Experimental investigation of tensile properties of glass capillary hybridized carbon fiber reinforced plastic (GCRP) for structurally integrated hydrogen storage

Hydrogen as a fuel of the future for mobile applications has the potential to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions significantly (Groos et al., 2023 [1]). A main focus to enable hydrogen powered aviation is the efficient storage onboard (Prewitz et al., 2023 [2]; Verstraete et al., 2010 [3]; Prewitz et al., 2020 [4]). Especially the storage volume is a major challenge because of the rather low volumetric energy density of compressed or either liquified hydrogen in comparison with kerosene (Hassan et al., 2021 [5]; Stetson et al., 2014 [6]; Troeltsch et al., 2020 [7]). Glass capillaries have a high strength, also their geometry and low hydrogen permeability make them a suitable micro pressure tank (Prewitz et al., 2018; Veziroglu et al., 2003 [8]; Meyer-Scherf, 2015 [9]). By combining glass capillaries and carbon fibers in a polymer matrix, a material composite could be developed that is both a structural element, contributing to load bearing, and a hydrogen tank at the same time. The synergetic use of the structure as storage could be a solution to tackle the problem of the increased required storage volume for hydrogen powered aviation. This paper presents a theoretical micromechanical analysis, the design and manufacturing process of the composite material, and the experimental results of tensile testing conducted on a glass capillary hybridized carbon fiber reinforced plastic (GCRP). The aim is to determine the influence of the glass capillary content on the tensile strength and tensile modulus of the GCRP.