METHOD TO IMPROVE THE BARRIER PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE GAS CYLINDERS AND HIGH PRESSURE GAS CYLINDER HAVING ENHANCED BARRIER PROPERTIES

摘要

The instant invention pertains to a new method for improving the barrier properties of composite gas cylinders for the storage of gas, by wrapping the outer surface of a composite gas cylinder with a plastic film comprising a barrier material in a winding process. The composite gas cylinder comprises an inner liner made of polyolefin and an outer fibre-reinforced, pressure supporting layer. The barrier material may comprise polyamide, polyester, halogen substituted polymer, EVOH or a metallization. The invention pertains also to a high pressure composite gas cylinder having enhanced barrier properties and its use as a fuel tank in gas driven automotive vehicles equipped with a combustion engine.