Abstract: A flexible graphite sheet exhibiting enhanced isotropy is provided. In addition, an apparatus, system and method for continuously producing a resin-impregnated flexible graphite sheet is also provided.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical fuel cell is provided. More particularly, an electrode formed of a sheet of a compressed mass of expanded graphite particles having a plurality of transverse fluid channels passing through the sheet between first and second opposed surfaces of the sheet, is provided. The electrode is treated with a water resistant additive sufficient to provide utility as a cathode in an electrochemical fuel cell.

Abstract: A construction is provided for a finned heat sink constructed from a plurality of components separately formed from graphite materials. The components include a base and a plurality of fins. In one embodiment, the base is constructed from a first graphite material, and a plurality of elongated fins are constructed from a second graphite material, which may be the same material as the first graphite material. The fins each extend at least partially into the base, and have a length extending away from the base parallel to each other. The graphite material of the fins includes graphene layers aligned in planes parallel to the length of the fins. Two constructions are provided for the base. In one construction the base includes graphene layers aligned in planes parallel to the length of the fins. In another construction the base includes graphene layers aligned in planes perpendicular to the length of the fins.

Abstract: The invention relates to tubular fuel cells and methods of making such fuel cells. The inventive fuel cells include at least one fluid permeable structure having a plurality of perforations or channels. The perforations allow fluids, e.g., hydrogen or oxygen, to flow through the structure. The inventive methods include forming at least one perforated structure and forming the perforated structure into a tubular fuel cell or at least a potential component of a tubular fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for managing the heat from a heat source like an electronic component. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system effective for dissipating the heat generated by an electronic component using a thermal management system that includes a heat sink formed from a graphite article.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel apparatuses and testing methods for evaluating a fluid diffusion component. The apparatus includes a fluid capable of undergoing oxidation or reduction, a half-cell electrode assembly able to receive the fluid, and a change in acidity indicator in communication with the assembly. An inventive method of the invention includes the steps of passing a fluid capable of undergoing oxidation or reduction through a half-cell electrode assembly to form a sample, contacting the sample with an indicator, and detecting a change in acidity in the indicator.

Abstract: A graphite article comprising a compressed mass of graphite particles and a reactive lubricant, and a method of producing a graphite articles comprising a compressed mass of graphite particles and a reactive lubricant. The compressed mass of graphite particles may be impregnated with a lubricant and a resin. The lubricant may be a functionalized wax, fatty ester, silicone, or fatty acid. The lubricant may also be partially or fully fluorinated.

Abstract: Composite electrode/current collectors for capacitors, e.g., a flow-through capacitor or electric double layer capacitor are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making a composite electrode/current collectors and capacitors having at least one composite electrode/current collector.

Abstract: A heat sink apparatus is constructed from alternating longer and shorter sheets of graphite material sandwiched together such that the longer sheets extend beyond the shorter sheets to define fins. The directions of higher thermal conductivity of the anisotropic graphite material are oriented in the plane of the sheet. The longer and shorter sheets have base ends aligned together to define a generally planar base surface for engaging an electronic device to be cooled.

Abstract: A thermal insulating device, and process for making it, are presented. The inventive thermal insulating device is formed of a cylindrically shaped shell comprising multiple layers of a continuous spiral wound anisotropic flexible graphite sheet, the layers of spiral wound graphite sheet being separated by and bonded to a cured resin.

Abstract: A thermal management system provides a heat dissipating component using a high thermal conductivity insert. The heat dissipating component may be a spreader or heat sink, and includes a planar graphite member having high thermal conductivity along the plane of the member and having a relatively low thermal conductivity through the thickness of the member. A cavity is formed through the thickness of the member and the high conductivity insert is received in the cavity. The insert may be an isotropic high thermal conductivity material such as copper or an anisotropic material such as graphite oriented to have high conductivity in the direction of the thickness of the planar element.

Abstract: Components for use in electrochemical double-layer capacitors utilize at least one layer of a flexible graphite sheet material in an electrode or current collector or utilize a tanged metal layer in a current collector.

Abstract: A composite heat sink apparatus includes a metal base which has a thermal conductivity of at least about 200 W/m°K. The metal base is preferably constructed either of copper of aluminum. The heat sink apparatus further includes a plurality of fins attached to the base, the fins being constructed of anisotropic graphite material having a direction of relatively high thermal conductivity perpendicular to the base.

Abstract: A thermal interface and a thermal interface as part of a thermal management system that comprises a heat source, and a cooling module. The heat source has an external surface; the thermal interface is a flexible graphite sheet article having two parallel planar surfaces, with the first planar surface of the thermal interface being in operative contact with the external surface of the heat source and the second planar surface being in contact with the cooling module. The graphite sheet contains oil.

Abstract: A process for embossing a flexible graphite sheet, and the flexible graphite article produced thereby is presented.

Abstract: A flexible graphite sheet exhibiting enhanced isotropy is provided. In addition, an apparatus, system and method for continuously producing a resin-impregnated flexible graphite sheet is also provided.

Abstract: Processes and systems to reduce sticking of graphite materials and particularly resin impregnated graphite materials to forming tools, such as an embossing roller, during a process of manufacturing articles from the graphite materials. In one embodiment, an aerosol spray non-stick material is intermittently sprayed upon the embossing rollers. In a second embodiment, one or more sheets of thin flexible solid non-stick material, such as polyethylene, are sandwiched between the graphite material and the embossing rollers. The system is particularly useful for manufacturing material useful in producing components of fuel cells.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing flexible sheets of expanded graphite material from recycled materials, comprising providing source materials in the form of flexible sheets of expanded graphite; comminuting the source materials into particles; re-expanding the particles; and preparing a mat from the re-expanded particles. Also described herein is a process of manufacturing a graphite material comprising grinding a cured resin impregnated graphite material into particles; removing at least part of the resin from the particles; and expanding the resin removed particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible graphite sheet having increased isotropic properties. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flexible graphite sheet formed from particles of expanded natural graphite formed from graphite flake sized no more than about 30% by weight +80 mesh prior to expansion. The resulting sheet of flexible graphite exhibits improved conductive and fluid sealing properties.

Abstract: A method for providing intercalated graphite flake with improved exfoliation characteristics, specifically, improved expansion pressure, is presented. The method includes treating graphite flakes with an oxidizing intercalant solution to provide intercalated graphite flakes; washing the intercalated graphite flakes; and adding a surfactant to the washed graphite flakes. The invention also includes the intercalated graphite flakes thusly prepared.