Tanks for the green cycle

News

Greener motorcycle fuel tanks are being developed by researchers at Queen's University, Belfast.

Greener motorcycle fuel tanks which can meet stringent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) targets for emissions are on the way as a result of work being carried out at the Polymer Processing Research Centre (PPRC) at Queen's University.

The work is in conjunction with leading American, European and Japanese motorcycle companies.

Motorcycle manufacturers must now comply with legislation from the EPA which has been phasing in a reduction of fuel permeation under the Clean Air Act since 2002, and also from the Californian Air Resources Board (CARB). These global fuel emission regulations have forced motorcycle manufacturers to adapt and convert their fuel tanks to new 'high fuel barrier' materials.

In partnership with global polymer suppliers, Total Petrochemicals and Arkema, novel polymer tank constructions are being perfected in the rotational moulding laboratory of the PPRC at Queen's. A week of industrial trials is scheduled for Japan in August and the team has recently completed trials in Italy and the USA.

Register now to continue reading

Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.  

Benefits of registering

  • In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends

  • Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year

  • Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox

Register
Or continue by

Signing in with your registered email address