The effect of addition of multi wall carbon nano tubes (MWCNT) reinforcement to the characteristics of carbon composite bipolar plate

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEFMC) or also known as proton exchange membrane fuel cell is a chemical conversion device that converts hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy, heat, and water. One of the most important components of PEMFC is bipolar plate, in which it allows for electrons to flow from the anode to the cathode. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of the addition of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to increase the mechanical and electrical properties of bipolar plate carbon polymer composite. We utilized graphite waste product from electric arc smelting as reinforcementand carbon black made from coconut husk by pyrolysis process as a filler. Bipolar plates were made by compression moulding method at a pressure of 55 MPa and a temperature of 100 °C for 4 hours. Characterization in this study includes density testing, porosity testing, flexural testing, electrical conductivity testing, and observation of the flexural fracture morphology using FESEM. Based on this study, it showed that the addition of 5 %wt MWCNT yielded optimal properties of the bipolar plate (the density was 1.51 g/cm³, the value of porosity was 1.94 %, the flexural strength was 63.31 MPa, and the electrical conductivity was 2.30 S/cm). In conclusion, adding MWCNT as reinforcement in PEMC bipolar plates could reduce the density and the porosity. Thus, it could improve the electrical conductivity and flexural strength of the bipolar plate carbon polymer composites.