More information about Molded Bipolar Plates

Selected raw materials for bipolar plates

Material Technology

Materials allow a very high fuel cell performance.

These materials are specially selected and qualified for fuel cells backed by 90 years of expertise with graphite and carbon materials.

Continuous compound production permits utmost homogeneity and highest material quality.

Manufacturing Technology

We apply low-cost molding processes for serial production of bipolar plates as well as CNC machining for manufaturing of prototype plates.

Experienced in-house tool shop uses the most advanced equipment for mold manufacturing.

We offer support to promote designs that are highly compatible with our molding process and our modular mold technology.

Further Advantages of Bipolar Plates

Product quality has been proven over the years for a wide range of fuel cell applications.

Plates have an excellent electrical and thermal conductivity (as rated by our customers).

Special hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface modifications

Improve the operational characteristics of bipolar plates without influencing their favorable electrical properties.


Hydrophilic surface


Hydrophobic surface

Advanced Fuel Cell Components

Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik GmbH offers bipolar plates with directly integrated profiled seals.

In a joint development effort Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik and Freudenberg Fuel Cell Component Technologies have integrated 3D-structured seals into molded plates

Real application tests confirm that these 3D seals prevent leakage at relatively low contact pressure.

Properties of grades for PEFC, DMFC and HT-PEFC

FU 4369

FU 4369 HT

Application

 Standard grade for machined prototype and molded plates PEM/DMFC   Standard grade for machined prototype and molded plates HT - PEM

Physical Properties

Density
Water absorption
Minimum web thickness		   1.90 g · cm-3
0.15%
0.9 mm		  

Mechanical Properties

Hardness HRB10/40
Bending strength
Compressive strength		   100
40 MPa
50 MPa		  

Electrical Properties

Specific electrical resistance
- in plane xy
- through plane z		   90 µΩm
190 µΩm		  

Thermal Properties

Coefficient of thermal expansion
20 oC to 60 oC
20 oC to 100 oC
20 oC to 140 oC		   xy / z
7 / 20 · 10-6 K-1
11 / 28 · 10-6 K-1
15 / 38 · 10-6 K-1 		 
Thermal conductivity   55 W / mK  
Heat deflection temperature
Glass transition temperature		 190 oC
170 oC		   210 oC
190 oC

FU 4413 which has been specially developed for thin plates is available on request.

Long Term Stability
Test performed:
  • Various acids for 2000 h at 85 oC and 180 oC (185 oF and 356 oF)
  • Mineral oil for 2000 h at 85 oC and 180 oC (185 oF and 356 oF)
  • Methanol for 3000 h at 90 oC(194 oF)

Further test results are available on request

The data shown above are not guaranteed, but typical values based on our experience.It should be understood that a spread of results can occur due to variations in materials and production processes.