Effect of the High-Pressure Hydrogen Gas Exposure in the Silica-Filled EPDM Sealing Composites with Different Silica Content

With the increasing interest in hydrogen energy, the stability of hydrogen storage facilities and components is emphasized. In this study, we analyzed the effect of high-pressure hydrogen gas treatment in silica-filled EPDM composites with different silica contents. In detail, cure characteristics, crosslink density, mechanical properties, and hydrogen permeation properties were investigated. Results showed that material volume, remaining hydrogen content, and mechanical properties were changed after 96.3 MPa hydrogen gas exposure. With an increase in the silica content, the crosslink density and mechanical properties increased, but hydrogen permeability was decreased. After treatment, high-silica-content composites showed lower volume change than low-silica-content composites. The crack damage due to the decompression caused a decrease in mechanical properties, but high silica content can inhibit the reduction in mechanical properties. In particular, EPDM/silica composites with a silica content of above 60 phr exhibited excellent resistance to hydrogen gas, as no change in their physical and mechanical properties was observed.