Shaping a Sustainable Future

Sealing Solutions for Hydrogen Applications

We have continued the work on sealing solutions for hydrogen applications initiated in 2022 and expanded our efforts on CO2 applications. The focus of the CO2 applications was on special compounds for the energy sector, where seals must withstand challenging conditions — including high pressure, wide service temperature ranges, and harsh chemical environments. Key parameters for elastomers include gas permeation, particularly for hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and strong resistance to Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) phenomena.

Testing related to hydrogen applications — where permeation, leakage, and RGD data were already generated —, was completed with an extensive campaign on aging in hydrogen. The campaign demonstrated that selected materials did not generally show a significant impact upon ageing in H2 at different temperatures.

Sealing Solutions for Carbon Capture
 

At the same time as our work on sealing solutions for hydrogen applications, special compounds were also tested for Rapid Gas Decompression (RGD) and aging in pure carbon dioxide, allowing us to prove the possibility to use them within the ambit of Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS).

CCUS encompasses a range of technologies designed to reduce CO₂ emissions from major industrial sources. These sources include power plants, refineries, and manufacturing facilities. CCUS can also be applied to actively remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. As a key strategy for achieving global climate objectives, CCUS is expected to play a vital role in mitigating climate change.

E-Mobility Applications
 

E-mobility systems are a key factor in advancing the energy transition for vehicles and progressing on our path to decarbonization.

We strongly support the increasing trend in the use of e-mobility. Some of our solutions are already widely implemented in everyday life and play a role in e-mobility applications:

• Moulded rubber parts to provide sufficient sealing in charging connectors
• Sealing solutions using specialized rubber compounds for battery cooling systems in electric vehicles
• Supercapacitors as important components in both energy grid systems and mobility solutions — we have developed special materials and validated innovative sealing designs using Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

We continue to support e-mobility applications with our engineered sealing solutions, contributing to the sustainable development of the automotive industry.

Testing of Bio-Based Materials

In 2025, we initiated a collaboration with the Swiss start-up Kuori. Among the various bio-based materials Kuori is developing, we are evaluating bio-based fillers in rubber formulations to compare their performance against standard fillers.

At first, a filler based on olive pits will be tested in our laboratories to assess performance in formulations for sealing applications. Looking ahead, we aim to offer compounds with less environmental impact, leading the way to a more sustainable future in the industry.