Development of protective polymeric electrically highly conductive films for application on electrochemical energy generating devices and manufacture of an automatic applicator

• Grant number: 02/07995-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: November 01, 2003
• End date: October 31, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Valdemar Stelita Ferreira
• Grantee: Valdemar Stelita Ferreira
• Company: V S Ferreira Consultoria
• City: Americana

Abstract

The project aims to refine two different formulations and the applicator equipment for aqueous polymeric emulsions with added graphite which, after drying, result in electrically conductive films, impermeable to ions or gases, thermically and chemically resistant for use in alkaline batteries and fuel cells. Formulation One will allow the replacement of solvent based films used in the alkaline battery industry for the internal coating of the nickeled steel casing, preventing the corrosion of the cathode collector. Such batteries have a heavy demand in the latest generation of electronic devices such as minidiscs, CD-players, digital cameras and electronic organizers. Variations of the properties described, applied in Formulation Two, will permit the reduction in the thickness of the present carbon/graphite bipolar separators used in fuel cells. These separators collect and conduct the current from the anode of a cell to the cathode of the adjacent cell, while they also distribute hydrogen gas over the anode surface and the air or oxygen over the cathode surface. The project will be carried out in three stages, which include the formalization of the procedures, various types of tests, acquisition of equipment and materials and development of the manufacturing technologies on a large scale, among other activities. (AU)