Investigation of production parameters of porous stainless steel surfaces used on fuel cells

In this study, parts that have porous media surface of SS316L spherical stainless steel powder has been produced to be used for heat exchangers of the fuel cells by designing and producing die and special punches. Minimum pressures and temperatures for compacting have been examined to have bonding between powders and a substrate. Moreover, surface roughness of the substrate has been increased in order to bond substrate and the powders. Surface etching techniques have been investigated and minimum surface roughness have been defined. Besides the effect of temperature and pressure on open porosity have been investigated. The experiments and the tests showed that 200 MPa compacting pressure, 500°C temperature and Ra=1,7 µm roughness on the substrate are enough as the initial conditions.