Characterization of the polypropylene reinforced milled carbon fibre-graphene-synthetic graphite (PP/MCF/xGNP/SG) composite
Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Description
Polymer composites have been extensively fabricated as they are well-fitted for numerous applications, especially in terms of their mechanical properties. Yet, inadequate outcomes, mainly in their electrical performance, have limited their excellent potential. Hence, this study proposed the use of multiple fillers with different geometries in order to improve the electrical conductivity of a polymer composite. The fabricated composite was mixed using the ball milling method before being compressed by a hot press machine at 3 MPa for 10 minutes. The composite plate was then measured for both its in-plane and through-plane conductivities, which were 3.3 S/cm and 0.79 S/cm, respectively. Furthermore, the experimental data was then verified using a predicted electrical conductivity model, known as a modified fibre contact model, which considered the manufacturing process, including the shear rate and flow rate. The study indicated that the predicted model had a significant trend and value compared to the experimental model (0.65 S/cm for sample S1). The resultants fabricated composite materials possesses an excellent network formation, good electrical conductivity for bipolar plate application when applying compression pressure of 3 MPa for 10 minutes.
Keywords
hot pressing, composites, electrical conductivity, fuel cells
Citation
10.3390/polym11091425