A novel technique was used in this research article, to introduce a hybrid mesh to a polymer composite within bipolar plates, for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The mesh added was copper or aluminum based, to allow for an increased thermal conductivity of the PEMFCs. Experimental testing confirms this theory, as the copper-meshed hybrid polymer composite showed a thermal conductivity of 30.0 W/mK, while the aluminum-meshed hybrid polymer composite ...
As technology advances, the need for inexpensive polymer-based composites possessing high thermal conductive properties has become more and more important. Previously, the addition of thermal conductive particles, such as alumina, boron nitride and alumina nitride, has caused an increase in the thermal conductivity of the composite. Although an increase in thermal conductivity is present, an increase in fabrication costs is also experienced as a higher quantity of particles is required, ...