As the global energy transition accelerates, hydrogen is emerging as a key zero-carbon fuel. However, the extremely small molecular size of hydrogen, combined with the acidic, humid, and wide-temperature operating conditions within fuel cells, imposes unprecedented demands on material sealing performance, chemical resistance, and long-term stability. Fluorosilicone rubber series, with their unique combination of properties, are becoming indispensable materials for core hydrogen equipment components.

In hydrogen production, water electrolyzers must operate continuously under high pressure in strongly alkaline or PEM acidic electrolytes. Addition-cure liquid fluorosilicone and fluorosilicone sealants are applied to electrolyzer endplate seals, pipe interfaces, and sensor encapsulation. Their excellent resistance to acid, alkali, and high-pressure hydrogen permeation effectively prevents micro-leaks, ensuring system safety and efficiency. Gaskets and diaphragms made from fluorosilicone millable gum also demonstrate good processability and durability in dry electrode coating processes.

Hydrogen storage and transportation remain critical barriers to large-scale adoption. In Type III and Type IV high-pressure hydrogen tanks, the seal between the liner and the valve boss endures cyclic stress from rapid filling and discharging. Low-compression-set fluorosilicone rubber, with its extremely low compression set, ensures tight contact at the sealing interface after tens of thousands of cycles. For liquid hydrogen tanks operating at -253°C, phenyl-series products such as methyl phenyl vinyl silicone rubber retain flexibility at cryogenic temperatures, making them ideal for ultra-low temperature valve and instrument seals.

Within the fuel cell stack—the heart of hydrogen power systems—the seal between bipolar plates and membrane electrode assemblies must resist acidic environments while allowing precise, space-constrained application. Room-temperature curing (RTV) liquid fluorosilicone, valued for its excellent flowability and dispenseability, is widely adopted for form-in-place gasketing. High-rebound fluorosilicone rubber is used in air compressor vibration isolators and stack end cushions, effectively damping vibration and shock during vehicle operation. Furthermore, fluorosilicone oil and hydrogen-containing fluorosilicone oil serve as release agents and surface modifiers in bipolar plate stamping and catalyst coating processes.

As hydrogen heavy-duty trucks, forklifts, and stationary power stations move toward commercialization, demand is growing for improved material lifespan prediction, cost optimization, and localized supply chains. Industry experts note that collaborative R&D between material suppliers and equipment manufacturers is shifting from passive material selection to proactive design. Fluorosilicone material innovation is poised to become a major driver of cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and safe proliferation in the hydrogen economy.

Low compression set fluorosilicone rubber IOTA FHTV 3961 series