Journal Published Online: 13 December 2013
Volume 42, Issue 2

Investigation of Hygro-Thermal Cycle Effects on the Membranes of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Nafion is the most commonly used membrane material in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. New and used membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests in temperature scan mode to determine the effect of catalyst coating and hygro-thermal aging. DMA tests are also performed using specimens obtained from the rolling and transverse directions to investigate the anisotropic effects of the membrane and the coating. The catalyst coating increases the stiffness and brittleness of the membrane. Increased stiffness is observed in used MEAs relative to new MEAs, which indicates that hygro-thermal aging increases the brittleness of the material. A slight dependence on direction—that is, anisotropy—is also determined.

Author Information

Colak, Ozgen
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Yildiz Technical Univ., Istanbul, TR
Acar, Alperen
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Yildiz Technical Univ., Istanbul, TR
Ergenekon, Emre
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Yildiz Technical Univ., Istanbul, TR
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JTE20120201
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20120201