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Enhanced conductivity of fuel cell plates through controlled fiber orientation

2003; Wiley; Volume: 49; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/aic.690490104

1547-5905

Richard H. J. Blunk, Daniel Lisi, Yeong‐Eun Yoo, Charles L. Tucker,

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Abstract Manufacturers of polymeric composite bipolar plates have been relying on high loadings (60 to 90 v/o) of discrete and conductive graphite/carbon filler particles to meet fuel‐cell plate conductivity targets. Unfortunately, at these loadings, the plate materials are inherently brittle and result in high scrap rates and the inability to mold thin plates (less than 1 mm) required for high stack volumetric power densities. Low loadings of high‐aspect‐ratio conductive fillers, a fiber/flake alignment process, and a conductive‐tie layer (CTL) were used to simultaneously increase the plate conductivity and toughness. The alignment process reduces the bulk resistance in the current‐flow direction, and the CTL reduces the contact resistance at the plate‐to‐diffusion medium interface. Although a significant reduction in plate resistance is realized, high filler loadings are still required to meet conductivity targets.