Suprem thermoplastic composites contribute to pressure vessel expansion

Suprem SA (Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland) is developing high-quality, high-performance thermoplastic composite materials to support the expanding use of pressure vessels for CO₂ emission reduction.

Relying on 35 years of experience in producing unidirectional (UD) thermoplastic tapes for pipe and tank reinforcement, Suprem says it is dedicated to the industrialization of new, recyclable solutions for Type III,
IV and V pressure vessels.

Suprem’s low-porosity tape can be wound and consolidated in one step with no post-treatment, eliminating costly and time-consuming post curing inherent to thermoset materials. Moreover, the company says the clean, automated and continuously controlled winding process reduces down time. The thermoplastic tape offers consistent quality and high mechanical performance, reducing the amount of material needed to manufacture high-pressure tanks, and offers opportunities for recycling and reuse after service.

Pressure vessels developed with Suprem’s thermoplastic composite materials can be used for compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen gas (H₂) in marine and space applications.

“It is a privilege for Suprem to contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions,” says Dr. Anatole Gilliot, Suprem CEO. “Suprem’s thermoplastic composite materials are ideal to reduce parts weight and to manufacture pressure vessels, which will both reduce CO₂ emission. The intrinsic recyclability of thermoplastic is also contributing to the circular economy, which needs to be adopted.”