Development of a $10/kW bipolar separator plate. Technical quarterly progress report, July 1--September 30, 1998

The authors have identified a moldable graphite blend separator plate material, have molded complex shape bipolar separator plates, have tested the molded plate properties and function in single fuel cells, and have designed a conceptual rapid manufacturing line. In this quarter, the project received a three-month interim funding period to continue progress while the proposal is in DOE review. Thus, this fourth quarterly report is submitted in place of the originally scheduled final report for this project. All of the objectives of this project have been accomplished. Specifically, the electrical, chemical, and physical properties of the molded separator plates have met or exceeded the DOE specifications. Performance and endurance tests of the molded plates in single cells have shown comparable performance to the state-of-art machined graphite separator plates. The DOE cost target of $10 per kW appears to be achievable with the low cost composite materials