Composite technologies in compressed natural gas project

The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), a 100+ member, University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Department of Energy driven consortium committed to raising production capacity and manufacturing jobs across the U.S. composites industry, launched the first technical collaboration project focused on compressed gas storage. The project will combine partnership efforts from DuPont Performance Materials (DuPont), the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), Composite Prototyping Center (CPC) and Steelhead Composites.  The target objective of the project is to provide unique advantages to the storage of compressed natural gas with the use of thermoplastic composite technologies to achieve better durability, weight reduction and recyclability.

 

"Our project team members include the complete supply chain, from material suppliers to tank manufacturers.  By leveraging the strength of all partners, we have the opportunity to develop a disruptive manufacturing route resulting in higher performing, lower cost methods of compressed gas storage," said Jan Sawgle, DuPont Performance Materials, Project Manager.

 

"Collaborating with DuPont fosters the use of novel materials and processes that will allow technologies to significantly improve customizable fiber orientations—ultimately improving cycle time, lowering production costs by up to 20 percent and reducing waste," said Bryan Dods, IACMI-The Composites Institute CEO.

 

 

The project will take advantage of several unique technologies combined with the expertise of each partner.  DuPont will provide material science and pultrusion expertise; Composite Prototyping Center will leverage its world-class Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) capabilities; as the leader for IACMI's CGS Technology Area, UDRI will contribute material evaluation and mechanical testing; and Steelhead will bring market-leading CGS design and testing. In addition to the innovation in manufacturing process, DuPont is providing a novel polyamide resin having superior toughness increased damage resistance, and an additional degree of safety compared with the current epoxy-based systems.

 

The project proposal begins with the design of a prototype CGS tank based on measured mechanical properties of polyamide composite panels produced by AFP. Pending successful results from two initial phases, the project will conclude with the production of full size tanks.  DuPont Performance Materials (DPM) is a leading innovator of thermoplastics, elastomers, renewably sourced polymers, high-performance parts and shapes, as well as resins that act as adhesives, sealants, and modifiers. DPM supports a globally linked network of regional application development experts who work with customers throughout the value chain to develop innovative solutions in automotive, packaging, construction, consumer goods, electrical/electronics and other industries.