Study on Hydrogen Compatibility of Non-metallic Sealing Materials for Hydrogen Transmission Pipelines
XU Meng1, QU Shimin2, SUN Chen1,*, LYU Liangliang2, LI Xin1, NASHENG Batu2, LU Yanghui1
1 State Power Investment Corporation Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102209, China; 2 Inner Mongolia Huomei Hongjun Aluminum and Electric Co., Ltd. Zhahanaoer Branch, Tongliao 029213, Inner Mongolia, China
Abstract: In the process of hydrogen transportation through pipelines, hydrogen permeation into non-metallic sealing materials induces material degradation, elevating operationalsafety risks. This study investigates three representative non-metallic sealing materials—nitrile rubber (NBR), fluororubber (FKM), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) — through aging and rapid gas decompression (RGD) tests under hydrogen exposure at 6.3 MPa and 60 ℃, employing specialized non-metallic penetration test equipment and high-temperature/high-pressure aging apparatus. Post-RGD evaluation revealed cross-section assessment grades of 0 for both NBR and PTFE and 1 for FKM, all significantly below the critical threshold of 3 specified in GB/T 34903-2017, confirming compliance with acceptance criteria. Compared to ambient air conditions at room temperature, aging experiments demonstrated distinct tensile property variations under hydrogen exposure at 6.3 MPa and 60 ℃: NBR exhibited a 27.24% increase in tensile strength and a 22.21% decrease in elongation at break; FKM showed a 21.44% increase in tensile strength accompanied by a 17.16% reduction in elongation at break; PTFE displayed a 16.29% decrease in tensile strength and a 30.65% drop in elongation at break. Crucially, all tensile property fluctuations remained within the 50% tolerance limit mandated by GB/T 34903-2017. This systematic investigation elucidates degradation mechanisms of mechanical and sealing properties in hydrogen environments, establishes material suitability criteria for hydrogen service conditions, and develops a robust evaluation methodology for seal performance under hydrogen exposure. The findings provide critical insights for material selection and performance assessment of non-metallic seals in hydrogen pipeline systems, offering practical guidelines for engineering applications.
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2026, Vol. 40 
