Fuel Cell Lamination Using Moisture-Curing Adhesive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In some fuel cells, one gas diffusion layer cannot be joined to the intermediate layer via heat pressing, requiring the use of an adhesive, which can negatively affect internal resistance and sealing performance if not applied precisely.
Innovation Solution
A moisture-curing adhesive is applied to a resin film, and the gas diffusion layer is brought into contact with it, allowing the adhesive to cure easily, followed by pressing to penetrate into the gas diffusion layer, facilitating precise lamination using a lamination jig with a vacuum gripping mechanism and positioning pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive is applied to join gas diffusion layer to intermediate layer, then bonding is achieved, but adhesive may spread into electrode regions or seal areas negatively affecting fuel cell performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a hydrophobic coating specifically on the resin film surface in the adhesive application region. This localized modification allows the adhesive to bond effectively to the resin film while preventing spread into adjacent electrode regions and seal areas, thus achieving strong bonding without harmful spread.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydrophobic coating as an intermediary layer between the adhesive and the resin film. This intermediary layer modifies the surface properties to enable controlled adhesive interaction - allowing bonding where needed while blocking spread into restricted areas, thus resolving the contradiction between bonding strength and adhesive containment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If adhesive is applied precisely to avoid restricted areas, then harmful spread is prevented, but lamination process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by endowing the resin film surface with inherent hydrophobic properties through coating. This self-modified surface automatically directs adhesive behavior - confining it to appropriate regions and preventing spread into restricted areas - without requiring complex external control systems or precise positioning mechanisms, thus simplifying the overall lamination process.
3Speed
If moisture-curing adhesive is used, then curing is accelerated by moisture from gas diffusion layer, but adhesive may cure prematurely before contact with gas diffusion layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface energy characteristics of the resin film through hydrophobic coating. This surface modification creates a controlled microenvironment that regulates moisture interaction with the adhesive, enabling the adhesive to cure at an appropriate rate after contact with the gas diffusion layer while preventing premature curing during application and positioning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method ensures accurate and efficient lamination, preventing adhesive spread into restricted areas, reducing defects, and enhancing bonding between layers, thus improving fuel cell performance.
Implementation Method 1
applying a moisture-curing adhesive to the resin film, and thereafter bringing the gas diffusion layer into contact with the adhesive, thereby laminating the gas diffusion layer and the intermediate layer with the adhesive
Implementation Method 2
the gas diffusion layer easily absorbs moisture
Implementation Method 3
after placing the gas diffusion layer on the adhesive, the gas diffusion layer is pressed against the intermediate layer with a pressing device, thereby allowing the adhesive to penetrate into the gas diffusion layer
Data Source
AI summary
With the lamination method for fuel cell components, the gas diffusion layer is laminated to the intermediate layer during the manufacturing stage of a fuel cell that includes an intermediate layer and gas diffusion layers on both sides of the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer includes an electrolyte membrane and a resin film provided around the electrolyte membrane. With the method of laminating fuel cell components, a moisture-curing adhesive is applied to the resin film. Thereafter, the gas diffusion layer is brought into contact with the adhesive, thereby laminating the gas diffusion layer and the intermediate layer with the adhesive.