Role of multiwall carbon nano tubes (MWCNT) on electrical conductivity of polymer composite as alternative materials for bipolar plate fuel cell

Electrical conductivity of polypropylene can be improved by addition of carbon and multi wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) as well as combination with copper (Cu) powder. Multiwall carbon nanotube used from 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0% while the addition of Cu powder into PP/C was various from 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.5% respectively. This research focuses on material design of composite based on polymer and carbon to improve electrical conductivity according to electrical conductivity requirement for bipolar plate. Bipolar plate is one of the components in PEMFC constituted a crucial component that collects and transfers electron from the anode to the cathode, therefore it should possess high electrical conductivity. The main discussion in this paper is to analyze the role of multiwall carbon nano tube (MWCNT) and copper on electrical conductivity of polymer composites. Functional group of polymer composite was analyzed by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). It is found that the addition of a small amount of MWCNT and Cu has improved their electrical conductivity up to 15.62 Scm^-1.