Application of powder injection moulding and extrusion process to manufacturing of Ni-YSZ anodes

Purpose: Investigation of the Ni-YSZ cermets for anode supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) prepared by extrusion or powder injection moulding process, sintered and reduced of NiO-YSZ. Design/methodology/approach: Density examination, shrinkage examination, transverse rupture strength tests, microstructure examination. Findings: Results of the rheological and torque investigations have essential importance for further search of the optimum feedstock to injection moulding machines and extruders making forming possible of shapes for fuel cells anodes, which require in addition debinding of the binder, sintering, and reduction. Practical implications: The proposed technological solutions for fabricating anodes as tubes or flat shapes will make connecting the cells into packets possible which will allow increasing the cell power. Originality/value: The presented investigation results confirm purposefulness of employing injection moulding or extrusion for fabrication of fuel cells anodes. These two methods are used for manufacturing elements of devices in a mass scale. Significant interest in fuel cells and rapid development of their production which should take place in the close future may be the reason for searching the inexpensive technological solutions in the manufacturing process of the cells.