Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) have been identified as viable replacements for graphite and metals for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) bipolar plates (BPs). One important factor, apart from composite formulation, that affects the quality and properties of CPC BPs is the processing route. Therefore, understanding the possible processing methods for different matrix–filler combinations and their effects on the quality and properties of the plates can help in controlling and improving the final performance of BPs. This paper reviews the blending and molding techniques for CPC BPs, with a focus on relationship between formulation and processing method. The effects of processing route and conditions on microstructural features of CPC BPs, which affect the performance of the plates are also discussed. Finally, directions for further studies with potential to advance the development of quality and high-performance CPC BPs are highlighted. Identified key areas for further research include control of filler orientation to improve through-plane conductivity, correlation between processing parameters and dimensional accuracy of molded plates, and additive manufacturing of composite BPs.

中文翻译：

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导电聚合物复合双极板的加工方法：对极板质量和性能的影响

导电聚合物复合材料 (CPC) 已被确定为聚合物电解质膜燃料电池 (PEMFC) 双极板 (BP) 中石墨和金属的可行替代品。除了复合配方外，影响 CPC BP 质量和性能的一个重要因素是加工路线。因此，了解不同基质-填料组合的可能加工方法及其对板材质量和性能的影响有助于控制和改善 BP 的最终性能。本文回顾了 CPC BPs 的混合和成型技术，重点关注配方和加工方法之间的关系。还讨论了加工路线和条件对 CPC BP 微观结构特征的影响，这会影响板材的性能。最后，强调了进一步研究的方向，这些研究有可能推动高质量和高性能 CPC BP 的发展。确定的进一步研究的关键领域包括控制填料取向以提高平面电导率、工艺参数与模塑板尺寸精度之间的相关性，以及复合 BP 的增材制造。