Fluid components for use in electrolytic cell systems

Abstract

An electrolytic cell system is provided that includes an electrochemical cell and an electrolytic cell fluid component utilized to deliver fluid to the electrochemical cell. The electrolytic cell fluid component includes a polymer composition that includes a polyarylene sulfide.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Related Applications

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 339,648, filed May 9, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrolyzers require the use of fluid delivery systems incorporating fluid components, such as pipes, hoses, connectors, fittings, etc., to deliver fuel (typically water) to the electrochemical reactor and remove products (typically hydrogen and oxygen) from the electrochemical reactor. Depending on the type and style of electrolyzer, additional fluid components may be required, such as for electrolyte recycling, addition or removal, fluid pumping, product / fuel separation or purification, filtration, temperature control, etc. Conventional fluid components for transporting fluids to / from the electrochemical reactor or other components of the system are formed from silicone rubber or fluoropolymer materials. While such materials may exhibit some flexibility and chemical resistance, they are relatively difficult and expensive to mold into the complex shapes often required for the systems. Thus, there is currently a need for fluid components that can be more easily introduced into electrolyzer systems. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003]

[0003] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrolytic cell system is disclosed that includes an electrochemical reactor cell and an electrolytic cell fluid component that is utilized in the direct or indirect delivery of fluid (gas, liquid, vapor, or any combination thereof) to or from the electrochemical reactor cell. The electrolytic cell fluid component can be utilized in the direct delivery of fluid to or from the anode or cathode side of the electrochemical reactor cell, and can be utilized in the delivery of fluid to or from secondary components of the electrolytic cell system (e.g., filters, purifiers, heat exchangers, demisters, separators, etc.), thereby indirectly delivering fluid to or from the electrochemical reactor cell. The electrolytic cell fluid component comprises a polymer composition that includes a polyarylene sulfide.

[0004]

[0004] Other features and aspects of the present invention are described in more detail below.

[0005] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, to one skilled in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1]

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a proton exchange polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer system of the present invention. [Diagram 2]

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an alkaline electrolyzer system of the present invention. [Diagram 3]

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an anion exchange PEM electrolyzer system of the present invention. [Figure 4]

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006]

[0010] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

[0011] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the invention.

[0007]

[0012] Generally speaking, the present invention is directed to an electrolytic cell system that includes at least one electrolytic cell fluid component. The fluid component may be any component of the electrolytic cell system that is utilized in transporting a fluid, i.e., liquid, vapor, gas, or any combination thereof, within the electrolytic cell system. For example, without limitation, the fluid component may include pipes, tubes, hoses, fittings, connectors, etc., utilized in transporting a fluid within the system. The fluid component may contact the fluid being transported, e.g., in the case of pipes, tubes, or hoses, but may not necessarily directly contact the fluid, e.g., in the case of certain fittings and connectors.

[0008]

[0013] The electrolytic bath fluid component contains a polymer composition comprising a polyarylene sulfide. The electrolytic bath fluid component may be a single layer or a multi-layer fluid component, such as a multi-layer hose or pipe, with at least one layer of the fluid component comprising the described polymer composition. It has been discovered that by selectively controlling the specific nature of the polyarylene sulfide and the nature and concentration of other components in the composition, the resulting composition may exhibit a combination of properties uniquely suited for electrolytic bath fluid components. For example, the polymer composition may be fused to the electrolytic bath fluid component at a temperature of about 310° C. and a shear rate of 1200 s in accordance with ISO11443:2021. -1The polymer compositions may nonetheless exhibit relatively low melt viscosities, such as about 2,000 Pa·s or less, in some embodiments about 1,000 Pa·s or less, in some embodiments about 800 Pa·s or less, and in some embodiments about 50 to about 600 Pa·s, as determined by a capillary rheometer at an angular frequency of 0.1 rad / sec, a temperature of 310° C., and a constant strain amplitude of 3%, that are characteristic of high melt strength, such as high complex viscosities, such as about 1,000 Pa·s or more, in some embodiments about 1,500 Pa·s or more, and in some embodiments about 2,000 to about 10,000 Pa·s.

[0009]

[0014] Due to the relatively low melt viscosity, relatively high molecular weight polyarylene sulfides can also be used without much difficulty. For example, such high molecular weight polyarylene sulfides can have a number average molecular weight of about 14,000 grams / mole ("g / mol") or more, in some embodiments about 15,000 g / mol or more, in some embodiments about 16,000 g / mol to about 60,000 g / mol, as well as a weight average molecular weight of about 35,000 g / mol or more, in some embodiments about 50,000 g / mol or more, in some embodiments about 60,000 g / mol to about 90,000 g / mol, as determined using gel permeation chromatography as described below. One benefit of using such high molecular weight polymers is that they generally have a low chlorine content. In this regard, the resulting polymer composition can have a low chlorine content, such as about 1200 ppm or less, in some embodiments about 900 ppm or less, in some embodiments 0 to about 800 ppm, and in some embodiments about 1 to about 500 ppm.

[0010]

[0015] Despite having a low melt viscosity, the polymer composition can still maintain a high degree of impact strength and can provide enhanced flexibility to the resulting electrolytic cell fluid components. For example, the polymer composition has a melt viscosity of about 20 kJ / m2 as determined at 23° C. according to ISO test number 179-1:2010. 2 More than this, in some embodiments, about 40 to about 150 kJ / m2 In some embodiments, from about 55 to about 100 kJ / m 2 Advantageously, the polymeric product may have a high degree of heat resistance and therefore exhibit good impact strength at both high and low temperatures. For example, the polymeric product may exhibit a notched Charpy impact strength of about 10 kJ / m2, as determined at a temperature of -30°C according to ISO test number 179-1:2010. 2 or more, in some embodiments, about 20 to about 100 kJ / m 2 In some embodiments, from about 30 to about 80 kJ / m 2 It can exhibit a notched Charpy impact strength of 1000 MPa.

[0011]

[0016] The tensile and bending mechanical properties may also be good. For example, the composition may exhibit a tensile strength of about 20 MPa or more, in some embodiments, about 25 to about 200 MPa, in some embodiments, about 30 to about 150 MPa, and in some embodiments, about 35 to about 100 MPa; a tensile break strain of about 20% or more, in some embodiments, about 25% or more, in some embodiments, about 30% or more, and in some embodiments, about 35% to about 100%; and / or a tensile modulus of about 10,000 MPa or less, in some embodiments, about 500 MPa to about 8,000 MPa, in some embodiments, about 1,000 MPa to about 6,000 MPa, and in some embodiments, about 1,500 MPa to about 5,000 MPa. Tensile properties may be determined at a temperature of 23° C. according to ISO test number 527:2019. The composition may also exhibit a flexural strength of about 20 MPa or more, in some embodiments about 25 to about 200 MPa, in some embodiments about 30 to about 150 MPa, and in some embodiments about 35 to about 100 MPa, and / or a flexural modulus of about 10,000 MPa or less, in some embodiments about 500 MPa to about 8,000 MPa, in some embodiments about 1,000 MPa to about 6,000 MPa, and in some embodiments about 1,500 MPa to about 5,000 MPa. Flexural properties may be determined at a temperature of 23° C. according to ISO Test No. 178:2019.

[0012]

[0017] The polymeric compositions may also generally be resistant to permeation by fluids, such as hydrogen, oxygen, water, liquid electrolytes, and liquid / gas mixtures, that would typically come into contact with electrolytic cell fluid components. For example, the polymeric compositions may have a permeability of about 30 ml / m2, as determined according to ASTM D1434-82(2015) (volume method) at a temperature of about 23° C. and a pressure differential of 1 atmosphere. 2 *days or less, in some embodiments, about 20 ml / m 2 *days or less, in some embodiments, about 10 ml / m 2 *Days or less, in some embodiments, from about 0.1 to about 5 ml / m 2 The polymer composition may also have a hydrogen permeation rate of about 30 ml / m2 when determined according to ASTM D1434-82(2015) (volume method) at a temperature of about 23° C. and a pressure differential of 1 atmosphere. 2 *days or less, in some embodiments, about 20 ml / m 2 *days or less, in some embodiments, about 10 ml / m 2 *Days or less, in some embodiments, from about 0.1 to about 5 ml / m 2 The polymer composition may exhibit an oxygen transmission rate of * days. The polymer composition exhibits low concentrations of extractable contaminants, e.g., about 2 mg / cm, after contact with n-hexane (7 hours), acetone (7 hours), and / or deionized water (24 hours). 2 In some embodiments, up to about 1.5 mg / cm 2 In some embodiments, up to about 0.5 mg / cm 2 It may also be relatively pure in nature, in that it contains the following extractable compounds:

[0013]

[0018] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail below. I. Polymer Composition A. Polyarylene sulfide

[0019] The polyarylene sulfide typically comprises from about 40 wt% to about 100 wt%, in some embodiments from about 50 wt% to about 95 wt%, and in some embodiments from about 60 wt% to about 90 wt% of the polymer composition. The polyarylene sulfide used in the composition generally has repeating units of the formula: -[(Ar 1 ) n -X] m -[(Ar 2 ) i -Y] j -[(Ar 3 ) k -Z] l -[(Ar 4 ) o -W] p - (In the formula, Ar 1 , Ar 2 , Ar 3 , and Ar 4 are independently arylene units of 6 to 18 carbon atoms; W, X, Y, and Z are independently -SO 2 -, -S-, -SO-, -CO-, -O-, -C(O)O-, or an alkylene or alkylidene group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, where at least one of the linking groups is -S-; n, m, i, j, k, l, o, and p are independently 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, provided that the sum thereof is greater than or equal to 2.

[0014]

[0020] Arylene unit Ar 1 , Ar 2 , Ar 3 , and Ar 4 may be optionally substituted or unsubstituted. Advantageous arylene units are phenylene, biphenylene, naphthalene, anthracene and phenanthrene. Polyarylene sulfides typically contain more than about 30 mol%, more than about 50 mol%, or more than about 70 mol% of arylene sulfide (-S-) units. For example, polyarylene sulfides may contain at least 85 mol% of sulfide bonds directly bonded to two aromatic rings. In a particular embodiment, polyarylene sulfides contain as their components the phenylene sulfide structure -(C 6 H 4 -S) n - (wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 1).

[0015]

[0021] The synthesis techniques that can be used in making polyarylene sulfide are generally known in the art. For example, the process for producing polyarylene sulfide may include reacting a substance that produces hydrosulfide ions (e.g., an alkali metal sulfide) with a dihaloaromatic compound in an organic amide solvent. The alkali metal sulfide may be, for example, lithium sulfide, sodium sulfide, potassium sulfide, rubidium sulfide, cesium sulfide, or a mixture thereof. If the alkali metal sulfide is a hydrate or an aqueous mixture, it may be treated by a dehydration process prior to the polymerization reaction. The alkali metal sulfide may also be generated in situ. In addition, a small amount of alkali metal hydroxide may be included in the reaction to remove or react impurities such as alkali metal polysulfides or alkali metal thiosulfates that may be present in very small amounts together with the alkali metal sulfide (to convert the impurities into harmless substances).

[0016]

[0022] The dihaloaromatic compound may be, but is not limited to, o-dihalobenzene, m-dihalobenzene, p-dihalobenzene, dihalotoluene, dihalonaphthalene, methoxy-dihalobenzene, dihalobiphenyl, dihalobenzoic acid, dihalodiphenyl ether, dihalodiphenyl sulfone, dihalodiphenyl sulfoxide or dihalodiphenyl ketone. The dihaloaromatic compound may be used alone or in any combination thereof. Specific exemplary dihaloaromatic compounds include, but are not limited to, p-dichlorobenzene, m-dichlorobenzene, O-dichlorobenzene, 2,5-dichlorotoluene, 1,4-dibromobenzene, 1,4-dichloronaphthalene, 1-methoxy-2,5-dichlorobenzene, 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl, 3,5-dichlorobenzoic acid, 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl ether, 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone, 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfoxide, and 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl ketone. The halogen atom may be fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine, and the two halogen atoms in the same dihaloaromatic compound may be the same or different from each other. In one embodiment, O-dichlorobenzene, m-dichlorobenzene, p-dichlorobenzene, or a mixture of two or more of these compounds is used as the dihaloaromatic compound. As is known in the art, it is also possible to use a monohalo compound (not necessarily an aromatic compound) in combination with a dihaloaromatic compound to form an end group of the polyarylene sulfide or to adjust the polymerization reaction and / or the molecular weight of the polyarylene sulfide.

[0017]

[0023] Polyarylene sulfides may be homopolymers or copolymers. For example, the selective combination of dihaloaromatic compounds can produce polyarylene sulfide copolymers containing two or more different units. For example, when p-dichlorobenzene is used in combination with m-dichlorobenzene or 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone, the following formula is obtained:

[0018] [ka]

[0019] and a segment having the structure:

[0020] [ka]

[0021] or a segment having the structure:

[0022] [ka]

[0023] Polyarylene sulfide copolymers can be formed which contain segments having the structure:

[0024] Polyarylene sulfide may be linear, semi-linear, branched or crosslinked. Linear polyarylene sulfide typically contains 80 mol% or more of the repeat unit -(Ar-S)-. Such linear polymers may also contain a small amount of branched or crosslinked units, but the amount of branched or crosslinked units is typically less than about 1 mol% of the total monomer units of the polyarylene sulfide. Linear polyarylene sulfide polymers may be random or block copolymers containing the repeat units described above. Semi-linear polyarylene sulfide may also have a crosslinked or branched structure introduced into the polymer in small amounts of one or more monomers having three or more reactive functional groups. As an example, the monomer components used in forming semi-linear polyarylene sulfide include to some extent polyhaloaromatic compounds having two or more halogen substituents per molecule that can be utilized in preparing branched polymers. Such monomers are represented by the formula R'X nwhere each X is selected from chlorine, bromine, and iodine, n is an integer from 3 to 6, and R' is a polyvalent aromatic group of valence n that may have up to about four methyl substituents, and the total number of carbon atoms in R' is in the range of 6 to about 16. Examples of some polyhaloaromatic compounds substituted with more than two halogens per molecule that can be used in forming semi-linear polyarylene sulfides include 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, 1,3-dichloro-5-bromobenzene, 1,2,4-triiodobenzene, 1,2,3,5-tetrabromobenzene, hexachlorobenzene, 1,3,5-trichloro-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene, 2,2',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl, 2,2',5,5'-tetra-iodobiphenyl, 2,2',6,6'-tetrabromo-3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbiphenyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrachloronaphthalene, 1,2,4-tribromo-6-methylnaphthalene, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

[0024]

[0025] If desired, the polyarylene sulfide can be functionalized. For example, a disulfide compound containing reactive functional groups (e.g., carboxyl, hydroxyl, amine, etc.) can react with the polyarylene sulfide. In addition, functionalization of the polyarylene sulfide can provide binding sites between any optional impact modifier and the polyarylene sulfide, which can improve the distribution of the impact modifier throughout the polyarylene sulfide to prevent phase separation. The disulfide compound can undergo a chain scission reaction with the polyarylene sulfide during melt processing to reduce the overall melt viscosity. When used, the disulfide compound typically comprises about 0.01 wt% to about 3 wt%, in some embodiments about 0.02 wt% to about 1 wt%, and in some embodiments about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt% of the polymer composition. The ratio of the amount of polyarylene sulfide to the amount of disulfide compound may also be from about 1000:1 to about 10:1, from about 500:1 to about 20:1, or from about 400:1 to about 30:1. Suitable disulfide compounds are typically those having the formula: R 3 -SSR 4

[0026] In the formula, R 3 and R 4 are the same or different and are independently a hydrocarbon group containing from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms. For example, R 3 and R 4 may be an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or heterocyclic group. In certain embodiments, R 3 and R 4 R is generally a non-reactive functional group, such as phenyl, naphthyl, ethyl, methyl, propyl, etc. Examples of such compounds include diphenyl disulfide, naphthyl disulfide, dimethyl disulfide, diethyl disulfide, and dipropyl disulfide. 3 and R 4 may also contain reactive functional groups at the end groups of the disulfide compound. For example, R 3 and R 4At least one of the may include a terminal carboxyl group, a hydroxyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, or a nitro group, etc. Exemplary compounds may include, but are not limited to, 2,2'-diaminodiphenyl disulfide, 3,3'-diaminodiphenyl disulfide, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl disulfide, dibenzyl disulfide, dithiosalicylic acid (or 2,2'-dithiobenzoic acid), dithioglycolic acid, α,α'-dithiodilactic acid, β,β'-dithiodilactic acid, 3,3'-dithiodipyridine, 4,4'-dithiomorpholine, 2,2'-dithiobis(benzothiazole), 2,2'-dithiobis(benzimidazole), 2,2'-dithiobis(benzoxazole), 2-(4'-morpholinodithio)benzothiazole, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

[0025] B. Impact Modifiers

[0027] Impact modifiers may also be used in the polymer composition. When used, the impact modifier typically comprises 5 to about 50 parts by weight, in some embodiments about 10 to about 45 parts by weight, and in some embodiments about 20 to about 40 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of polyarylene sulfide. For example, the impact modifier may comprise about 1 wt% to about 40 wt%, in some embodiments about 5 wt% to about 35 wt%, and in some embodiments about 15 wt% to about 30 wt% of the polymer composition.

[0026]

[0028] Examples of suitable impact modifiers include, for example, polyepoxides, polyurethanes, polybutadienes, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrenes, polyamides, block copolymers (e.g., polyether-polyamide block copolymers), and the like, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, an "epoxy-functionalized" olefin copolymer is used, which contains an average of two or more epoxy functional groups per molecule. The copolymer generally contains olefinic monomer units derived from one or more α-olefins. Examples of such monomers include, for example, linear and / or branched α-olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, typically 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Specific examples include ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 3,3-dimethyl-1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-pentene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propyl substituents, 1-heptene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propyl substituents, 1-octene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propyl substituents, 1-nonene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propyl substituents, ethyl, methyl or dimethyl substituted 1-decene, 1-dodecene, and styrene. Particularly desirable α-olefin monomers are ethylene and propylene. The copolymer may also contain epoxy-functional monomer units. One example of such a unit is an epoxy-functional (meth)acrylic monomer component. As used herein, the term "(meth)acrylic" includes acrylic and methacrylic monomers, as well as their salts or esters, such as acrylate and methacrylate monomers. For example, suitable epoxy-functional (meth)acrylic monomers can include, but are not limited to, those containing 1,2-epoxy groups, such as glycidyl acrylate and glycidyl methacrylate. Other suitable epoxy-functional monomers include allyl glycidyl ether, glycidyl ethacrylate, and glycidyl itaconate. Other suitable monomers can also be used to help achieve the desired molecular weight.

[0027]

[0029] Of course, the copolymer may also contain other monomer units known in the art. For example, another suitable monomer may include a non-epoxy-functional (meth)acrylic monomer. Examples of such (meth)acrylic monomers include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-propyl acrylate, i-propyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, s-butyl acrylate, i-butyl acrylate, t-butyl acrylate, n-amyl acrylate, i-amyl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, 2-ethylbutyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate, n-decyl acrylate, methylcyclohexyl acrylate, cyclopentyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl ... Examples of the copolymer include methyl, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, n-propyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, i-propyl methacrylate, i-butyl methacrylate, n-amyl methacrylate, n-hexyl methacrylate, i-amyl methacrylate, s-butyl methacrylate, t-butyl methacrylate, 2-ethylbutyl methacrylate, methylcyclohexyl methacrylate, cinnamyl methacrylate, crotyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, cyclopentyl methacrylate, 2-ethoxyethyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, and the like, and combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, for example, the copolymer may be a terpolymer formed from an epoxy-functional (meth)acrylic monomer component, an α-olefin monomer component, and a non-epoxy-functional (meth)acrylic monomer component. The copolymer may have, for example, the following structure:

[0028] [ka]

[0029] (wherein x, y, and z are 1 or greater). The copolymer may be poly(ethylene-co-butyl acrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) having the formula:

[0030]

[0030] The relative proportions of the monomeric components may be selected to achieve a balance between epoxy reactivity and melt flow rate. More specifically, a high epoxy monomer content may provide good reactivity with the matrix polymer, but too much content may reduce the melt flow rate to such an extent that the copolymer adversely affects the melt strength of the polymer blend. Thus, in most embodiments, the epoxy-functional (meth)acrylic monomer comprises from about 1 wt% to about 20 wt%, in some embodiments from about 2 wt% to about 15 wt%, and in some embodiments from about 3 wt% to about 10 wt% of the copolymer. The α-olefin monomer may likewise comprise from about 55 wt% to about 95 wt%, in some embodiments from about 60 wt% to about 90 wt%, and in some embodiments from about 65 wt% to about 85 wt% of the copolymer. Other monomeric components (e.g., non-epoxy functional (meth)acrylic monomers), if used, may comprise from about 5 wt% to about 35 wt%, in some embodiments from about 8 wt% to about 30 wt%, and in some embodiments from about 10 wt% to about 25 wt% of the copolymer. The resulting melt flow rates, as determined according to ASTM D1238-13 at a load of 2.16 kg and a temperature of 190° C., are typically from about 1 to about 30 grams per 10 minutes ("g / 10 min"), in some embodiments from about 2 to about 20 g / 10 min, and in some embodiments from about 3 to about 15 g / 10 min.

[0031]

[0031] If desired, additional impact modifiers may also be used in combination with the epoxy-functional impact modifier. For example, the additional impact modifier may include a block copolymer in which at least one phase is made of a material that is hard at room temperature but becomes fluid when heated, and the other phase is a material that is soft at room temperature, such as rubber. By way of example, the block copolymer may have an AB or ABA block copolymer repeat structure, where A represents the hard segment and B is the soft segment. Non-limiting examples of impact modifiers having an AB repeat structure include polyamide / polyether, polysulfone / polydimethylsiloxane, polyurethane / polyester, polyurethane / polyether, polyester / polyether, polycarbonate / polydimethylsiloxane, and polycarbonate / polyether. Triblock copolymers may also contain polystyrene as the hard segment and either polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or polyethylene-co-butylene as the soft segment. Similarly, styrene butadiene repeat copolymers and polystyrene / polyisoprene repeat polymers may be used. In one particular embodiment, the block copolymer may have alternating blocks of polyamide and polyether. Such materials are commercially available, for example, from Atofina under the trade name PEBAX™. The polyamide blocks may be derived from copolymers of diacid and diamine components or may be prepared by homopolymerization of cyclic lactams. The polyether blocks may be derived from homo- or copolymers of cyclic ethers such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and tetrahydrofuran.

[0032] C. Cross-linking Systems

[0032] If desired, a crosslinking system can also be used in combination with any of the optional impact modifiers to help further improve the strength and flexibility of the composition under a variety of different conditions. In such a situation, a crosslinked product can be formed from a crosslinkable polymer composition containing a polyarylene sulfide, an impact modifier, and a crosslinking system. The crosslinking system, which can contain one or more crosslinking agents, when used, typically accounts for about 0.1 to about 15 parts, in some embodiments about 0.2 to about 10 parts, in some embodiments about 0.5 to about 5 parts, per 100 parts of polyarylene sulfide, and about 0.05 wt% to about 15 wt%, in some embodiments about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt%, in some embodiments about 0.2 wt% to about 5 wt% of the polymer composition. By using such a crosslinking system, the compatibility and distribution of the polyarylene sulfide and the impact modifier can be significantly improved. For example, the impact modifier can be dispersed in the polymer composition in the form of discrete domains of nanoscale size. For example, the domains may have an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 1 to about 1000 nanometers, in some embodiments from about 5 to about 800 nanometers, and in some embodiments, from about 10 to about 500 nanometers. The domains may have a variety of different shapes, such as ellipsoidal, spherical, cylindrical, plate-like, tubular, etc. Such improved dispersion may result in better mechanical properties, or allow for the achievement of equivalent mechanical properties with less impact modifier.

[0033] Any of a variety of different crosslinking agents can generally be used in the crosslinking system. In one embodiment, as an example, the crosslinking system may include a metal carboxylate. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that the metal atom in the carboxylate may act as a Lewis acid to accept electrons from an oxygen atom located in the functional group (e.g., epoxy functional group) of the impact modifier. Upon reaction with the carboxylate, the functional group becomes activated and can be readily attacked at either carbon atom in the three-membered ring via a nucleophilic substitution reaction, thereby forming a crosslink between the chains of the impact modifier. The metal carboxylate is typically a metal salt of a fatty acid. The metal cation used in the salt may vary, but is typically a divalent metal such as calcium, magnesium, lead, barium, strontium, zinc, iron, cadmium, nickel, copper, tin, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Zinc is particularly preferred. The fatty acid may generally be any saturated or unsaturated acid with a carbon chain length of about 8 to 22 carbon atoms, and in some embodiments, about 10 to about 18 carbon atoms. Optionally, the acid may be substituted. Suitable fatty acids may include, for example, lauric acid, myristic acid, behenic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, ricinoleic acid, capric acid, neodecanoic acid, hydrogenated tallow fatty acid, hydroxystearic acid, hydrogenated castor oil fatty acid, erucic acid, coconut oil fatty acid, and the like, and mixtures thereof. The metal carboxylate typically comprises from about 0.05 wt% to about 5 wt%, in some embodiments from about 0.1 wt% to about 2 wt%, and in some embodiments from about 0.2 wt% to about 1 wt% of the polymer composition.

[0034]

[0034] The crosslinking system may also employ crosslinkers that are "multifunctional" to the extent that they contain at least two reactive functional groups. Such multifunctional crosslinkers may act as weak nucleophiles capable of reacting with the activated functional groups (e.g., epoxy functional groups) of the impact modifier. The multifunctional nature of such molecules allows them to crosslink two functional groups of the impact modifier to effectively act as a curing agent. Multifunctional crosslinkers generally contain two or more reactively functional end moieties linked by bonds or non-polymeric (non-repeating) linking moieties. By way of example, crosslinkers may include diepoxides, multifunctional epoxides, diisocyanates, polyisocyanates, polyhydric alcohols, water-soluble carbodiimides, diamines, diols, diaminoalkanes, multifunctional carboxylic acids, diacid halides, and the like. Multifunctional carboxylic acids and amines are particularly suitable. Specific examples of polyfunctional carboxylic acid crosslinkers include, but are not limited to, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, phthalic acid, 1,2-di(p-carboxyphenyl)ethane, 4,4'-dicarboxydiphenyl ether, 4,4'-bisbenzoic acid, 1,4- or 1,5-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, decahydronaphthalenedicarboxylic acid, norbornene dicarboxylic acid, bicyclooctane dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (both cis and trans), 1,4-hexylenedicarboxylic acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid, dicarboxydodecanoic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, glutaric acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, and sebacic acid. Corresponding dicarboxylic acid derivatives, such as carboxylic acid diesters, carboxylic acid anhydrides, or carboxylic acid halides having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alcohol group, may also be utilized. In certain embodiments, aromatic dicarboxylic acids, such as isophthalic acid or terephthalic acid, are particularly suitable.

[0035]

[0035] When used, the multifunctional crosslinking agent typically comprises about 50 wt% to about 95 wt%, in some embodiments about 60 wt% to about 90 wt%, and in some embodiments about 70 wt% to about 85 wt% of the crosslinked system, while the metal carboxylate typically comprises about 5 wt% to about 50 wt%, in some embodiments about 10 wt% to about 40 wt%, and in some embodiments about 15 wt% to about 30 wt% of the crosslinked system. For example, the multifunctional crosslinking agent may comprise about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt%, in some embodiments about 0.2 wt% to about 5 wt%, and in some embodiments about 0.5 wt% to about 3 wt% of the polymer composition. Of course, in certain embodiments, the composition may generally be free of the multifunctional crosslinking agent, or the crosslinked system may generally be free of the metal carboxylate.

[0036] D. Other Ingredients In addition to the above components, the polymer composition may also contain a variety of other different components to help improve overall properties. In one embodiment, for example, the polymer composition may contain a heat stabilizer. For example, the heat stabilizer may be a phosphite stabilizer, such as an organic phosphite. For example, suitable phosphite stabilizers include monophosphites and diphosphites, where diphosphites have a molecular structure that inhibits moisture absorption and / or has a relatively high spiro isomer content. For example, a diphosphite stabilizer having a spiro isomer content of more than 90%, such as more than 95%, such as more than 98%, may be selected. Specific examples of such diphosphite stabilizers include, for example, bis(2,4-dicumylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-t-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite, mixtures thereof, and the like. If used, heat stabilizers typically comprise from about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt %, and in some embodiments, from about 0.2 wt % to about 2 wt %, of the composition.

[0037]

[0037] Inorganic fibers may be used in an amount of, for example, about % to about 50% by weight of the polymer composition, in some embodiments, about 2% to about 40% by weight, and in some embodiments, about 5% to about 30% by weight. Any of a variety of different types of inorganic fibers may generally be used, including those derived from glass; silicates such as neosilicates, sorosilicates, inosilicates (e.g., calcium inosilicates such as wollastonite; calcium magnesium inosilicates such as tremolite; calcium magnesium iron inosilicates such as yangliite; magnesium iron inosilicates such as anthophyllite; phyllosilicates (e.g., aluminum phyllosilicates such as palygorskite), tectosilicates, and the like; calcium sulfates (e.g., dehydrated or anhydrite); and sulfates such as mineral wool (e.g., rock or slag wool). Particularly suitable for use in the present invention are glass fibers such as those formed from E-glass, A-glass, C-glass, D-glass, AR-glass, R-glass, S1-glass, S2-glass, etc., and mixtures thereof. If desired, the glass fibers can be supplied with a size or other coating known in the art.

[0038]

[0038] The inorganic fibers may have any desired cross-sectional shape, such as round, flat, etc. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to use fibers having relatively flat cross-sectional dimensions by having an aspect ratio (i.e., cross-sectional width divided by cross-sectional thickness) of about 1.5 to about 10, in some embodiments about 2 to about 8, and in some embodiments about 3 to about 5. When such flat fibers are used in certain concentrations, the mechanical properties of the molded part may be further improved without substantially adversely affecting the melt viscosity of the polymer composition. The inorganic fibers may have a nominal width, for example, of about 1 to about 50 micrometers, in some embodiments about 5 to about 50 micrometers, and in some embodiments about 10 to about 35 micrometers. The fibers may also have a nominal thickness of about 0.5 to about 30 micrometers, in some embodiments about 1 to about 20 micrometers, and in some embodiments about 3 to about 15 micrometers. Additionally, the inorganic fibers may have a narrow size distribution. That is, at least about 60% by volume, and in some embodiments at least about 70% by volume, and in some embodiments at least about 80% by volume of the fibers may have a width and / or thickness within the above ranges. In the molded part, the glass fibers may have a volume average length of from about 10 to about 500 micrometers, and in some embodiments, from about 100 to about 400 micrometers, and in some embodiments, from about 150 to about 350 micrometers.

[0039]

[0039] Organosilane compounds may also be used in certain embodiments. Such organosilane compounds typically comprise from about 0.01 wt% to about 3 wt%, in some embodiments from about 0.02 wt% to about 1 wt%, and in some embodiments from about 0.05 to about 0.5 wt% of the polymer composition. The organosilane compound may be, for example, any alkoxysilane known in the art, such as vinylalkoxysilanes, epoxyalkoxysilanes, aminoalkoxysilanes, mercaptoalkoxysilanes, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, for example, the organosilane compound may be represented by the following general formula: R 5 -Si-(R 6 ) 3 [In the formula, R 5 is a sulfide group (e.g., -SH), an alkyl sulfide containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms (e.g., mercaptopropyl, mercaptoethyl, mercaptobutyl, etc.), an alkenyl sulfide containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkynyl sulfide containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, an amino group (e.g., NH 2 ), aminoalkyl containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms (e.g., aminomethyl, aminoethyl, aminopropyl, aminobutyl, etc.); aminoalkenyl containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and aminoalkynyl containing 2 to 10 carbon atoms; R 6 is an alkoxy group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, and propoxy. may have.

[0040]

[0040] Some representative examples of organosilane compounds which may be included in the mixture include mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane, aminoethyltriethoxysilane, aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, aminoethyltrimethoxysilane, ethylenetrimethoxysilane, ethylenetriethoxysilane, ethynetrimethoxysilane, ethynetriethoxysilane, aminoethylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane or 3-aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane, N-(2-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane), ... thiol)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-methyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-phenyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, bis(3-aminopropyl)tetramethoxysilane, bis(3-aminopropyl)tetraethoxydisiloxane, γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, γ-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ-aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane, N-(β-aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-phenyl-γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-diallylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-diallylaminopropyltrimethoxysilane, and the like, and combinations thereof. Particularly suitable organosilane compounds are 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane.

[0041]

[0041] If desired, siloxane polymers can also be used in the polymer composition. Without intending to be limited by theory, it is believed that siloxane polymers can improve the processing of the composition, for example, by providing better mold filling, internal lubrication, mold release, etc., among others. In addition, it is also believed that siloxane polymers are less likely to migrate or diffuse to the surface of the composition, which further minimizes the possibility of phase separation and further aids in reducing impact energy. By way of example, such siloxane polymers typically have a weight average molecular weight of about 100,000 grams / mole or more, in some embodiments about 200,000 grams / mole or more, and in some embodiments about 500,000 grams / mole to about 2,000,000 grams / mole. Siloxane polymers can also have a relatively high dynamic viscosity, for example, about 10,000 centistokes or more, in some embodiments about 30,000 centistokes or more, and in some embodiments about 50,000 to about 500,000 centistokes.

[0042] Any of a variety of high molecular weight siloxane polymers can generally be used in the polymer composition. In certain embodiments, for example, the siloxane polymer is primarily R 3 SiO 1 / 2 and SiO 4 / 2The resin may be an "MQ" resin, which is a polymer of high molecular weight formed from units (M and Q units, respectively), where R is a functional or non-functional organic group. Suitable organic functional groups ("R") can include, for example, alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, etc.), aryl (e.g., phenyl), cycloalkyl (e.g., cyclopentyl), arylenyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl (e.g., cyclohexenyl), alkoxy (e.g., methoxy), etc., and combinations thereof. Such resins are generally prepared by chemically combining (copolymerizing) MQ resin molecules of low weight average molecular weight (e.g., less than 100,000 grams / mole) with a polysiloxane linker. In one particular embodiment, for example, the resin can be formed by copolymerizing a low molecular weight MQ solid resin (A) with a substantially linear polydiorganosiloxane linker (B), such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,072,012 (Juen et al.). The resin (A) may, for example, be a resin represented by the following general formula: R 1 a R 2 b R 3 c SiO (4-a-b-c) / 2 [In the formula, R 1 is a hydroxyl group; R 2 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having at least one unsaturated carbon-carbon bond capable of addition reaction with a silicon-bonded hydrogen atom (i.e., vinyl); Each R 3 is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, and arylalkyl groups; a is a number from 0 to 1, and in some embodiments, from 0 to 0.2; b is a number from 0 to 3, and in some embodiments, from 0 to 1.5; c is a number equal to or greater than 0. The siloxy units may have the M and Q groups having the following formula:

[0043] The substantially linear polydiorganosiloxane linker (B) may also be represented by the following general formula: (R 4 (3-p) R 5 p SiO 1 / 2 )(R 4 2 SiO 2 / 2 ) x ((R 4 R 5 SiO 2 / 2 )(R 4 2 SiO 2 / 2 ) x ) y (R 4 (3-p) R 5 p SiO 1 / 2 ) [In the formula, Each R 4 is independently a monovalent radical selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, and arylalkyl groups; Each R 5 are independently monovalent radicals selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, oximo, alkyloximo, and aryloximo groups, where at least two R 5 The groups are typically present in each molecule and are attached to different silicon atoms; p is 0, 1, 2, or 3; x ranges from 0 to 200, and in some embodiments, from 0 to 100; y ranges from 0 to 200, and in some embodiments, from 0 to 100. may have.

[0044] The polymeric siloxane polymer typically comprises from about 0.05 wt % to about 5 wt %, in some embodiments from about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt %, and in some embodiments, from about 0.5 to about 2 wt % of the polymer composition.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the siloxane polymer may be provided in the form of a masterbatch that includes a carrier resin. The carrier resin may comprise, by way of example, from about 0.05 wt % to about 5 wt %, in some embodiments from about 0.1 wt % to about 3 wt %, and in some embodiments, from about 0.5 to about 2 wt % of the polymer composition. Any of a variety of carrier resins may be used, such as polyolefins (e.g., ethylene polymers, propylene polymers, etc.), polyamides, etc. In one embodiment, for example, the carrier resin is an ethylene polymer. Ethylene polymers are polymers that are a mixture of ethylene and C 3 ~C 20 α-Olefin or C 3 ~C 12 Suitable α-olefins may be linear or branched (e.g., one or more C 1 ~C 3 The α-olefin comonomer may be an alkyl branched or aryl group). Specific examples include 1-butene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 3,3-dimethyl-1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-pentene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propyl substituents, 1-hexene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propyl substituents, 1-heptene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propyl substituents, 1-octene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propyl substituents, 1-nonene with one or more methyl, ethyl or propyl substituents, ethyl, methyl or dimethyl substituted 1-decene, 1-dodecene, and styrene. Particularly desirable α-olefin comonomers are 1-butene, 1-hexene and 1-octene. The ethylene content of such copolymers may be from 60 mol% to about 99 mol%, in some embodiments from about 80 mol% to about 98.5 mol%, and in some embodiments from about 87 mol% to about 97.5 mol%. The α-olefin content may similarly range from about 1 mol % to about 40 mol %, in some embodiments from about 1.5 mol % to about 15 mol %, and in some embodiments, from about 2.5 mol % to about 13 mol %. The density of ethylene polymers may vary depending on the type of polymer used, but is generally from about 0.85 to about 0.96 grams per cubic centimeter (g / cm 3) range. Polyethylene "plastomer" is, for example, about 0.85 to about 0.91 g / cm 3 Similarly, "linear low density polyethylene" (LLDPE) can have a density ranging from about 0.91 to about 0.940 g / cm, as determined according to ASTM D792. 3 and "low density polyethylene" (LDPE) can have a density ranging from about 0.910 to about 0.940 g / cm 3 and "high density polyethylene" (HDPE) may have a density ranging from about 0.940 to about 0.960 g / cm 3 Some non-limiting examples of high molecular weight siloxane polymer masterbatches that can be used include those available from Dow Corning under the trade names MB50-001, MB50-002, MB50-313, MB50-314, and MB50-321.

[0046]

[0046] If desired, a nucleating agent can also be used to further enhance the crystallization properties of the composition. An example of such a nucleating agent is an inorganic crystalline compound such as boron-containing compounds (e.g., boron nitride, sodium tetraborate, potassium tetraborate, calcium tetraborate, etc.), alkaline earth metal carbonates (e.g., calcium magnesium carbonate), oxides (e.g., titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, antimony trioxide, etc.), silicates (e.g., talc, sodium aluminum silicate, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, etc.), alkaline earth metal salts (e.g., calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, etc.). Boron nitride (BN) has been found to be particularly beneficial when used in the polymer composition of the present invention. Boron nitride exists in a wide variety of crystalline forms (e.g., h-BN-hexagonal, c-BN-cubic or spharlerite, and w-BN-wurtzite), and generally any of these can be used in the present invention. The hexagonal morphology is particularly preferred due to its stability and softness.

[0047] Further components which may be included in the composition include, for example, particulate fillers (e.g., talc, mica, etc.), antimicrobial agents, pigments (e.g., black pigments), antioxidants, stabilizers, surfactants, waxes, flow promoters, solid solvents, flame retardants, and other materials added to enhance properties and processability.

[0048] II. Melt Processing The method of combining the polyarylene sulfide and other optional additives may vary as known in the art. For example, the materials may be fed simultaneously or sequentially to a melt processing device that dispersively blends the materials. Batch and / or continuous melt processing techniques may be used. For example, mixers / kneaders, Banbury mixers, Farrel continuous mixers, single screw extruders, twin screw extruders, roll mills, and the like may be utilized to blend and melt process the materials. One particularly suitable melt processing device is a co-rotating twin screw extruder (e.g., Leistritz co-rotating fully intermeshed twin screw extruder). Such an extruder may include a feed section and a discharge section, providing a high intensity distribution and dispersion mixer. For example, the components may be fed to the same or different feed sections of a twin screw extruder and melt blended to form a substantially homogeneous molten mixture. The melt blending may occur under high shear / pressure and may be heated to ensure sufficient dispersion. For example, melt processing can occur at temperatures of about 100° C. to about 500° C., and in some embodiments, about 150° C. to about 300° C. A variety of different techniques can be used in the present invention to react the polyarylene sulfide with the impact modifier in the presence of the crosslinking system. Similarly, the apparent shear rate during melt processing can be about 100 s -1 ~about 10,000 seconds -1 , in some embodiments, about 500 seconds -1 ~Approx. 1,500 seconds -1 Of course, other variables such as residence time during melt processing, which is inversely proportional to throughput rate, can also be controlled to achieve the desired degree of uniformity.

[0049]

[0049] If desired, one or more distributive and / or dispersive mixing elements may be used within the mixing section of the melt processing unit. Suitable distributive mixers may include, for example, Saxon, Dulmage, Cavity Transfer mixers, and the like. Similarly, suitable dispersive mixers may include Blister ring, Leroy / Maddock, CRD mixers, and the like. As is well known in the art, the mixer may be further strengthened by using pins in the barrel that create folding and reorientation of the polymer melt, such as those used in Buss Kneader extruders, Cavity Transfer mixers, and Vortex Intermeshing Pin mixers. The screw speed may also be controlled to improve the properties of the composition. For example, the screw speed may be about 400 rpm or less, and in one embodiment, for example, about 200 rpm to about 350 rpm, or about 225 rpm to about 325 rpm. In one embodiment, compounding conditions may be balanced to provide a polymer composition exhibiting improved properties. For example, compounding conditions may include a screw design that provides weak, medium, or strong screw conditions. For example, the system may have a weak strength screw design where the screw has a single melting section in the downstream half of the screw for gentle melting and distributive melt homogenization. A medium strength screw design may have a stronger melting section upstream of the filler feed barrel with more focused stronger dispersing elements for uniform melting. In addition, it may have another gentle mixing section downstream to mix the filler. This mixing section may be weaker than the weak strength design, but may be more powerful overall, adding to the shear strength of the screw. A highly strong screw design may have the strongest shear strength of the three. The main melting section may consist of a long array of highly dispersive kneading blocks. The downstream mixing section may utilize a mix of distributive and focused dispersing elements to achieve uniform dispersion of all fillers. The shear strength of the highly strong screw design may be significantly higher than the other two designs.In one embodiment, the system can include a medium to strong screw design with relatively moderate screw speeds (eg, about 200 rpm to about 300 rpm).

[0050] The crystallization temperature of the resulting polymeric composition (before being formed into a molded part) may be about 250° C. or less, in some embodiments from about 100° C. to about 245° C., and in some embodiments from about 150° C. to about 240° C. The melting temperature of the polymeric composition may also range from about 250° C. to about 320° C., and in some embodiments from about 260° C. to about 300° C. Melting and crystallization temperatures may be determined as known in the art using differential scanning calorimetry according to ISO Test No. 11357-3:2018.

[0051] III. Electrolyzer fluid components

[0051] The polymer composition can be molded into the form of a fluid component for an electrolytic cell using any of a variety of techniques as known in the art. In certain embodiments, by way of example, the molded part can be molded by molding techniques such as injection molding, compression molding, nanomolding, overmolding, blow molding, thermoforming, melt extrusion techniques such as tubular trapped bubble film, flat or tube cast film, slit die flat cast film, and others. For example, blow molding generally requires the use of pressurized gas that is forced into the interior surface of the molded part. By way of example, the polymer composition can be heated and extruded into a parison, which can be received by a mold that includes separate parts that come together to form a three-dimensional mold cavity. More specifically, after the parison reaches a desired length, a clamping mechanism can move the parison into a position to interact with the mold. The mold is then closed, and pressurized gas (e.g., an inert gas) is supplied to apply sufficient pressure against the interior surface of the parison, thereby conforming to the shape of the mold cavity. After such a blow molding operation, cold air can be injected into the molded part to solidify the polymer composition before removal.

[0052]

[0052] In embodiments, the fluid member for the electrolytic cell may be an elongated member such as a pipe, tube, or hose generally defining a hollow interior through which a fluid such as a gas (e.g., product gas), steam, or liquid (e.g., water (e.g., deionized water), liquid electrolyte, etc.), or any combination thereof, can pass. For example, the fluid member may define a passageway extending between an inlet through which fluid can enter the member and an outlet through which fluid can exit. The member may contain a single inlet and / or a single outlet. In other cases, however, the member may define multiple inlets and / or outlets through which fluid can enter and / or exit the fluid member, respectively.

[0053]

[0053] In other embodiments, the fluid member may be, for example, a connector, fitting, or the like that may be utilized to connect hoses, tubes, or pipes to one another and / or to other components of the electrolytic cell system.

[0054]

[0054] When used in conveying fluids to or from an electrolytic cell, for example, the fluid member may contain multiple outlets through which a fluid (e.g., fuel in the form of water or steam) can exit to contact one or both sides of the electrochemical reactor cell, or through which products (e.g., oxygen, hydrogen, syngas) can exit the electrochemical reactor cell. If desired, the outlets may be provided by branched portions of a member extending from a central portion, or by multiple members connected to each other. The fluid member may have a variety of shapes and may extend in a single direction or in multiple directions, thus including multiple angular displacements. The angular displacements may be relatively large, for example, from about 60° to about 120°, in some embodiments from about 70° to about 110°, and in some embodiments from about 80° to about 100° (e.g., 90°). The fluid member may similarly contain one or more curved portions that define an angular displacement, optionally in conjunction with one or more straight portions located adjacent the angular displacement. The curved portions may lie in a single plane (based on the axes of the fluid member such that an axis lies in each plane) or may lie in multiple planes.

[0055]

[0055] Despite the particular configuration, the fluid member may have a variety of shapes and / or sizes. By way of example, at least a portion of the fluid member, and optionally the entire fluid member, may have an essentially circular, elliptical, square, triangular, rectangular, or irregular cross-sectional shape. The fluid member may also be of any desired size, without any other limitations on inner or outer diameter, wall thickness, or the like. In one embodiment, by way of example, at least a portion of the fluid member, and optionally the entire fluid member, may have an outer diameter (e.g., diameter) of about 1 to about 50 millimeters, in some embodiments about 2 to about 40 millimeters, and in some embodiments about 3 to about 30 millimeters. The wall thickness of the fluid member may likewise range from about 0.5 to about 45 millimeters, in some embodiments about 1 to about 35 millimeters, and in some embodiments about 2 to about 25 millimeters. In this regard, the wall thickness of the fluid member is typically about 0.5 to about 5 millimeters. The fluid member may be formed from a single layer containing the polymer composition of the present invention. In other embodiments, the fluid member may contain multiple layers, one or more of which contain the polymer composition of the present invention. In one embodiment, for example, a multi-layer hose may include an outer layer that defines the outer diameter of the hose, an inner layer that defines the inner diameter of the hose, and one or more optional intermediate layers located between the outer layer and the inner layer. The polymer composition of the present invention may be used for the inner layer, the outer layer, and / or the intermediate layer. In one embodiment, for example, the polymer composition is used to form the outer layer. In another embodiment, the polymer composition is used to form the inner layer. The high strength properties of the thermoplastic composition, combined with the excellent barrier properties and good flexibility, make the thermoplastic composition suitable for use in forming the outer layer, the inner layer, and / or the intermediate layer of a multi-layer fluid member. For example, the excellent barrier properties of the thermoplastic composition, combined with the flexibility and chemical resistance of the thermoplastic composition, make it suitable for use in forming the inner layer of a multi-layer fluid member (e.g., a hose in one embodiment).

[0056]

[0056] The multi-layer fluid member can include two, three, four or more layers, and one or more layers of the member can include the polymer composition of the present invention. The multi-layer fluid member can have a variety of cross-sectional shapes and sizes as described above, and any suitable length configuration. Generally, each layer of the multi-layer fluid member can have a wall thickness of about 0.5 to about 5 millimeters.

[0057]

[0057] If desired, other types of polymeric materials may be used to form other layers (e.g., inner or outer layers) of the fluid member, such as elastomers (e.g., silicone, natural rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, styrene elastomers, etc.), polyolefins, polyamides, fluoropolymers, polyvinyl chloride, etc. As an example, one or more layers of the multi-layer hose may be formed from polyamides from the group of homopolyamides, copolyamides, blends thereof, or mixtures with each other or with other polymers. Thermoplastic elastomers, including, but not limited to, polyamide thermoplastic elastomers, polyester thermoplastic elastomers, polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers, and styrene thermoplastic elastomers, may be utilized in forming one or more layers of the multi-layer fluid member. Exemplary materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, blends of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and polyvinyl chloride, blends of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber, and chlorinated polyethylene rubber. The multi-layer fluid member may further contain one or more intermediate adhesive layers formed from adhesive materials such as, for example, polyester polyurethanes, polyether polyurethanes, polyester elastomers, polyether elastomers, polyamides, polyether polyamides, polyether polyimides, functionalized polyolefins, and the like.

[0058]

[0058] To manufacture the multi-layer fluid member, any known process can be used, without any particular limitation. For example, the layers forming the multi-layer hose can be formed by extrusion or one or more other conventional methods, such as coextrusion, dry lamination, sandwich lamination, coextrusion coating, etc. Adjacent layers can be formed simultaneously by coextrusion, i.e., by concentrically and simultaneously extruding the molten materials of such layers and adhering them to each other. Coextrusion can be carried out using any known equipment, including a coextrusion head. In general, coextrusion can be used in forming a multi-layer fluid member having from 2 to about 6 layers.

[0059]

[0059] Although coextrusion is not a requirement of the extrusion process, in other embodiments, the outer layer of the fluidic member can be formed over a preformed layer. For example, the outer layer can be formed by extruding about one or more preformed inner layers (inner wall layers, or inner wall and intermediate wall layers) of the fluidic member, any other method can also be used.

[0060]

[0060] Multi-layer fluid components may also be formed utilizing blow molding processes to form one or more layers of the component. For example, blow molding processes may be utilized to form an inner layer over a preformed layer that may also be formed by blow molding or by a different molding technique, such as extrusion.

[0061] IV. Electrolyzer System

[0061] The electrolyzer fluid components can be used in a variety of different types of electrolyzer systems as known in the art. Typically, the electrolyzer system contains an electrochemical reactor cell, such as a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis cell, an alkaline electrolysis cell, or a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC). Moreover, the PEM electrolyzer system can include a proton exchange PEM or an anion exchange PEM. As an example, in some embodiments, the electrolyzer system can include a proton exchange PEM, such as in a proton exchange electrolyzer, or an anion exchange PEM, such as in an anion exchange electrolyzer.

[0062]

[0062] For example, referring to Figure 1, one embodiment of a proton exchange PEM electrolysis cell 10 is shown that includes a cathode 4 and an anode 6 separated by a PEM 2. In the illustrated embodiment, water may be supplied to both sides of the electrolysis cell 10 via a water inlet hose 33 to the cathode side of the cell and a water inlet hose 31 to the anode side of the cell. In some embodiments, water may be supplied to both sides of the cell, typically to keep the PEM hydrated, but water may also be supplied only to the anode side of the cell as the fuel for the cell. An oxygen outlet hose 23 and a hydrogen outlet hose 24 transport the electrolysis products from the cell 10.

[0063]

[0063] Water may be supplied to the inlet water hose 31 and the inlet water hose 33 via common supply hose 21 and recycle hose 22. In an embodiment, the water heading to the cell may be pretreated, for example, by initially supplying it to the heat exchanger 8 via hose 20 and heating the supply water to a suitable temperature (e.g., about 80°C). The inlet water hoses 20, 21, 22, 31, 33 may be in communication with valves, pumps, sensors, etc., by use of connectors, fittings, etc. known in the art. Thus, a single supply line may be made up of several hose sections connecting the system components. The outlet hoses 23 and 24 may convey the oxygen and hydrogen products to additional system components such as separators 12, 14, demister 28, and dryer 29. The components may be in fluid communication with each other via additional hoses 26, 27, and connectors, fittings, etc. The separated hydrogen and oxygen products of the cell 10 may be delivered via product hoses 25, 30. As an example, the hydrogen product can be delivered to the system for utilization, e.g., to a fuel cell as a fuel, to a storage facility, or directly to a secondary system for further processing, e.g., chemical formation. In particular, hoses 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 33 and other components such as connectors and fittings between the hoses and between the hoses and other system components can be formed in accordance with the present invention.

[0064] To operate the PEM electrolysis cell 10, the water pump 34 is operated to introduce water through the supply hose 20 for any pretreatment procedures, such as heating via the heat exchanger 8, and then through the water supply hoses 21, 31 to the anode side of the electrochemical cell 10, and through the supply hoses 21, 33 to the cathode side of the electrochemical cell. As noted, water can be supplied to both sides of the cell to provide the PEM with a sufficiently high moisture content to enable performance of the cell 10, and can be supplied to the anode side of the cell as fuel for the cell 10.

[0065] At the anode 6, water undergoes the half reaction: 2H 2 O→4H + +O 2 +4e - React according to.

[0066]

[0066] The PEM 2 allows for the transport of protons formed at the anode 6 to the cathode 4. Exemplary PEM materials include those available under the trade name Nafion® from DuPont Chemicals, Wilmington, Del., Aquivion® from Solvay, Brussels, Belgium, and Flemion® from AGC, Asahi Glass Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. In an embodiment, the membrane is made of tetrafluoroethylene and FSO 2 -CF 2 CF 2 CF 2 CF 2 -O-CF=CF 2 It may include copolymers with

[0067] At the cathode 4, the protons and electrons react in the half reaction: 2H + +2e - →H 2 React according to.

[0068]

[0068] Oxygen is then discharged from the cell 10 and the anode 6 via hose 23, and hydrogen is then discharged from the cell 10 and the cathode 4 via hose 24. Generally, the products can be discharged with water, as long as a large amount of water is provided to purge the products from the cell 10. The oxygen and hydrogen products are then separated from the water, for example, via separators 12, 14, demister 28, and dryer 29, to obtain purified hydrogen product 30 and oxygen product 25. The separated water can be recycled to the cell 10 via recycle hose 22.

[0069] 2, one embodiment of an alkaline electrolysis cell 110 is shown including a cathode 104 and an anode 106 held in a tank 107 containing an aqueous alkaline electrolyte solution. As shown, make-up electrolyte can be supplied to the electrolysis cell 110 via a water inlet hose 132. An oxygen outlet hose 123 and a hydrogen outlet hose 124 convey the electrolysis products from the cell 110. In some embodiments, the electrolysis cell 110 can include a diaphragm 103 (e.g., a composite of zirconia and polysulfone available under the trade name Zirfon®) that separates the hydrogen and oxygen products from one another and allows transport of hydroxide ions throughout the cell 110.

[0070]

[0070] The water supply to the heat exchanger 108 can be carried out via hose 120, where it can be preheated and then fed to a mixing tank 135, where it is combined with the alkaline electrolyte fed via hose 136 and an optional recycle stream via hose 122. The feed hoses 120, 121, 122, 132, 136 can be in communication with valves, pumps, sensors, etc., by use of connectors, fittings, etc., known in the art. As mentioned above, a single feed line can be made up of several hose sections connected to the system components. The exhaust hose 123 and the exhaust hose 124 can convey the oxygen and hydrogen products to additional system components, such as the separators 112, 114, the demister 128, and the dryer 129. The components can be in fluid communication with each other via additional hoses 126, 127 and associated connectors. The separated hydrogen and oxygen products of the cell 110 can be delivered via the product hoses 125, 130. As an example, the hydrogen product may be delivered to the system for utilization, such as to a fuel cell as a fuel, to a storage facility, or directly to a secondary system for further processing, such as chemical formation. In particular, hoses 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 130, 132, 136 and associated connectors, fittings or other fluid components may be formed in accordance with the present invention.

[0071]

[0071] To operate the alkaline electrochemical cell 110, water can be introduced via supply hose 120 for any pretreatment procedures, such as heating via heat exchanger 108, and then via hose 121 to mixing tank 135 where it can be combined with a recycle stream via hose 122 and make-up alkaline electrolyte, provided as needed via hose 136. Hose 132 can deliver the water and any make-up alkaline electrolyte to tank 107 of the electrochemical cell 110. The aqueous alkaline electrolyte solution in tank 107 can generally contain an amount of alkaline electrolyte to provide an aqueous alkaline solution with a concentration of about 5M to 9M. The alkaline electrolyte of the system can include, but is not limited to, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, and the like.

[0072] At the cathode 104, water undergoes the half reaction: 2H 2 O + +2e - →H 2 +2OH - React according to.

[0073] The hydroxide ions thus formed at the cathode 104 are transported to the anode 106, where they react in the half reaction: 2OH - →1 / 2O 2 +H 2 O+2e - React according to.

[0074]

[0074] Oxygen is then discharged from the cell 110 and anode 106 via hose 123, and hydrogen is then discharged from the cell 110 and cathode 104 via hose 124. In some embodiments, the products may be discharged along with some alkaline electrolyte. The oxygen and hydrogen products may then be separated from the solution via, for example, separators 112, 114, demister 128, and dryer 129 to obtain purified hydrogen product 130 and oxygen product 125. The separated alkaline solution may be recycled to the cell 110 via recycle hose 122 as described.

[0075] The electrolyzer fluid components described may be included in an anion exchange PEM electrolyzer system, which may be considered a hybrid of a proton exchange PEM electrolyzer and an alkaline electrolyzer. Figure 3 depicts one embodiment of an anion exchange PEM electrolysis cell 310 including a cathode 304 and an anode 306 separated by an anion exchange PEM 302. In the illustrated embodiment, an alkaline water composition may be supplied to the anode side of the electrolysis cell 310 via supply hose 331 and to the cathode side of the electrolysis cell 310 via supply hose 333. Oxygen exhaust hose 323 and hydrogen exhaust hose 324 convey the electrolysis product from the cell 310.

[0076] An alkaline water feed may be provided to supply hose 331 and supply hose 333 via supply hose 321, which may optionally be coupled to recycle hose 322 via a suitable connector. In an embodiment, the feed to the cell may be, for example, water provided via hose 336, a suitable alkaline electrolyte (e.g., HCO 2 ) provided via hose 335 in fluid communication with mixer 334. 3 - / CO 3 2-The resulting alkaline feed may be pretreated by initially combining with an alkaline solution (e.g., KOH, etc.). The resulting alkaline feed may be fed to a heat exchanger 308 via hose 320 to heat the feed to a suitable temperature (e.g., about 80° C.). The feed hoses 320, 321, 322, 331, 333, 335, 336 may be in communication with valves, pumps, sensors, etc. via suitable connectors and fittings known in the art. Thus, a single feed line may be comprised of several hose sections in fluid communication with the system components. The exhaust hose 323 and exhaust hose 324 may convey the oxygen and hydrogen products to additional system components such as separators 312, 314, demister 328, and dryer 329. The components may be in fluid communication with each other via other fluid members, e.g., additional hoses 326, 327 in combination with connectors and fittings. The separated hydrogen and oxygen products of cell 310 may be delivered via product hoses 325, 330. In particular, the fluid components of the system, such as supply hoses, recycle hoses, product hoses, process hoses, connectors, fittings, etc., may be molded in accordance with the present invention.

[0077]

[0077] To operate the anion exchange electrolysis cell 310, the mixer 334 (which in some embodiments may simply be a connection between the hoses (including the ends of each hose) and the connectors or fittings between the hoses) is operated to combine water in the supply hose 333 with the electrolyte in the supply hose 335 to form an alkaline feed material which can then be transported via hose 320 to any pre-treatment steps, such as heating via heat exchanger 308, and then via supply hoses 321, 331 to the anode side of the electrochemical cell 310, and via supply hoses 321, 333 to the cathode side of the electrochemical cell 310.

[0078] The half-reactions at the anode 306 are as follows: 4OH - →O 2 +2H 2 O+4e -

[0079] The half-reactions at the cathode 304 are as follows: 4H 2 O+4e - →2H 2 +4OH -

[0080] The anion-exchanging PEM 302 allows for the transport of hydroxide anions formed at the cathode 304 to the anode 306. Exemplary anion-exchanging PEM materials include functionalized and quaternized poly(norbornene), such as those sold under the trade name Xion™ by Xergy, Inc., radiation-grafted polyethylene-based materials (e.g., poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene), chloromethylated polysulfone, and the like. Oxygen is then discharged from the cell 310 and the anode 306 via hose 323, and hydrogen is then discharged from the cell 310 and the cathode 304 via hose 324. Typically, the products may be discharged with the alkaline water feed. The oxygen and hydrogen products may then be separated from the feed, for example, via separators 312, 314, demister 328, and dryer 329, to provide purified hydrogen product 330 and oxygen product 325. The separated feed may be recycled to the cell 310 via recycle hose 322.

[0079]

[0081] The fluid members disclosed herein may also be advantageously utilized in solid oxide electrolysis cell systems. With reference to FIG. 4, an embodiment of an SOEC 210 is shown that includes a cathode 204 and an anode 206 separated by a solid oxide electrolyte 202. Fuel may be supplied to the cathode side of the cell 210 via a hose 220. In some embodiments, the fuel may include water (typically in the form of steam) for water electrolysis. However, the described SOEC system is not limited to water electrolysis, and the disclosed fluid members may be advantageously utilized in SOEC systems that utilize other or additional fuels to form other or additional products. As an example, the fuel may include water and carbon dioxide in the formation of syngas. Fuels to the SOEC system may include, but are not limited to, water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, methane, ethane, and combinations of fuels.

[0080]

[0082] Fuel may be supplied to at least the side of the cell 210 that contains the anode 204. In some embodiments, it may be useful to supply a carrier gas (e.g., air, etc.) to the cathode side of the cell according to known practices. Generally, the fuel to the cell may be preheated to a suitable temperature (e.g., about 500° C. to about 850° C.). Supply hoses 220, 221, 222 may be in communication with valves, pumps, sensors, etc., as known in the art. Thus, a single supply line may be comprised of several hose sections coupled with connectors, fittings, etc., that provide connections to the system components. Exhaust hose 223 and exhaust hose 224 may convey reaction products, e.g., oxygen and hydrogen, to additional system components, such as water separator 212, gaseous product separator 229, etc., which may be in fluid communication with each other via additional hose 226. Separated products of cell 210 may be delivered via hoses 223, 230, 232. As examples, the products can be delivered to further systems, such as chemical formation systems, energy generation systems, or for transportation or storage. In particular, hoses 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 226, 230, 232 and connectors, fittings, and the like utilized with the hoses can be molded in accordance with the present invention.

[0081]

[0083] To operate the SOEC 210, a fuel (e.g., water) is introduced to the cathode side of the electrochemical cell 210 via supply hose 220. In the illustrated embodiment, a carrier gas (e.g., air) is introduced to the anode side of the electrochemical cell 210 via supply hose 221.

[0082]

[0084] At the cathode 204, water undergoes the half-reaction: 2H 2 O+2e - →H 2 +O 2- React according to.

[0083]

[0085] The solid oxide electrolyte 202 allows the transport of oxygen ions formed at the cathode 204 to the anode 206. Exemplary solid oxide electrolyte materials include Y 2 O 3 Doped ZrO 2 Examples of high density ionic conductors include YSZ, scandia stabilized zirconia (ScSZ), ceria based materials, and lanthanum gallate based materials.

[0084]

[0086] At the anode 206, oxygen ions react with oxygen through a half reaction: 2O 2- →O 2 +4e - React according to.

[0085]

[0087] Oxygen then exits cell 210 and anode 206 via hose 223, and hydrogen then exits cell 210 and cathode 204 via hose 224. Typically, the hydrogen product is exited along with water, and further separation and purification can be performed as described.

[0086]

[0088] In addition to the electrochemical cell itself, the electrolytic cell system may include secondary components, which in some embodiments may incorporate the described fluidic members. By way of example, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3, various fluidic members may be formed in accordance with the present invention, which do not necessarily feed fluids directly to / from the electrolytic cell, but may convey fluids to / from secondary components of the system, such as valves, heat exchangers, gas / liquid separators, purifiers, etc., and thus be in indirect communication with the electrolytic cell. Other secondary components known in the art may similarly utilize the fluidic members described herein to convey fluids to / from the secondary components. Secondary components of electrolytic cell systems may include, but are not limited to, filters, which may be utilized to remove particulates from feed materials, and purifiers, which may be utilized to purify fuel gases, etc.

[0087]

[0089] In addition, although Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate a single electrochemical cell, it should be understood that the electrolyzer systems described may include multiple cells forming a single or multiple cell stack.

[0088]

[0090] The invention may be better understood with reference to the following examples. EXAMPLES

[0089] Test Method

[0091] Melt viscosity: Melt viscosity (Pa s) is measured at a shear rate of 1,200 s according to ISO test number 11443:2021. -1 The melt viscosity may be determined using a Dynisco LCR7001 capillary rheometer at 300° C. The rheometer orifice (die) may have a diameter of 1 mm, a length of 20 mm, an L / D ratio of 20.1, and an entry angle of 180°. The barrel diameter may be 9.55 mm+0.005 mm and the rod length was 233.4 mm. Melt viscosity is typically determined at a temperature of 310° C.

[0090]

[0092] Melting temperature: The melting temperature ("Tm") may be determined by differential scanning calorimetry ("DSC") as known in the art. For semi-crystalline and crystalline materials, the melting temperature is the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) peak melting temperature as determined by ISO11357:2018. Under the DSC procedure, samples were heated and cooled at 10°C / min with the DSC measurement performed on a TA Q2000 instrument.

[0091]

[0093] Tensile modulus, tensile stress, and tensile elongation at break: Tensile properties may be tested according to ISO test number 527-2 / 1A:2019 (technically equivalent to ASTM D638-14). Modulus and strength measurements may be performed on the same test piece sample with a length of 80 mm, a thickness of 10 mm, and a width of 4 mm. The test temperature may be 23°C, and the test speed may be 5 mm / min for tensile strength and tensile strain at break, and 1 mm / min for tensile modulus.

[0092]

[0094] Flexural modulus and flexural stress: Flexural properties may be tested according to ISO test number 178:2019 (technically equivalent to ASTM D790-17). The test may be performed with a support span of 64 mm. The test may be performed at the center of an uncut ISO 3167 multipurpose bar. The test temperature may be 23°C and the test speed may be 1 or 5 mm / min.

[0093]

[0095] Notched Charpy Impact Strength: Notched Charpy properties may be tested according to ISO test number ISO 179 / 1eU:2010 (technically equivalent to ASTM D256-10, Method B). This test may be performed using a Type A notch (0.25 mm base radius) and Type 1 specimen dimensions (80 mm length, 10 mm width, and 4 mm thickness). Specimens may be cut from the center of a multipurpose bar using a single-tooth milling machine. The test temperature may be 23°C.

[0094]

[0096] Chlorine Content: The chlorine content can be determined according to elemental analysis using Parr Bomb combustion followed by ion chromatography.

[0097] Complex Viscosity: Complex viscosity is used herein as an estimate of the "low shear" viscosity of a polymer composition at low frequency. Complex viscosity is a frequency dependent viscosity determined during forced harmonic oscillation of shear stress at angular frequencies of 0.1 and 500 rad / s. Measurements may be determined using an ARES-G2 rheometer (TA Instruments) using a parallel plate geometry (plate diameter 25 mm) at a constant temperature of 310°C and a constant strain amplitude of 3%. The gap distance may be maintained at 1.5 mm for pellet samples. A dynamic strain sweep may be performed on the sample prior to the frequency sweep to find the LVE regime and the optimized test conditions. The strain sweep may be performed from 0.1% to 100% at a frequency of 6.28 rad / s.

[0095] Example 1

[0098] Samples 1-5 are produced for use in electrolytic cell hoses. The samples are melt mixed using a Coperion 32mm co-rotating, fully intermeshed twin screw extruder and include polyarylene sulfide, impact modifier, heat stabilizer, terephthalic acid, zinc stearate, and / or lubricant. The impact modifier is a random copolymer of ethylene and glycidyl methacrylate with a glycidyl methacrylate content of 8 wt% and a melt flow index of 5 g / 10 min at 190°C. The resulting compositions are detailed in the table below.

[0096] [Table 1]

[0097]

[0099] After formation, the samples are tested for various physical properties and the results are set forth below.

[0098] [Table 2]

[0099] Example 2

[0100] Samples 6-14 are produced for use in electrolytic cell hoses. The samples are melt mixed using a Coperion 32mm co-rotating, fully intermeshed twin screw extruder and contain polyarylene sulfide, impact modifier, heat stabilizer, terephthalic acid, zinc stearate, aluminum monostearate, zinc neodecanoate, and / or lubricants. The resulting compositions are detailed in the table below.

[0100] [Table 3]

[0101]

[0101] After formation, the samples were tested for various physical properties, the results of which are set forth below.

[0102] [Table 4]

[0103]

[0102] These and other modifications and variations of the present invention may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the invention as further described within the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An electrolyzer system comprising: an electrochemical cell; and an electrolytic cell fluid component configured to transport fluid of the electrochemical cell through the electrolytic cell system; The electrolytic cell system, wherein the electrolytic cell fluid component comprises a polymer composition comprising a polyarylene sulfide.

2. The polymer composition is subjected to a shear rate of about 1,200 s －１ 2. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, having a melt viscosity of about 2,000 Pa·s or less as measured in accordance with ISO 11443:2021 at 100°C.

3. 10. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition has a chlorine content of about 1,200 ppm or less.

4. The polymer composition has a thermal conductivity of about 20 kJ / m as measured at a temperature of 23° C. according to ISO test number 179-1:2010. ２ 2. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, exhibiting a Charpy notched impact strength of or greater.

5. The polymer composition has a thermal conductivity of about 10 kJ / m as measured at a temperature of −30° C. according to ISO test number 179-1:2010. ２ 2. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, exhibiting a Charpy notched impact strength of or greater.

6. 2. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition exhibits a tensile strength of about 20 MPa or more, a tensile strain at break of about 20% or more, and / or a tensile modulus of about 10,000 MPa or less, measured at a temperature of 23° C. according to ISO 527:2019.

7. 2. The electrolyzer system according to claim 1, wherein the polymer composition exhibits a flexural strength of about 20 MPa or more and / or a flexural modulus of about 10,000 MPa or less, measured at a temperature of 23° C. according to ISO 178:2019.

8. The polymer composition has a viscosity of about 30 ml / m as measured at a temperature of about 23° C. and a pressure differential of 1 atmosphere according to ASTM D1434-82(2015) (Volumetric Method). ２ 2. The electrolyzer system of claim 1, which exhibits a hydrogen permeation rate of less than or equal to 1 day.

9. The polymer composition has a viscosity of about 30 ml / m as measured at a temperature of about 23° C. and a pressure differential of 1 atmosphere according to ASTM D1434-82(2015) (Volumetric Method). ２ 2. The electrolyzer system of claim 1, which exhibits an oxygen transmission rate of less than or equal to 1 day.

10. 2. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, wherein the polyarylene sulfide is polyphenylene sulfide.

11. 2. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, wherein the polyarylene sulfide comprises from about 40 wt % to about 100 wt % of the polymer composition.

12. 10. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition further comprises an impact modifier.

13. 13. The electrolytic cell system of claim 12, wherein the impact modifier is present in the polymer composition in an amount of about 5 to about 50 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polyarylene sulfide in the polymer composition.

14. 13. The electrolytic cell system of claim 12, wherein the impact modifier comprises an epoxy-functionalized olefin copolymer.

15. 15. The electrolytic cell system of claim 14, wherein the epoxy-functionalized olefin copolymer contains ethylene monomer units.

16. 15. The electrolytic cell system of claim 14, wherein the epoxy-functionalized olefin copolymer contains an epoxy-functional (meth)acrylic monomer component.

17. 17. The electrolytic cell system of claim 16, wherein the epoxy-functional (meth)acrylic monomer component is derived from glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, or a combination thereof.

18. 13. The electrolytic cell system of claim 12, wherein the polymer composition is a crosslinked product produced by blending the impact modifier with a crosslinking system.

19. 20. The electrolytic cell system of claim 18, wherein the crosslinking system comprises a metal carboxylate.

20. 20. The electrolytic cell system of claim 19, wherein the metal carboxylate is a metal salt of a fatty acid.

21. 21. The electrolytic cell system of claim 20, wherein the salt contains a divalent metal cation.

22. 21. The electrolytic cell system of claim 20, wherein the fatty acid has a carbon chain length of from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms.

23. 20. The electrolytic cell system of claim 18, wherein the cross-linking system comprises a multifunctional cross-linking agent.

24. 24. The electrolytic cell system of claim 23, wherein the multifunctional crosslinker comprises an aromatic dicarboxylic acid.

25. 2. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, wherein the polymer composition exhibits a complex viscosity of 1,000 Pa s or greater as measured by a parallel plate rheometer at an angular frequency of 0.1 rad / sec, a temperature of 310° C., and a constant strain amplitude of 3%.

26. 2. The electrolyzer system of claim 1, wherein the electrochemical cell contains a proton exchange polymer electrolyte membrane or an anion exchange polymer electrolyte membrane.

27. 10. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, wherein the electrochemical cell includes a tank configured to hold an aqueous alkaline electrolyte.

28. 10. The electrolyzer system of claim 1, wherein the electrochemical cell contains a solid oxide electrolyte layer.

29. 10. The electrolyzer system of claim 1, wherein the electrolyzer fluid member is utilized to supply water to the anode and / or cathode of the electrochemical cell.

30. 30. The electrolytic cell system of claim 29, wherein the water is a liquid.

31. 30. The electrolyzer system of claim 29, wherein the water is in the form of steam.

32. 10. The electrolyzer system of claim 1, wherein the electrolyzer fluid member is utilized to transport gas to or from the electrochemical cell.

33. 33. The electrolyzer system of claim 32, wherein the gas comprises hydrogen or oxygen.

34. 10. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, wherein the electrolytic cell fluid member is utilized to transport fluid to or from a secondary component of the electrolytic cell system.

35. 10. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, wherein the electrolytic cell fluid member comprises a hose, tube, or pipe defining a passageway extending between an inlet and an outlet.

36. 10. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, wherein the electrolytic cell fluid components include connectors or fittings.

37. 10. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, wherein the electrolytic cell fluid member includes a plurality of outlets.

38. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1 , wherein the electrolytic cell fluid member includes a plurality of angular displacements.

39. 10. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the electrolytic cell fluid members have an outer diameter of about 1 to about 50 millimeters.

40. 2. The electrolytic cell system of claim 1, wherein the electrolytic cell fluid component comprises a multi-layer hose, the multi-layer hose comprising the polymer composition in at least one layer.

41. 41. The electrolytic cell system of claim 40, wherein the multi-layer hose comprises the polymer composition in an inner layer.

42. 41. The electrolytic cell system of claim 40, wherein the multi-layer hose comprises the polymer composition in an outer layer.

43. 41. The electrolytic cell system of claim 40, wherein the multi-layer hose further comprises another polymer composition in at least one layer comprising an elastomer, a polyolefin, a polyamide, a fluoropolymer, or polyvinyl chloride.

44. 41. The electrolytic cell system of claim 40, wherein the multi-layer hose comprises a thermoplastic elastomer in at least one layer.

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