%0 Journal Article %A Sietmann, Michael %A Janßen, Holger %A Müller, Martin %A Lehnert, Werner %T An analysis of the imperfections and defects inside composite bipolar plates using X-Ray computer tomography and resistivity simulations %J International journal of hydrogen energy %V 46 %N 50 %@ 0360-3199 %C New York, NY [u.a.] %I Elsevier %M FZJ-2021-02292 %P 25677-25688 %D 2021 %X With the increasing mass production, the quality control of bipolar plates (BPPs) becomes more important. A classification and understanding of imperfections and defects is necessary for the design of quality assurance measures within the manufacturing process. In this paper, a combined X-Ray computer tomography (CT) and resistivity simulation approach is used to investigate graphite composite BPPs. With this non-destructive approach, the morphology and composition of a detailed BPP section, as well as an entire flow field, can be analyzed for its characteristics and defects. The different detected imperfections occurring in injection-molded and compression-molded BPP samples include cracks, air bubbles and agglomerations of voids and foreign particles. The investigated flow field geometry has a major impact and increases the electrical resistance by about 19% compared to a bulk material body. The investigated imperfections inside the BPP material have a minimal impact on the electrical resistance of the BPP. %F PUB:(DE-HGF)16 %9 Journal Article %U <Go to ISI:>//WOS:000675512000013 %R 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.05.078 %U https://juser.fz-juelich.de/record/892731