmental footprint.

In addition to seals and gaskets, Santoprene can also be used around fuel cell units as O-rings, tubing and hosing, vibration dampening, and electrical wiring covering. Santoprene is designed to maintain performance across these various parts due to its ability to withstand harsh chemicals, UV, and Ozone. Our products can also be used in a variety of industries and applications.