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Highly Conductive Epoxy/Graphite Polymer Composite Bipolar Plates in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells

Du, Ling
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1202345378

Abstract Details

2008, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, Polymer Engineering.
In this work, highly conductive carbon-filled epoxy composites were developed for manufacturing bipolar plates in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. These composites were prepared by solution intercalation mixing, followed by compression molding and curing. The in-plane and through-plane electrical conductivity, thermal and mechanical properties, gas barrier properties, and hygrothermal characteristics were determined as a function of carbon-filler type and content. For this purpose, expanded graphite and carbon black were used as a synergistic combination. Mixtures of aromatic and aliphatic epoxy resin were used as the polymer matrix to capitalize on the ductility of the aliphatic epoxy and chemical stability of the aromatic epoxy. The composites showed high glass transition temperatures (Tg ~ 180°C), high thermal degradation temperatures (T2 ~ 415°C), and in-plane conductivity of 200-500 S/cm with carbon fillers as low as 50 wt%. These composites also showed strong mechanical properties, such as flexural modulus, flexural strength, and impact strength, which either met or exceeded the targets. In addition, these composites showed excellent thermal conductivity greater than 50 W/m/K, small values of linear coefficient of thermal expansion, and dramatically reduced oxygen permeation rate. The values of mechanical and thermal properties and electrical conductivity of the composites did not change upon exposure to boiling water, aqueous sulfuric acid solution and hydrogen peroxide solution, indicating that the composites provided long-term reliability and durability under PEM fuel cell operating conditions. Experimental data show that the composites developed in this study are suitable for application as bipolar plates in PEM fuel cells.
Sadhan Jana (Advisor)
277 p.
Engineering, Chemical
bipolar plates; proton exchange membrane fuel cells; conductive polymer composites; electrical conductivity; hygrothermal effects; thermal conductivity

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Du, L. (2008). Highly Conductive Epoxy/Graphite Polymer Composite Bipolar Plates in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells [Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1202345378

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Du, Ling. Highly Conductive Epoxy/Graphite Polymer Composite Bipolar Plates in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells. 2008. University of Akron, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1202345378.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Du, Ling. "Highly Conductive Epoxy/Graphite Polymer Composite Bipolar Plates in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells." Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1202345378

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron1202345378
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© 2008, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.