German compounder Albis (Hamburg; www.albis.com) has developed plastic compounds from several of its material product lines for automotive fuel cell applications. The announcement follows the larger-scale introduction of electric vehicles into the market and the perceived challenges to battery-powered technology, including CO₂ emissions, procurement of resources and performance under load. Hybrid solutions which combine battery and fuel cell [technologies] are a promising solution, said Ian Mills, a member of Albis management board and head of its compounding business.

Various materials are used to manufacture a fuel cell system including metals, polymers and sealing materials, which are used for the fuel cell core, called the stack, as well as in the hydrogen, oxygen and air supply and in the cooling circuit.

Working with OEMs, Albis has developed several compounds based on its own materials for basic testing in fuel cell cooling system and air supply applications. This includes the companys Altech PP polypropylene compounds containing 20%, 40% and 50% glass fibre, PPS compounds from its Tedur L portfolio with 30% and 40% glass fibre content plus 15% PTFE as well as its Alfater TPV cross-linked thermoplastic vulcanisate. The company is also planning to test further compounds.