Effect of Carbon Nanotubes Loading in Multifiller Polymer Composite as Bipolar Plate for PEM Fuel Cell

Abstract

In this study, bipolar plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) were developed by compression molding technique using Polypropylene (PP) as a polymer matrix and Graphite (G), Carbon Black (CB) and Carbon Nanotube (CNTs) as reinforcements. United Stated Department of Energy (US DOE) target values were taken as the benchmark for the development and investigation of the bipolar plate properties. The effects of CNTs loading on the electrical and mechanical properties of G/CB/PP composite were investigated. By adding small amount of CNTs such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 wt% into G/CB/PP composite thus will give synergy effects on electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. It was found that, using CNTs as a third filler at a loading of 6 wt% in a G/CB/PP composite, shown the higher result of in-plane electrical conductivity is 158.32 S/cm, the density and shore hardness 1.64 g/cm3 and 81.5 (SH) respectively. Meanwhile, the optimum value of flexural strength obtained was 29.86 MPa at 5 wt% of CNTs.