pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S07 - Processing (injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding, thermoforming)
Poster Presentation
 
 

Novel approach for compression molding of HT-PEM bipolar plates using inductive heating

Kayser André (1)*, Palecki Susanne (1)

(1) The hydrogen and fuel cell center - ZBT GmbH - NRW - Germany

Functionalized polymers in general are claiming more and more novel applications for example they can function as a metal replacement. Especially the E&E- market or the so called “green technologies” require highly engineered polymers for many new needs e.g. a high level of thermal or electrical conductivity in polymers. To functionalize an intrinsic isolating polymer high loadings of conductive fillers, like graphite, carbon blacks, CNTs, metals and/or others, are necessary. The mixtures, so called compounds exhibit a significantly different behavior in processing and in their properties compared to neat polymer. Thus far compounds were processed using either compression molding or injection molding. Both of these processes come with distinct limitations considering their application. The degree of filler in injection molding is limited due to increasing viscosity with increasing filler content. Compression molding has long cycle times and high energy consumption due to heating and cooling of the massive steel pressing mold. In the poster a novel approach for compression molding of HT-PEM bipolarplate will be discussed which can eliminate the disadvantages of previously mentioned common molding processes using inductive heating and high performance concrete.