Nanostructured metal hydride - Polymer composite as fixed bed for sorption technologies. Advantages of an innovative combined approach by high-energy ball milling and extrusion techniques

In this work a composite material containing a high metal fraction is obtained by an innovative bulk and low cost processing approach by combining high-energy ball milling and extrusion techniques. The methodology is presented and the characterization of a representative LaNi5-type based composite is given. The developed composites were used as fixed beds in the implementation of a Metal Hydride Cooling System. Finally, the system was integrated into a refrigerated transportation vehicle, currently under testing. Some results are reported coming from a preliminary test campaign.