fabrication and characterization of high modulus composites as end plate for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell application

The end plates in fuel cells, which must endure the pressure brought on by internal reactions and perform the function of clamping the plates, are one of the most crucial components. these plates need to be able to endure high bending forces. as a result, the flexural modulus parameter is crucial in the design of these plates. by use of polymeric composite plates instead of heavy steel plates, a significant advancement has made in producing lighter and higher special flexural modulus end plates. in order to be compatible with the acidic environment of the fuel cell, the plates were manufactured by using ud carbon/glass fabrics and epoxy resin via vacuum bag process. the flexural modulus and heat degradation temperature of each sample were observed before and after the fuel cell environment simulation test. the best result was observed in the sample contain ud carbon fibers with epoxy resin. this specimen has flexural modulus about 93.17 gpa and heat deflection temperature of about 261 °c, which is ideal for end plate in fuel cell applications.