3D Printing of Electrically Conductive Polymer Composites
Open Access
- Author:
- Vandervort, Zachary
- Area of Honors:
- Mechanical Engineering (Behrend)
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Adam Scott Hollinger, Thesis Supervisor
Adam Scott Hollinger, Thesis Honors Advisor
Brian Phillip Lani, Faculty Reader - Keywords:
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell
3D Printing
Additive Manufacturing
Electrifi Filament
Electrical Conductivity - Abstract:
- Hydrogen fuel cells produce electrical energy through a chemical reaction with the only byproduct being water. Since the only byproduct is water, they are an ideal source of clean energy that could have numerous applications across many industries. Bipolar plates for hydrogen fuel cells are typically manufactured from graphite or stainless steel. The current production method requires machining intricate channels into these materials which is a costly and time-consuming process. Utilizing a material other than graphite while still adhering to the standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy for the electrical conductivity of these bipolar plates could greatly reduce production costs and time. 3D printing the bipolar plate could have benefits that include weight reductions as well as ease of testing different flow field designs. However, before bipolar plates can be produced, a suitable filament as well as printing parameters that maximize conductivity must be established. Electrifi filament from Multi3D is a possible filament choice as it is marketed as the most conductive filament available. Printing parameters such as temperature and flow rate were varied to affect sample density and conductivity. Infill pattern and infill percentage could also play a role in determining overall conductivity. Testing thus far has indicated that conductivity increases with increasing nozzle temperature. Altering flow rate has not shown a clear trend, however, higher flow rates have been able to produce a better-quality sample.