Evaluation of Water Absorption and Swelling in Polymer Electrolyte Membranes

Introduction

In the fuel cell operating environment, changes in temperature and humidity affect the expansion and contraction of materials. Dimensional changes due to water absorption in polymer electrolyte membranes can have a significant impact on cell sealing and adhesive durability. There are limited methods to evaluate these properties in a humid environment, and STA and TMA with controlled humidity are effective approaches in material design and selection.

Thermal analysis

• Analysis: Fuel cell
• Use: Evaluation of thermal stability
• Analyzed materials: Electrolyte membrane

Figure 1: (a) weight change and (b) dimensional change of polymer electrolyte membranes as a function of relative humidity.

Conclusion

STA measurements under humidity-controlled conditions allow quantitative evaluation of water absorption by measuring the weight change of a sample under each relative humidity condition. TMA can also be used to determine the swelling behavior under each humidity condition. 

Related products

TMA8311/HUM

TMA/HUM measures change in dimension or mechanical property of a sample while subjected to a temperature regime under water vapor atmosphere with a constant relative humidity.

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