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Nathaniel James Richie
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Faculty Advisor: Dr. K. Chandrashekhara
Abstract
Bipolar plates account for a significant portion of the cost and weight of a fuel cell stack, making the development of plates from more efficient materials important to commercialization of fuel cells for transportation and portable power applications. Conventional proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology relies on graphite bipolar plates, but this material is not without drawbacks. Polymer composite materials are a promising alternative to graphite plates, offering superior mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and ease of manufacturing. A conductive epoxy-polyaniline polymer blend has been developed and evaluated for use as a matrix in composite bipolar plates. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were performed to determine material stability and glass transition temperatures as well as assess cure kinetics. Electrical conductivity testing was also performed on resin samples to determine the percolation threshold.
Nathaniel Richie received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine and is currently pursuing a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on polymer composite materials at Missouri University of Science and Technology. After completing his masters, Nathaniel hopes to be employed as a design engineer working on composite structures for wind power.
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