Abstract
This research studied the preparation of graphite composite using liquid thermosetting plastic such as polyester resin (POE), phenolic modified alkyd resin (PhA) and mixed resin (POE with 10% PhA) as a binder. The morphology, physical, electrical and mechanical properties of the graphite composites were analyzed. The results showed that POE could combine with graphite powder (the 66% wt. saturated of graphite powder) better than PhA and mixed resin and gave higher electrical conductivity (4.52 S/cm). It was also found that epoxy resin could improve the mechanical property of composite plate. The addition of TiO2 and ZnSt slightly decreased the electrical conductivity and the water absorption. Moreover, it was proposed that TiO2 could improve the mechanical property. Carbon fiber can increase electrical and mechanical properties and water absorption of the composite with POE as a binder. The mixing of wet-lay mixture with graphite, carbon fiber and POE composite improved the mechanical property and decreased the water absorption.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
V. Metha and J. S. Cooper, J. Power Sources, 114, 32 (2003).
J. Larminie and A. Dicks, Fuel cell systems explained, 2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons Ltd., Chichester (2003).
H. Kuan, C. C. M. Ma, K. H. Chen and S. M. Chen, J. Power Sources, 134, 7 (2004).
I. Novak and I. Krupa, European Polymer Journal, 40, 1417 (2004).
H. Wolf and M. Willert-Porada, J. Power Sources, 153, 41 (2006).
J. Huang, D. G. Baird and J. E. McGrath, J. Power Sources, 150, 110 (2005).
B. J. Jeon, S. W. Kang and J. K. Lee, Korean J. Chem. Eng., 23, 854 (2006).
K. Tsuchida, Y. Tanaka, T. Ifuku, Y. Nakao, T. Matsuda, S. Nagashima, H. Maeda and A. Kato, Korean J. Chem. Eng., 13, 478 (1996).
M. H. Kim, S. I. Lee, T. K. Song, H. Park, W. Choi, H. I. Yoo and T. G. Park, Korean J. Chem. Eng., 18, 873 (2001).
ASTM C611: Standard test method for electrical resistivity of manufactured carbon and graphite articles at room temperature (1998).
ASTM D790: Standard test methods for flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics and electrical insulating materials (2003).
ASTM D2240: Standard test method for rubber property-durometer hardness (2004).
ASTM D570: Standard test method for water absorption of plastics (1998).
E. A. Cho, U. S. Jeon, H. Y. Ha, S. A. Hong and I. H. Oh, J. Power Sources, 125, 178 (2004).
International plastics selector. DATA Digest Plastics Vol. 1, San Diego (1990).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bhlapibul, S., Pruksathorn, K. Preparation of graphite composite bipolar plate for PEMFC. Korean J. Chem. Eng. 25, 1226–1231 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-008-0203-2
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-008-0203-2