Abstract: A high-performance separator for a fuel cell and a high-performance cell unit (single cell unit or short stack unit) for a fuel cell, each ensuring lightweight and compact fabrication necessary to enhance output density, enabling stacking without use of a gas seal member and making the insulating treatment of the outer circumference of the stack not necessary, and production methods thereof are provided. By a processing method of forming a thermoplastic resin composition highly filled with a carbonaceous material into a thin sheet form, heating the sheet to a melted state, and cold-shaping the melt at a high speed, a lightweight, compact and high-performance thin fuel cell separator having a corrugated flow path may be provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator, comprising carbonic electro-conductive graphite, and non-carbonic epoxy resin, hardening agent and hardening expediter, which are all made into powder, and formed into the fuel cell separator, wherein the fuel cell separator is plated with nickel by plating with nickel the surface of the fuel cell separator made through the process described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductive polyolefin composition comprising: (i) up to 80 wt. % of a polyolefin (I), (ii) carbon black, and (iii) optionally up to 60 wt. % of a polymer (II) having a melting point of not less than 100° C., wherein the polyolefin (I) has a co-monomer content of equal to or less than 4.3 mol %, to the use of that composition for the production of a power cable and to a power cable comprising that composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for making anodes suitable for use in the production of titanium metals. The processes use a kneaded mixture of TiO2 particles, carbon particles, a binder, and a solvent. The mixture is extruded and the solvent is allowed to evaporate to form a green body which is subsequently fired. During firing of the green body, the carbon particles aid in reducing the titanium dioxide to a lower oxide or oxycarbide which can be electrochemically processed into titanium metal.

Abstract: A separating plate for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same is provided. Preferred separating plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell are capable of being light weight and corrosion resistant, as well as being economical to produce and exhibit good physical properties. Preferred separating plates are produced with compositions comprising graphite and phenolic resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for manufacturing a multi-layer compression moulded element and to a compression moulded element which is embodied as a multi-layer carbon brush and has at least a first and a second moulding layer, in which, in order to carry out the method, a multi-component mould which comprises a moulding element and a mould slide arrangement interacts with a moulding die, and in which a mould which is defined by the selected configuration of the moulding slide arrangement in the moulding element is filled by filling moulding segments which are formed one next to the other with moulding material in chronological succession in a transverse direction with respect to the axis of the moulding die, and by the compression moulded element being subsequently formed by moving the moulding die and moulding slide arrangement relative to one another in the mould.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electrode grid for a battery. The electrode grid may include at least one active material retaining segment, the active material retaining segment including one or more channels. The at least one active material retaining segment may be formed of at least one of carbon foam and graphite foam. In addition, the electrode grid may include a conductive material deposited within the one or more channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to glass strands coated with a sizing composition capable of conducting an electric current, which comprises at least one film-forming agent, at least one compound chosen from plasticizers, surfactants and dispersants, at least one coupling agent for coupling to the glass, and electrically conductive particles. The glass strands according to the invention are more particularly intended for the production of electrically conductive parts by compression molding, said glass strands being employed in SMC or BMC form.

Abstract: A metallic separator for fuel cells having a metal plate, an electroconductive coating layer covering at least a surface in front and back surfaces of the metal plate which contacts a raw material and/or a reaction product, and an electroconductive channel-forming member disposed on a surface of the coating layer and forming a channel for the raw material and/or the reaction product and/or a channel for a cooling medium for cooling. A surface layer on the metal plate has a tensile residual stress within such a range that no stress-corrosion cracking occurs.

Abstract: Improved methods for manufacturing electrode active tapes, including blanks/plates with essential homogeneity for consistently more reliable performing electrodes for electrochemical cells, and with lower rates of off-specification material, by forming an electrode active mixture; adjusting the solids content to form a filter cake mix; crumbling the filter cake into particles and performing at least one calendering step at a calendering station having a nip zone while applying a force to the particles axially with the direction of movement of the particles to compact the particles in the nip zone for more even presentation during calendering.

Abstract: The present invention involves methods and devices which enable discrete objects having a conducting inner core, surrounded by a dielectric membrane to be selectively inactivated by electric fields via irreversible breakdown of their dielectric membrane. One important application of the invention is in the selection, purification, and/or purging of desired or undesired biological cells from cell suspensions. According to the invention, electric fields can be utilized to selectively inactivate and render non-viable particular subpopulations of cells in a suspension, while not adversely affecting other desired subpopulations. According to the inventive methods, the cells can be selected on the basis of intrinsic or induced differences in a characteristic electroporation threshold, which can depend, for example, on a difference in cell size and/or critical dielectric membrane breakdown voltage.

Abstract: Graphite nanoplatelets of expanded graphite and composites and products produced therefrom are described. The preferred method of expanding the graphite is by microwaves or other radiofrequency wave treatment of intercalated graphite. The expanded graphite is preferably then crushed to nanometer (substantially all 200 microns or less). The expanded graphite is used in polymer composites. The expanded graphite is particularly useful for batteries, anodes and fuel cells.

Abstract: A process for preparing graphite articles is presented. In particular, the process includes employing a particulate fraction comprising at least about 35 weight percent coke, coal or combinations thereof having a diameter such that a major fraction of it passes through a 0.25 mm to 25 mm mesh screen. The particulate fraction is mixed with a liquid or solid pitch binder, to form a stock blend; the stock blend is extruded to form a green stock; the green stock is baked to form a carbonized stock; and the carbonized stock is graphitized. The stock blend further includes carbon fibers added after mixing of the particulate fraction and pitch has begun.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a carbon electrode, suitable for use as an anode in an aluminum reduction cell, which comprises mixing an aggregate, comprising a mixture of particulate shot coke, and a particulate carbonaceous material other than shot coke with coal tar pitch or petroleum pitch or a combination of these pitches at an elevated temperature to form a paste wherein said aggregate comprises a combination of butts, coarse, and fine particles and said particulate shot coke may comprise a majority of said coarse particles or fine particles, and said paste comprises from about 80 to about 90%, by weight, of said aggregate and from about 10 to about 20%, by weight, of said pitch; forming said paste into a solid body; and baking said solid body at an elevated temperature to form said carbon electrode.

Abstract: There are provided a soft magnetic material in the form of particles for suppressing occurrence of electromagnetic interference which is capable of exhibiting the suppressing effect in a broad frequency range from a low frequency band to a high frequency band, as well as an electromagnetic interference suppressing sheet using the material. When a conductive magnetic filler prepared by mixing a conductive carbon with soft magnetic particles at a volume ratio of 3 to 10:50 to 70 is highly filled in a sheet material, there can be obtained an electromagnetic interference suppressing sheet which is suitable for high-density mounting to electronic equipments, has an excellent electromagnetic absorption in a near electromagnetic field, and is fully suppressed from undergoing electromagnetic reflection thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method whereby a thermally conductive belt is manufactured through net shape molding. Specifically the method of the present invention is for manufacturing a power transfer belt that is of a highly thermally conductive polymer composition, in contrast to the typical rubber material used to fabricate the belts of the prior art. The new and unique belt of the present invention is manufactured of a thermally conductive polymer material that is easily injection moldable into any desired shape and configuration. Further, the polymer composition is very thermally conductive, which assists in dissipating heat that is generated by the friction created during normal operation of the device. The new belt material and its construction allow heat to be conducted directly through the surface of the belt thus preventing heat buildup within the belt itself, thereby preserving and extending its life.

Abstract: The present invention provides polarized electrodes that ensure a satisfactory packing ratio of activated carbon particles and conductive particulates and favorable contact between these and an electrolyte, and demonstrate high capacitance. The present invention relates to the following electrode materials for polarized electrodes: (1) electrode materials for polarized electrodes containing a rubber-based emulsion, activated carbon particles, conductive particulates, and a surfactant; and (2) electrode materials for polarized electrodes containing a dispersion of polytetrafluoroethylene, activated carbon particles, conductive particulates, and a surfactant, wherein the solid content is 25% by weight or more.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the amount of hydrogen gas permeating an electrolyte membrane to inhibit cross leak, in which hydrogen reacts with oxygen to thermally degrade the membrane, while improving the mechanical strength of the fuel cell to increase its durability and lifetime. The present invention provides a fuel cell reinforcing electrolyte membrane reinforced by a porous membrane, wherein noble metal carrying carbon is present on a surface of and/or in pores in the porous membrane, said membrane being covered by electrolyte layers.

Abstract: A method is described for making aluminum reduction cell components, e.g. cathodes having stabilized surfaces, which comprises mixing together a carbonaceous material, TiB2 and up to 25% by weight of a finely divided additive consisting of a combination of two intimately mixed compounds and forming the mixture into a cell component, wherein at least a first of the two compounds has a higher melting temperature than the baking temperature. When the cell component is contacted with molten aluminum, the aluminum reacts with the additive to form a dense phase at the surface of the cell component, having low solubility in aluminum.

Abstract: Flow-through capacitors are provided with one or more charge barrier layers. Ions trapped in the pore volume of flow-through capacitors cause inefficiencies as these ions are expelled during the charge cycle into the purification path. A charge barrier layer holds these pore volume ions to one side of a desired flow stream, thereby increasing the efficiency with which the flow-through capacitor purifies or concentrates ions.

Abstract: A separator for fuel cells is provided, which has excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical strength and gas impermeability. The separator is a molded article of a carbon-phenol resin molding compound obtained by reacting a phenol with an aldehyde in the presence of a catalyst, while mixing them with a carbon powder. As the catalyst, it is possible to use at least one selected from tertiary amines, carbonates, hydroxides and oxides of alkali metals or alkali earth metals. It is preferred that a content of nitrogen constituent in the molding compound is 0.3 wt % or less, and a carbon content in the molding compound is within a range of 75 wt % to 97 wt %.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluoropolymer tape having an electrically conductive surface. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape and method for producing an electrically conductive tape by blending vapor-grown carbon fiber or carbon nanotubes or combinations of both with PTFE.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multi-component electrically conductive fiber (FIG. 1) and the method of making the same (FIG. 2). The fiber contains two polyester components which has a 10° C. melt temperature difference between the first and second polyesters.

Abstract: A three-dimensional molded thermal signature target form comprising a conductive polymer material suitable for conducting infrared radiation such that a thermal signature is created and viewable by any number of suitable IR imaging or viewing systems. The thermal signature target form includes embedded busbars attached to a power source. The thermal signature target form can provide a realistic, inexpensive and safe live-fire target for training in thermal image recognition and shooting.

Abstract: Described herein are transducers and their fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.

Abstract: A heated mirror system for use in motor vehicles that includes the use of a thermally regulating material that eliminates electrical heater elements used in conventional heated mirror systems. The heated mirror system includes a mirror housing constructed from an electro thermally-active thermoplastic material. The electro thermally-active thermoplastic material is selected to be self-regulating such that the material heats up until it reaches a selected temperature at which point the resistivity of the material prevents further heating of the mirror housing to reduce the risk of damage to the mirror. The mirror is located in thermal contact in the mirror housing such that, as the electro thermally-active thermoplastic material heats, at least a portion of the heat is capable of heating the mirror. The mirror housing may be constructed using an injection molding process.

Abstract: A molding compound formulation is provided that includes a unsaturated polyester, a low profile additive, and high surface area conductive carbon black particulate. The carbon black is dispersed in at least one of the unsaturated polyester and the low profile additive to produce a cured panel having a surface resistivity value of between 1×105-108?, and a Diffracto analysis D number of less than 100 when cured against a mold platen having a Diffracto analysis D number of 25. A process for producing such a molding compound panel is also provided that includes mixing through rotary mechanical stirring the high surface area conductive carbon black particulate into one side of the molding compound formulation under conditions that satisfy: ln(viscosity)??0.82{ln(RPM)}+12.734 ??(I) where viscosity is in Centipoise and RPM denotes revolutions per minute.

Abstract: Polymeric microstructures and nanostructures can be prepared with use of a tip to pattern a surface. A tip can be used to pattern a structure which can initiate polymerization. The structure can be then exposed to monomer to induce polymerization at the structure. Alternatively, a tip can be used to pattern a surface with a monomer in which the surface is treated with polymerization catalyst so that polymerization occurs at the patterning site. Ring-opening metathesis polymerization can be carried out with use of the tip to control the polymerization. The tip can be a sharp tip as used in for example an atomic force microscope tip. Norbornene types of monomers can be used. Biological macromolecules can be also prepared.

Abstract: A method for production of a multi-layer carbon brush including at least two electrically-conducting functional layers made from carbon material and at least one insulation layer made from an electrically-insulating material, running between consecutive functional layers. According to the invention, the corresponding multi-layer carbon brushes and the layers with desired thickness can be produced by applying the carbon material and the electrically-insulating material in a mold in a sequence corresponding to the layer sequence of the multi-layer carbon brush for production in powder form, then pressed and finally heat-treated.

Abstract: A sheet electrode with a predetermined thickness for an electric double layer capacitor is made by carrying out a roller rolling step in which a long sheet intermediate is made from a material containing a carbonaceous powder, a conductive assistant and a binder and thereafter. The sheet intermediate is passed between a pair of rolling rollers to be wound up by a winding section while being drawn out of a drawing section. The roller rolling step includes drawing the sheet intermediate out of the drawing section under a predetermined tension applied to the sheet intermediate, and controlling a widthwise position of the sheet intermediate immediately before the rolling rollers by an edge position controller, and winding the sheet intermediate rolled by the rollers onto a winding section while the winding section is applying a predetermined pressure to a rolling side drive roller located adjacent to the winding section and rotated at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A method of making a polarizable electrode for an electric double layer capacitor, includes adding a binder assistant to a binder so that the binder is swollen and mixing a carbonaceous powder, a conductive assistant and thereafter the swollen binder, thereby obtaining a material mixture, kneading the material mixture into a primary forming material, forming the primary forming material into a secondary forming material, and rolling the secondary forming material into a sheet shape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to calendaring an electrode active admixture, such as of a transition metal oxide, and particularly silver vanadium oxide, into an electrode structure. To obtain electrode structures of a desired low basis weight requires calendaring a paste of the active material into a first sheet tape, which is subsequently subjected to secondary and ternary calendering steps. Secondary calendaring is performed in a direction reverse or orthogonal to that used to form the initial sheet tape. The final calendaring step is performed in a third direction aligned 180° with respect to the first direction, but with the second structure rotated bottom over top with respect to the orientation that formed the first and second structures. The ternary calendaring step provides for fibrillation of the fluoro-polymeric binder in a direction reverse to the initial direction to form the product low basis weight electrode active structure.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a production method for a thermoplastic resin composition, composed of a polyphenylene ether and a polyamide, having an electric conductivity, and excellent in balance of fluidity and impact strength, by producing with a specific process, and to provide the thermoplastic resin composition obtained thereby. SOLUTION: The thermoplastic resin composition is composed of the following component (A)-(E), wherein a weight ratio of (A)/(B) is 5/95-70/30, an amount of (C) is effective to phase-solvate (A) and (B), the amount of (D) is 0.8-10 pts.wt. per the total 100 pts.wt. of (A) and (B), and the amount of component (E) is 5-40 pts.wt. per the total 100 pts.wt. of (A) and (B). The production method for the thermoplastic resin composition is provided. (A): a polyphenylene ether, (B): a polyamide. (C): a phase-solvating agent, (D): an electrically conductive carbon black and/or a fine fibrous carbon, and (E) an improving agent for shock resistance.

Abstract: Precisely configured, especially of geometric shape, flakes of liquid crystal material are made using a mechanically flexible polymer mold with wells having shapes which are precisely configured by making the mold with a photolithographically manufactured or laser printed master. The polymer liquid crystal is poured into the wells in the flexible mold. When the liquid crystal material has solidified, the flexible mold is bent and the flakes are released and collected for use in making an electrooptical cell utilizing the liquid crystal flakes as the active element therein.

Abstract: A new ramming paste for aluminum reduction cell cathodes is a high swelling cold ramming paste made of a blend of pitch, light oil diluent and an aggregate comprising a mixture of anthracite and crushed anode butts or calcined coke. The presence of the crushed anode butts or calcined coke increases the sodium swelling index of the paste by about four times higher than that of regular ramming pastes. This new high swelling cold ramming paste may also contain an amount of a refractory hard material, such as TiB2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conductive masterbatch comprising a polyamide and conductive carbon black, the conductive carbon black being present in the form of at least one agglomerated particle having a major axis of 20 to 100 ?m, wherein the number of the agglomerated particle(s) is 1 to 100 as observed under an optical microscope with respect to a contiguous area of 3 mm2.

Abstract: A conducting composite material is composed of a kneaded and compressed mix. The mix includes (a) from 40 to 90% by volume of a flake graphite powder comprising a flake graphite type formed from graphite particle agglomerates bonded to each other and superposed such that their principal planes are parallel to each other, these agglomerates having a planar anisotropy with side dimensions between 10 ?m and 1 mm and between 5 and 50 ?m thick, (b) from 0 to 25% by volume of conducting fibres, and (c) from 10 to 40% by volume of an organic binder. This material can be used for making electrodes for fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition comprising: 35 to 65 wt. % of radical vinylaromatic polymer, 5 to 40 wt. % of ethylene and alkyl(meth)acrylate copolymer, 2 to 20 wt. % of copolymer with vinylaromaticdiene monomer blocks, a necessary and sufficient amount of conductive black carbon for providing the composition with resistivity ranging between 1.104 to 1.109 ?·cm. The composition maintains good conductivity whatever the transformation mode used and has excellent impact resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a carbon electrode, suitable for use as an anode in an aluminum reduction cell, which comprises mixing an aggregate, comprising a mixture of particulate shot coke, and a particulate carbonaceous material other than shot coke with coal tar pitch or petroleum pitch or a combination of these pitches at an elevated temperature to form a paste wherein said aggregate comprises a combination of coarse, medium, and fine particles and said particulate shot coke may comprise a majority of said fine particles, and said paste comprises from about 80 to about 90%, by weight, of said aggregate and from about 10 to about 20%, by weight, of said pitch; forming said paste into a solid body; and baking said solid body at an elevated temperature to form said carbon electrode.

Abstract: The present invention involves fibers of highly aligned single-wall carbon nanotubes and a process for making the same. The present invention provides a method for effectively dispersing single-wall carbon nanotubes. The process for dispersing the single-wall carbon nanotubes comprises mixing single-wall carbon nanotubes with 100% sulfuric acid or a superacid, heating and stirring under an inert, oxygen-free environment. The single-wall carbon nanotube/acid mixture is wet spun into a coagulant to form the single-wall carbon nanotube fibers. The fibers are recovered, washed and dried. The single-wall carbon nanotubes were highly aligned in the fibers, as determined by Raman spectroscopy analysis.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing to increase the thermal and electrical conductivity of polymers includes layering a filled polymer with an unfilled polymer to produce a multi-layered system of alternating filled and unfilled polymer layers. The filler material comprises thermally and/or electrically conductive material. A preferred polymer is a shape memory polymer. A method of manufacturing magnetic multi-layered polymer systems is described. Articles formed from such multi-layered systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite bipolar plate of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) is prepared as follows: a) preparing a bulk molding compound (BMC) material containing a vinyl ester resin and a graphite powder, the graphite powder content of BMC material ranging from 60 wt % to 80 wt %, based on the compounded mixture; b) molding the BMC material from step a) to form a bipolar plate having a desired shape at 80–200° C. and 500–4000 psi, wherein the graphite powder is of 40 mesh–80 mesh.

Abstract: A sheet electrode with a predetermined thickness for an electric double layer capacitor is made by carrying out a roller rolling step in which a long sheet intermediate is made from a material containing a carbonaceous powder, a conductive assistant and a binder and thereafter. The sheet intermediate is passed between a pair of rolling rollers to be wound up by a winding section while being drawn out of a drawing section. The roller rolling step includes drawing the sheet intermediate out of the drawing section under a predetermined tension applied to the sheet intermediate, and controlling a widthwise position of the sheet intermediate immediately before the rolling rollers by an edge position controller, and winding the sheet intermediate rolled by the rollers onto a winding section while the winding section is applying a predetermined pressure to a rolling side drive roller located adjacent to the winding section and rotated at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator which is low in cost and high in hydrophilicity and electrical conductivity and a process for producing the fuel cell separator. The fuel cell separator is characterized in that by using a starting material for a fuel cell separator subjected to a hydrophilization treatment in a hydrophilizing gas, the surface contact angle of the fuel cell separator as measured by a sessile drop method using water is in a range of 3 to 70°; and the process of the present invention for producing a fuel cell separator is characterized in that a starting material for the fuel cell separator after molding or machining is subjected to a hydrophilization treatment in a hydrophilizing gas and thereby the surface contact angle of the fuel cell separator as measured by a sessile drop method using water is controlled at 3 to 70°.

Abstract: A thermally stable electrically conductive polymer mixture, for use in forming electrically conductive molded articles, includes at least two additives for contributing to the polymer mixture's electrical conductivity. At least one of the additives concentrates at or near the surface of a molded article for electrical surface conductivity, while at least one other additive concentrates at or near the core of a molded article to heighten electrical core conductivity to promote electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conductive masterbatch comprising a polyamide and conductive carbon black, the conductive carbon black being present in the form of at least one agglomerated particle having a major axis of 20 to 100 ?m, wherein the number of the agglomerated particle(s) is 1 to 100 as observed under an optical microscope with respect to a contiguous area of 3 mm2.

Abstract: A conductive separator plate for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is disclosed which includes a cell stack and a plurality of conductive separator plates, the conductive separator plates being formed of a carbon powder and a binder, the conductive separator plates having a main portion which is raised from a peripheral portion surrounding the main portion, the main portion being in contact with an anode or cathode of the fuel cell and being provided with a gas flow path for supplying a fuel gas to the anode or a gas flow path for supplying an oxidant gas to the cathode.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed that includes an etched hole-fill standoff; a tooling plate contacting the etched hole-fill stand-off, the stand-off and tooling plate being aligned to each other; a device having holes to be filled removably contacting the stand-off, the stand-off and device being aligned to each other; the device and the stand-off each having at least one hole, the hole of the device being aligned with the hole of the stand-off. An assembly is also disclosed comprising an etched hole-fill standoff, the stand-off comprising an etched layer bonded to a non-etched layer. A method of filling holes in a substrate having a plurality of holes to be filled includes the steps of providing an etched hole-fill stand-off, aligning the stand-off to a tooling plate, aligning the substrate to the stand off and placing the substrate in contact with the stand-off, and filling the plurality of holes of the substrate.

Abstract: A process for preparing graphite articles is presented. In particular, the process includes employing a particulate fraction comprising at least about 35 weight percent coke, coal or combinations thereof having a diameter such that a major fraction of it passes through a 0.25 mm to 25 mm mesh screen. The particulate fraction is mixed with a liquid or solid pitch binder, to form a stock blend; the stock blend is extruded to form a green stock; the green stock is baked to form a carbonized stock; and the carbonized stock is graphitized. The stock blend further comprises one or both of carbon fibers (advantageously added after mixing of the particulate fraction and pitch has begun) and small particle size filler (advantageously added as part of the particulate fraction).

Abstract: A method for making a shaped article or a shaped article having a volume resistivity of less than 102 ohm-cm with a desired combination of properties and processibility in an injection moldable composition. In particular the shaped articles formed include injection molded bipolar plates as current collectors in fuel cell applications.