A Synergy Approach Integrating Master Alloy Design And Powder Injection Moulding For High-Performance Interconnectors Leveraging Sofcs Industry

Authors:

Juan Jiménez (1), Javier Hidalgo (1), Cristina Berges (1), Roberto Campana (2), Gemma Herranz (1)

1- DYPAM Research Group, INEI-ETSII, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), ETSI Industriale

2- Centro Nacional del Hidrógeno, Prolongación Fernando el Santo s/n, Puertollano, 13500, Ciudad Real, Spain

Abstract:

This study explores innovative approaches to boost the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) interconnector industry, integrating intelligent master alloy design and powder injection molding (PIM). Current challenges in interconnector fabrication via powder metallurgy include the economic high-scale production of complex designs for improved SOFC performance and the restricted availability of commercial powders. To address these limitations, we propose the use of commercial high-Cr master alloys combined with ferrous powders, aiming for compositions equivalent to or surpassing standard Crofer 22. This strategy overcomes powder scarcity challenges and enables precise control over shrinkage and thermal expansion coefficient, crucial for producing ambitious large thin-walled interconnector geometries through PIM. A comprehensive comparative study, covering all PIM stages and properties characterization, is conducted, comparing Crofer 22 pre-alloyed powders with a modified Fe-Cr alloy incorporating additional elements for enhanced performance.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59499/EP246282995