Gas Diffusion Layer Adhesion Measurement Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring interfacial adhesion strength of gas diffusion layers in fuel cells are inadequate, particularly for soft and flexible materials, as they are either qualitative, inefficient, or damage the samples during testing, making it difficult to accurately quantify adhesion and assess durability.
Innovation Solution
An interfacial adhesion strength measuring apparatus and method using a pair of cantilevers with adhering parts having different contact angles applied to the substrate and micro porous layer, allowing for precise separation and measurement of tension force to quantify adhesion, specifically designed for soft porous substrates and dense micro porous layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If indirect qualitative methods (scotch tape test, scratch test) are used to measure interfacial adhesion, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and quantitative accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect qualitative mechanical tests (scotch tape test, scratch test) with a direct quantitative mechanical measurement system. A load applying part with adhering parts is used to directly measure the tension force required to separate the micro porous layer from the substrate, providing precise quantitative adhesion data while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If direct quantitative methods (pull-off test, peel test) are used to measure interfacial adhesion, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of application to soft materials increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using adhering parts with specific local adhesion properties attached to the load applying part. The adhering parts are designed to selectively adhere to either the substrate or the micro porous layer with controlled adhesion strength, enabling precise local measurement of interfacial adhesion without requiring complex test apparatus.
3Measurement precision
If existing test methods are applied to gas diffusion layers with soft porous substrate and dense micro porous layer, then the measurement can be performed, but the sample is damaged and the measurement cannot be repeated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary load applying part with adhering parts that mediates the measurement process. The adhering parts temporarily bond to the gas diffusion layer components during testing, allowing force application and measurement without directly damaging the sample structure. This intermediary approach enables repeated measurements on the same sample.
4Ease of manufacture
If the same adhesive is used for both substrate and micro porous layer, then the preparation process is simple, but the fracture does not occur stably in the interphase region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using different adhesives with different adhesion strengths for bonding to the substrate versus the micro porous layer. This asymmetric adhesive selection creates a controlled weak point at the interphase region, ensuring that fracture occurs stably and predictably at the interface between substrate and micro porous layer during testing, thereby improving measurement precision.
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
Enables accurate and quantitative measurement of interfacial adhesion strength, improving the assessment of gas diffusion layer durability and lifespan, overcoming limitations of existing methods by generating stable fractures in the interphase region and providing reliable adhesion data.
Implementation Method 1
a first adhering part applied to one of the load applying parts and adhered to the substrate; and a second adhering part applied to the other of the load applying parts and adhered to the micro porous layer
Implementation Method 2
applying tension force in a direction in which the substrate and the micro porous layer are separated from each other
Data Source
AI summary
An interfacial adhesion strength measuring apparatus of a gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of load applying parts that are each adhered to outer surfaces of a substrate configuring the gas diffusion layer of the fuel cell and a micro porous layer coated on the substrate and is configured to apply a tension force in a direction in which the substrate and the micro porous layer are separated from each other. A first adhering part is applied to one of the load applying parts and is adhered to the substrate and a second adhering part is applied to the other of the load applying parts and is adhered to the micro porous layer. In addition, the first and second adhering parts contain materials of which contact angles with the substrate or the micro porous layer are different from each other, respectively.