title: Properties and degradation of the gasket component of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell--a review.
abstract: Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack requires gaskets and seals in each cell to keep the reactant gases within their respective regions. Gasket performance is integral to the successful long-term operation of a fuel cell stack. This review focuses on properties, performance and degradation mechanisms of the different polymer gasket materials used in PEM fuel cell under normal operating conditions. The different degradation mechanisms and their corresponding representative mitigation strategies are also presented here. Summary of various properties of elastomers and their advantages and disadvantages in fuel cell'environment are presented. By considering the level of chemical degradation, mechanical properties and cost effectiveness, it can be proposed that EPDM is one of the best choices for gasket material in PEM fuel cell. Finally, the challenges that remain in using rubber component as in PEM fuel cell, as well as the prospects for exploiting them in the future are discussed.
authors: Energy Harvesting WCU Research Team, Department of Polymer-Nano Science and Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Republic of Korea.
authors: Utpal
authors: U
authors: Basuli
authors: Jobin
authors: J
authors: Jose
authors: Ran Hee
authors: RH
authors: Lee
authors: Yong Hwan
authors: YH
authors: Yoo
authors: Kwang-Un
authors: KU
authors: Jeong
authors: Jou-Hyeon
authors: JH
authors: Ahn
authors: Changwoon
authors: C
authors: Nah