The energy transition is pushing materials beyond their limits

As industries accelerate investments in LNG, hydrogen, and other low-emission technologies, much of the conversation focuses on infrastructure and energy capacity. Yet one critical barrier remains less visible: material reliability in cryogenic environments.

Operating at temperatures as low as -253 °C for liquid hydrogen, cryogenic systems place enormous stress on seals, valve seats, gaskets, and other non-metallic components. Under these conditions, traditional materials can become brittle, shrink unevenly, or lose sealing performance, creating safety risks, leakage, downtime, and costly maintenance challenges.

Why cryogenic applications are becoming more demanding

Hydrogen applications introduce exceptional sealing reliability challenges because of hydrogen’s extremely small molecular size. At the same time, emerging Power-to-X (P2X) technologies, converting renewable energy into liquid hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, or other energy carriers, are expected to create even greater demand for cryogenic valve and sealing solutions in the years ahead.

Ketron™ CR-S and Ketron™ CR-D PEEK semi-finished tubes

Manufacturers must now balance:     

• Low-temperature ductility
• Dimensional stability
• Chemical resistance
• Low permeability
• Wear resistance
• Reduced leakage rates

All while maintaining long operational lifetimes.

However, many existing material systems were not designed for today’s cryogenic performance requirements.

A shift toward advanced cryogenic polymer solutions

Historically, cryogenic materials were selected simply to survive extreme temperatures. Today, OEMs are looking toward total system performance, including sealing efficiency, durability, energy savings, and operational reliability.

This is driving increased interest in advanced engineered polymers such as cryogenic-grade PEEK materials, offering improved ductility, dimensional stability, and lower leakage rates at ultra-low temperatures.

Currently, Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) provides Ketron™ CR-S and Ketron™ CR-D PEEK grades for cryogenic applications. As ongoing testing and validation programs continue, MCG will expand its range of cryogenic compatible materials, supported by application-specific performance data.

Collaboration will define the next generation of cryogenic engineering

The future of cryogenic reliability will not be solved through materials innovation alone.

OEMs, valve manufacturers, processors, and material suppliers must work together to validate solutions under real operating conditions. Qualification cycles, sealing tests, and long-term reliability studies will become increasingly important as hydrogen and P2X infrastructure expands globally.

Ketron™ CR-S PEEK and Ketron™ CR-D PEEK thermoplastic stock shapes

This is where Mitsubishi Chemical Group (MCG) is supporting customers through the transition. With specialized cryogenic PEEK solutions such as Ketron™ CR-S and Ketron™ CR-D PEEK, MCG helps OEMs address the growing demands of cryogenic applications. By combining advanced polymer expertise with collaborative application support, MCG is helping customers improve sealing reliability, reduce leakage risks, and prepare for a more sustainable energy future. Ketron™ CR-S PEEK is dedicated to static applications whereas the CR-D variant is optimized for dynamic applications. The CR-S grade is made from non-fluorinated* chemistries.

* *Based on non-fluorinated chemistries (1) and a manufacturing process that does not intentionally add per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as defined in the Annex XV restriction proposal published on 22nd March 2023. (1) Based on information provided by our raw material suppliers, and on knowledge of our finished product compositions. 

Contact:           Jordan Allsop, Sales Engineer OEM

Email:               Jordan.allsop@mcgc.com,

Tel No:              +44 7515 060 599

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