Against the backdrop of accelerated energy transformation, hydrogen energy, as a clean and efficient energy carrier, requires important advances in storage and transportation technology. Kautex’s team of blow molding experts has successfully produced large-capacity polyamide liners for hydrogen pressure vessels using extrusion blow molding technology. The liner is more than 2 meters long, about 500 mm in diameter, and has a capacity of 320L. This marks the first successful realization of the use of blow molding technology to produce such a large-sized hydrogen storage container liner, demonstrating the potential of this technology in the manufacture of large, high-performance hydrogen storage components, and providing a new technical path for the development of more cost-effective large-capacity hydrogen storage solutions, which is of positive significance for promoting the development of hydrogen energy applications.
Overcoming technical difficulties and achieving innovative breakthroughs
Storing hydrogen poses a huge challenge to the permeability of the lining material. As the smallest molecule in the periodic table, hydrogen diffuses through almost all plastic materials. Although specialty polyamides offer the best barrier properties, blow molding of such large parts has been difficult due to their low melt hardness and high complexity. “Making liners of this size with polyamides has always been a major challenge, so the research we are doing now is truly groundbreaking work,” said Abdellah El Bouchfrati, Head of Business Development Composites at Kautex.
Newly developed polyamide and special extrusion technology make this possible. The company worked closely with plastic manufacturers and, after unremitting efforts, finally realized the use of blow molding technology to produce hydrogen tank liners with dimensions suitable for industrial applications. This is undoubtedly a major innovation in the field of hydrogen storage technology.
Promoting the development of composite pressure vessels
Kautex is committed to continuously developing composite pressure vessels for various applications, including hydrogen storage tanks, CNG tanks and LPG tanks. Composite tanks are generally made of thermoplastic linings, flanges for connecting valves and fiber winding layers to increase mechanical strength. The lining is produced by blow molding technology.
Composite high-pressure vessels for hydrogen storage are usually designed for an operating pressure of 700 bar and an explosion pressure of 1750 bar. As the core part of the container, the lining plays an important role in absorbing gas, encapsulating the contents and isolating them from the outside world. At the same time, the lining must withstand high mechanical stress and adapt to a temperature range of -60°C to +120°C. Kautex’s breakthrough in hydrogen tank lining technology further improves its technology layout in the field of composite pressure vessels.
Abdellah El Bouchfrati is optimistic about the future: “The lining size we have achieved now is just the beginning. We are confident that in the future, we will be able to produce larger hydrogen pressure vessel linings using this method.”
The significance and application prospects of technological breakthroughs
The technology developed by Kautex for the production of large-volume linings for hydrogen storage tanks is of great significance and means that cost-effective solutions to meet transportation and infrastructure needs are no longer far away.
Experts have long believed that it is difficult to achieve the long-term mobile goal of carbon neutrality by relying solely on battery technology. Although fuel cell technology is temporarily facing difficulties in the field of passenger cars due to high production costs and lack of infrastructure, hydrogen-powered drive technology has been successfully applied in other fields. At present, heavy cargo transportation, local public transportation, shipbuilding and aircraft manufacturing industries have special needs for safe, lightweight and leak-proof tank systems, and composite pressure vessels are not only much lighter than steel containers, but also have completely corrosion-resistant properties, which just meet the needs of these fields.
In addition, hydrogen, as a first-class energy storage medium, has an urgent need for hydrogen storage systems that can withstand the relevant pressure and safely store extremely light gases in the field of hydrogen production using renewable energy. This technological breakthrough of Kautex undoubtedly provides strong support for these application scenarios and has broad application prospects.
Kautex Business Scope and Continuous Collaborative Innovation
Kautex Foshan Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has a wide range of activities. In addition to producing high-tech machines for packaging and automotive products, it also focuses on developing production systems for the production of thermoplastic pressure vessel liners. The company’s services range from the development and production of prototypes and small batches to the manufacture of complete production systems for the production of composite pressure vessels.
Kautex is well aware of the importance of collaborative innovation. The company has been working closely with customers and material manufacturers to continuously advance composite pressure vessel manufacturing technology. The hydrogen storage tank lining launched this time is the latest achievement of this collaboration. By continuously integrating resources from all parties and leveraging their respective advantages, Kautex continues to move forward on the road of technological innovation and provide customers with better products and solutions.
Industry event explores development of hydrogen storage industry
From July 17 to 18, 2025, the much-anticipated 5th Hydrogen Storage Cylinder Key Materials and Technology Development Forum and 2025 Hydrogen Storage Industry Conference (2025 HSIC) will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott Suzhou, China. It will integrate many hydrogen storage topics such as gaseous hydrogen storage, solid hydrogen storage, and liquid hydrogen storage, and deeply discuss the latest progress, opportunities and breakthroughs in China’s hydrogen energy industry. At that time, experts, scholars and corporate representatives in the industry will gather together to jointly make suggestions for the development of the hydrogen storage industry.
This conference focuses on cutting-edge issues in hydrogen storage technology, including key technical directions such as the limit performance evaluation of type IV hydrogen storage cylinders, improvement of the qualified rate and consistency of liner, high-performance barrier material solutions, and collaborative design and manufacturing of composite containers. These topics are highly consistent with Kautex’s innovation in the field of large-scale polyamide liner manufacturing, reflecting the core challenges of the industry’s joint efforts.
Foshan Kautex will attend this meeting and sincerely invites you to inquire and have in-depth exchanges. Kautex always pays close attention to industry trends, actively participates in industry exchanges and collaborations, and is committed to promoting technological breakthroughs and application expansion in the hydrogen storage industry through cooperative innovation.
Welcome Kautex China customers to consult about machine purchase and after-sales service. For any matters, please contact your equipment manager:
Chief Technology Officer: Du Guoliang
Mobile: +86 13825500276
Chief Sales Officer: Li Yunsheng
Mobile: +86 15806221799
Sales Manager: Gui Weixing
Mobile: +86 15806222339
After-sales Manager: Ma Ge
Mobile: +86 18138903261
Welcome Kautex and talents from all walks of life to return or join Kautex China. Your consultation and recommendation will reach the top management:
General Manager: Zhou Quanquan
Mobile: +86 13661796078
Deputy General Manager of Sales: Huang Wenbin
Mobile: +86 18988505866
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