Moulded Bipolar Plates for Fuel-Cell Stacks

Bac2, which specialises in advanced polymers and fuel-cell components, will showcase moulded bipolar plates for fuel-cell stacks at the Hannover Messe exhibition on 4-8 April 2011. According to the company, which will be found on Booth D74 in Hall 27, the plates, which are made using the patented Electrophen electrically conductive polymer, reduce the cost of fuel cells because they can be moulded for high-volume production.

It is said to be economical to tool up and mould relatively small quantities of plates, sometimes just a few hundred, in order to realise economies of scale. The mould-flow properties of Electrophen mean that the plates do not need post-processing, such as surface machining or drilling, after moulding. Materials wastage is therefore minimal. Electrophen bipolar plates are available for high-temperature and low-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), direct methanol, alkali and phosphoric acid fuel-cell stacks.

Unlike those made from metal, the plates are chemically inert, do not corrode, will not poison fuel-cell electrodes and are rugged enough to withstand harsh environments. They are made using a simple, two-stage, mix-and-mould manufacturing process. In addition to moulded plates, Bac2 supplies blank plates that can be machined for fuel-cell development work. Blank plates are available from stock.

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