Fuel cells could create huge demand for ETPs. (Engineering materials).(Brief Article)

A MASSIVE change in the way we generate the power we need for daily living over the next 20 years is likely to create a substantial demand for engineering plastics.

Fuel cells are the philosopher's stone of 21st century living, turning base gases -- oxygen and hydrogen -- into golden power. They are virtually emission-free, the reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen producing electricity, heat and water, and there is only a small carbon monoxide penalty if propane or methanol are used as the source of the hydrogen.

These devices are termed proton exchange membrane fuel cells, which is a pretty accurate and economical description of what they are. PEM fuel …