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Hitachi Metals Introduces New Alloys for Use in Fuel Cells
07/12/2011 - Hitachi Metals, Ltd. has successfully developed new metal interconnect materials with higher oxidation resistance and strength for use in solid oxide fuel cells.
Hitachi Metals, Ltd. has successfully developed metal interconnect materials with higher oxidation resistance and strength for use in solid oxide fuel cells.
Interconnects, an important component of solid oxide fuel cells, serve to electrically connect individual cells. Materials used for interconnects must have high oxidation resistance over sustained periods of time at certain operating temperature ranges (700–850°C, for example), as well as excellent electrical conductivity and a coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of zirconia ceramics electrolytes.
General stainless steels (430ss, etc.) often do not offer sufficient oxidation resistance for this application. While nickel-based alloys (Alloy 600, etc.) offer excellent oxidation resistance, their coefficient of thermal expansion is large. Likewise, alloys containing aluminum have excellent oxidation resistance, but the electrical conductivity of their oxide scale is insufficient.
Hitachi Metals has expended considerable effort in the quest to develop interconnect materials capable of satisfying the required properties. The company completed work in 2005 on ZMGTM232L, a ferritic stainless steel. Now, the company has successfully developed ZMGTM232J3 and ZMGTM232G10 as new interconnect materials that further improve electrical conductivity, oxidation resistance, and strength beyond the levels achieved in ZMGTM232L.
Achievements in this area are not limited merely to the supply of materials. Steps are being taken to meet a wide range of customer needs through initiatives for processed products as well.
“Hitachi Metals supplies high-performance materials to support the diffusion of fuel cells, which are clean,” said Akitoshi Hiraki, President of Specialty Steel Co. of Hitachi Metals, Ltd. “Hitachi Metals can convert energy with a high degree of efficiency, and continues to contribute to the development of an energy-saving society by providing materials and products that create energy's future”.
Hitachi Metals has built a solid position as a manufacturer of materials and components, developing businesses in a broad range of industrial fields. Since its founding in 1910, the company’s management philosophy has been to contribute to society by embodying the optimum corporate performance.
