Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-10-2008
Publication Title
Journal of Power Sources
Abstract
The hygro-thermo-mechanical properties and response of a class of reinforced perfluorosulfonic acid membranes (PFSA), that has potential application as an electrolyte in polymer fuel cells, are investigated through both experimental and numerical modeling means. A critical set of material properties, including Young’s modulus, proportional limit stress, break stress and break strain, is determined for a range of temperature and humidity levels in a custom-built environmental test apparatus. The swelling strains are also determined as functions of temperature and humidity level. To elucidate the mechanical response and the potential effect these properties have on the mechanical durability, mechanics-based simulations are performed using the finite element method (ABAQUS). The results indicate that the relatively high strength of the experimental membrane, in combination with its relatively low in-plane swelling due to water absorption, should have a positive influence on membrane durability, potentially leading to longer life times for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC).
Recommended Citation
Tang, Y., Kusoglu, A., Karlsson, A. M., 2008, "Mechanical Properties of a Reinforced Composite Polymer Electrolyte Membrane and its Simulated Performance in PEM Fuel Cells," Journal of Power Sources, 175(2,) pp. 817-825.
DOI
10.1016/j.jpowsour.2007.09.093
Version
Postprint
Publisher's Statement
NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Journal of Power Sources. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Journal of Power Sources, 175, 2, (01-10-2008); 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2007.09.093
Volume
175
Issue
2
Comments
This research has been supported by grants from W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. and the State of Delaware Development Office.