| The reliability of proton exchange membrane, PEM, fuel cell is dependent on the material properties, the manufacturing methods, and the design of its individual components. The importance of the bipolar plate as one of the key components of fuel cell stack has been recognized. This research work describes the first steps in characterizing the material property of a bipolar fuel cell plate produced by DuPont.;Mechanical tests were conducted and it was determined that DuPont's material for bipolar fuel cell exhibited anisotropy and variation of different mechanical properties within the plate, from plate to plate, and from batch to batch. This information will be utilized in the development of improved manufacturing methods for a compression moulding resin transfer pilot process being developed by DuPont. |
