ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMER COMPOSITES FOR INJECTION MOLDING OF BIPOLAR PLATES

M. L. Sander, J. T. Pritts, B. A. Young, A. D. Santamaria, A. S. Hollinger

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Electrically conductive polymer composites offer the potential for manufacturing lightweight, low-cost, fuel cell bipolar plates. In this study, carbon black and carbon fiber were added to nylon 6, 6 at various weight percentages, ranging from 0 to 50%. Samples were injection-molded and then compared by measuring the electrical conductivity using a four-point probe method. Conductive filler was added to the polymer with and without a compounding process prior to injection molding. Results show that compounding the additives via a twin-screw extruder helps to disperse the filler within the polymer, but decreases conductivity due to shearing of the conductive carbon fibers. When the compounding process was removed, the conductive pathways from intact fiber bundles were maintained. Conductivities greater than 40 S/cm were achieved, nearing the U.S. Department of Energy technical target of 100 S/cm for bipolar plate electrical conductivity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEFC 2017 - Proceedings of the 7th European Fuel Cell Piero Lunghi Conference
EditorsViviana Cigolotti, Chiara Barchiesi, Michela Chianella
PublisherENEA
Pages361-362
Number of pages2
ISBN (Electronic)9788882863241
StatePublished - 2017
Event7th European Fuel Cell Piero Lunghi Conference, EFC 2017 - Naples, Italy
Duration: Dec 12 2017Dec 15 2017

Publication series

NameEFC 2017 - Proceedings of the 7th European Fuel Cell Piero Lunghi Conference

Conference

Conference7th European Fuel Cell Piero Lunghi Conference, EFC 2017
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityNaples
Period12/12/1712/15/17

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Fuel Technology

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