ZBT researcher Elisabeth Verweyen presents progress in the development of conductive polymer compounds

Highly filled polymer compounds are considered a promising alternative for the production of conductive components. However, their high content of conductive fillers places special demands on the compounding and extrusion processes. To better understand these relationships and further develop the materials in a targeted manner, the ZBT is investigating both the material composition and the process control during twin-screw extrusion.

The work of the IGF project TheBiPo builds on these findings. The goal of the project was to develop continuous manufacturing processes for thin, conductive bipolar foils for low-temperature PEM fuel cells. The investigations show that understanding the local processes during compounding is an essential prerequisite for the reproducible production of high-performance bipolar foils. The findings from the project are now being incorporated into the BMWK-funded follow-up project ProBiMa, in which the industrialisation of the continuous extrusion of conductive bipolar foils is being further advanced in collaboration with an expanded industrial consortium.

Through its presentations at PPS-41 and ECCM22, the ZBT shared its research with an international audience of experts in the fields of polymer processing, composite materials, and electrochemical energy technology. This exchange with academia and industry supports the transfer of research findings and strengthens the further development of innovative materials and manufacturing processes for future energy systems.