SBIR Phase I: Polymer Alloy Seal

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a polymer alloy material and sealing process using high-speed near-infrared radiation welding, to form a waterproof bond in the assembly of proton exchange membrane and direct methanol fuel cells. A key objective of the proposed work is to screen candidate polymers to formulate alloy seals with maximum sealing bonding strength and optimum resistance to chemical and mechanical degradation. The proposed sealing material and welding process will provide a path for new high efficiency fuel cell manufacturing technology. The proposed technology will provide the flexibility to weld alloy seals at needed locations to produce a unitized fuel cell structure; thereby, reducing the number of individual components and assembly steps, increasing quality and reducing costs. Additionally, the infrared welding process will lend itself to high speed automated manufacturing.