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 andperform the function of clamping the plates, are one of the most crucial components. these platesneed to be able to endure high bending forces. as a result, the flexural modulus parameter is crucialin the design of these plates. by use of polymeric composite plates instead of heavy steel plates, asignificant advancement has made in producing lighter and higher special flexural modulus endplates. in order to be compatible with the acidic environment of the fuel cell, the plates weremanufactured by using ud carbon/glass fabrics and epoxy resin via vacuum bag process. the flexuralmodulus and heat degradation temperature of each sample were observed before and after the fuelcell environment simulation test. the best result was observed in the sample contain ud carbon fiberswith epoxy resin. this specimen has flexural modulus about 93.17 gpa and heat deflectiontemperature of about 261 °c, which is ideal for end plate in fuel cell applications.