Inventors:
Michael E. Gorman - Suffield CT
Richard D. Breault - Coventry CT
John Donahue - Suffield CT
Sudhangshu Bose - Manchester CT
Assignee:
International Fuel Cells - South Windsor CT
International Classification:
C01B 3164
Abstract:
A method for making a carbon-graphite component, such as a fuel cell substrate, suited for use in an electrochemical cell includes forming a precursor sheet structure comprising a resin, fibers that are graphitizable, and an inorganic compound containing boron and oxygen. Various details of the method are developed that effect the carbon yield of cellulose fibers used for the precursor sheet and the thermal and the electrical conductivity of the component. In one embodiment, the inorganic compound of boron and oxygen is boric acid.