A new equation for predicting electrical conductivity of carbon‐filled polymer composites used for bipolar plates of fuel cells

Abstract

In this article, a statistical-thermodynamic formula based on a new approach has been developed to predict electrical conductivity of carbon-filled composites used for bipolar plate of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. In this model, based on percolation threshold phenomenon, it is assumed that the relationship between electrical conductivity of composite and filler volume fraction follows a sigmoidal equation. Afterwards, the four effective factors on composite conductivity including filler electrical conductivity, filler aspect ratio, wettability, as well as interface contact resistance are replaced upon constant parameters of sigmoidal function. In order to test the model, some single-filler composites have been manufactured by using the phenolic resin as binder and graphite (G), expanded graphite (EG), and carbon fiber (CF) as fillers. The fitting quality is measured by R-square, adjusted R-square, SSE, and RMSE parameters. The results showed that there is a noteworthy agreement between the model and the experimental data. Compared to the other models, this model can be used for more types of fillers.

A mathematical model for predicting conductivity of polymer composites with a forced assembly network obtained bySCFNAmethod

“…The thermodynamic models are based on the assumption that the process of forming chain structures considered on the basis of non‐equilibrium thermodynamics. The growth of conductivity on the interval of the critical concentration of percolation threshold is considered as a phase transformation in which particles move in peculiarly phase.…”

Effect of Bipolar Plate Materials on Performance of Fuel Cells

“…Other research has been done using graphene and graphene oxide. Graphene is also used during the manufacturing of nano composites with varying polymer matrices [123][124][125][126][127][128][129][130]. The percolation threshold is even achieved at low filler loading for most graphene-based polymer nano composites.…”

Casting of Acrylamide/Poly (vinyl alcohol) Reinforced by Carbon Nano-Wire for Using into Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

“…The incorporation of carbon nano-particles into the prepared membranes materials contributed to a better filler interaction due to the fact that it facilitated the gap between the membranes components structures. It leads to an infinite conductive path development that aided in increasing electrical conductivity and better formation of the conducting network [45][46][47].…”