Evaluation of EPDM Elastomeric Seals for Application in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Skills

2 Northern Research Center for Science and Technology, Malek Ashtar University of Technology

3 Northern research center for science and technology, malek ashtar University of Technology

4 Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Skills, Tehran, Iran.

10.22104/hfe.2025.7282.1334

Abstract

EPDM is a well-known elastomeric polymer that is used for the gaskets of PEMFCs. Gaskets like these are essential for ensuring the electrochemical stability of fuel cells and preventing gas leaks. Both chemical and mechanical degradation can occur in them, however, if they are subjected to mechanical stress and corrosive acidic conditions. Increasing the durability of EPDM gaskets was the goal of this study, which modified the curing formulation by varying the proportion of dicumyl peroxide employed. The present study investigates the ways in which transformations influenced the mechanical properties and chemical stability of the material. Using 1.8 ppm hydrofluoric acid and 12.5 ppm sulfuric acid, accelerated durability tests (ADT) were conducted to imitate conditions that might be encountered in the actual world. For the purpose of analyzing the chemical alterations and elemental release on the gasket surface, FTIR and AAS were utilized. Both the chemical resistance and mechanical strength of EPDM were improved by the addition of DCP to the curing process. By the time the optimized samples had been in the fuel cell for 800 hours, neither their weight nor their hardness had altered. The findings of this research improve the durability of gaskets, which in turn increases the efficiency and longevity of PEM fuel cells.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Hydrogen, Fuel Cell & Energy Storage

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 14 April 2025

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