Graphite-epoxy composites for fuel-cell bipolar plates: Wet vs dry mixing and role of the design of experiment in the optimization of molding parameters

Roncaglia, Fabrizio; Romagnoli, Marcello; Incudini, Simone; Santini, E.; Imperato, Manuel; Spinelli, Luca; Bona, A. di; Biagi, Roberto; Mucci, Adele

doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.10.272

Cited by 25 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…In this work we mainly investigated the role played by composition and pressure used in the molding process on IPC and HP of graphite-epoxy composites for BPs. We started from a formulation with a filler to binder ratio of 91/9 (referred to as C0 in Table 1), molded at 80 °C and 30 MPa for 2 h, very similar to that developed in a previous study [3] and that guarantees both good conductivity (> 160 S cm -1 ) and flexural strength (nearly 50 MPa). Nevertheless, when we were able to measure the HP of discs of this composition, it resulted unacceptably high.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Shorter time and higher temperature and pressure are also closer to the usual industrial fabrication conditions for this class of materials and increase the production rate. To test both the effect of these different molding conditions and of a higher binder content, some tests were carried out on samples with a 15% of epoxy resin (composition C1, Table 1), at 150 °C and 160 MPa for 5-10 min obtaining IPC of 160-180 S cm -1 , very similar to that of discs of C0 or similar composition [3]. HP was found around 10 -14 sccm (s -1 cm -2 Pa -1 ), improving of three orders of magnitude.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We already proved the evident advantages coming from wet mixing compared to the dry one [3]. In this work, the search spanned over different resin to filler ratios, and higher molding temperature and pressure.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 84%

“…Each dried powder sample (1.00 g) was pressed by means of a custom-made pressing machine (Graf S.p.A.) [3], The machine's mold (2 cm id) can operate between room temperature and 160 °C, and with an applied force up to 96 kN (corresponding to a maximum of 306 MPa). Temperature, pressure, and time were managed and recorded by a custom-made software (Labview ® based) via an interfaced PC.…”

Section: Moldingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…IPC was measured by means of a digital source meter (Keithley 2400) equipped with a four-point probe, as described [3]. Each sample was produced in four replicates and probed in eight different points, four per side.…”

Section: In-plane Conductivity (Ipc) Measurementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Graphite/epoxy composite for building Bipolar Plates

et al. 2022

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Bipolar plates (BPs) are important components of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC). Graphite-epoxy composites, having a better corrosion resistance than metal-based BPs and better mechanical properties than graphite BPs, are a promising alternative. In this study, we tried to develop graphite-epoxy composites meeting the technical US DOE targets for 2020, with a proper choice of manufacturing conditions that ensure a good compromise between conductivity, flexural strength, and gas permeability. In particular, we studied the influence of the filler to binder ratio, changed the molding temperature and time, and investigated the effects of increasing pressure both on in-plane conductivity and on helium permeability. We found that both formulation and molding pressure are crucial in determining the permeability of the graphite-epoxy composites, whereas molding temperature and time seem to play a minor role.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 84%

Section: Moldingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: In-plane Conductivity (Ipc) Measurementsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Graphite/epoxy composite for building Bipolar Plates

et al. 2022

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Development of novel composite bipolar plates using surface‐modified conductive carbon filler materials for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Mathew,

Mohamed,

Lenin Singaravelu

2023

J of Applied Polymer Sci

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The requirement for a lightweight bipolar plate (BP) for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is increasing to make it feasible to power hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Composite BP with carbon materials as conductive fillers and polymer as the binder are preferable over pure graphite and metallic BP. This study investigates the effect of Surface‐enhanced flake graphite (SEFG) as a novel filler material in composite BP. A composite BP is developed with Epoxy Resin (ER) as the binder and Natural Flake Graphite (NFG), Carbon Black (CB) and SEFG as conductive fillers. Composite BP fabricated with 10 vol% SEFG, 10 vol% CB, and 40 vol% NFG exhibited an electrical conductivity of 158 S cm−1, flexural strength of 38 MPa, water contact angle of 90.410 and corrosion current density of 0.261 μA cm−2. The composite BP also achieved a density of 1.55 g cm−3, water absorption of 0.6% and thermal conductivity of 3.6 W m−1 K−1 at 120°C. These results are highly favorable for BPs used in PEMFC. This paper provides an insight into using surface‐modified conductive carbon filler materials to develop composite BP for application in PEMFC.

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A comprehensive review of current research on various materials used for developing composite bipolar plates in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

2022

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Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells or proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) is a clean, reliable, and efficient power source, especially in fuel cell electric vehicles for converting chemical energy stored in hydrogen and oxygen directly into electrical energy. Bipolar plates (BP) are vital components in PEMFC since they contribute significantly to fuel cells weight, volume, and cost. Traditionally BP was fabricated from high-density graphite material. However, the drawbacks of graphite plates like high volume, weight, and difficulty in machining lead to research in developing alternative materials for BP. Metals and composite materials have attracted attention as alternative materials in recent studies. Composite BP was preferred more due to corrosion problems and expensive coating requirements of metallic plates. This article presents a comprehensive review of current research on various materials used for developing polymer composite BP. The properties of polymer composite BP made of traditional and recently developed thermosetting or thermoplastic resins reinforced with conductive carbon-based fillers like expanded graphite, carbon black, carbon fiber, carbon nanotube and graphene are discussed. The challenges and future research trends on materials and processes for developing composite BP are also proposed.

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Graphite-epoxy composites for fuel-cell bipolar plates: Wet vs dry mixing and role of the design of experiment in the optimization of molding parameters

Cited by 25 publications

References 32 publications

Graphite/epoxy composite for building Bipolar Plates

Graphite/epoxy composite for building Bipolar Plates

Development of novel composite bipolar plates using surface‐modified conductive carbon filler materials for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

A comprehensive review of current research on various materials used for developing composite bipolar plates in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

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