Molded Bipolar Plates Market

Market Overview

The Global Molded Bipolar Plates Market Size is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 7.8% during the forecast period.

Molded bipolar plates are used in batteries to separate the positive and negative wires. They are made of a conductive material like graphite, which allows for efficient electron transfer between the two conductors. Molded bipolar plates outperform stamped bipolar plates in several ways, including higher power density, cheaper manufacturing costs, and extended cycle life. Molded bipolar plates are used in both traditional lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries.

Bipolar Plates are a key component of fuel cells, accounting for a significant percentage of the battery pack's quality and expense. It is in charge of the tasks of uniform dispersal of reaction gas, current conduction, and sequences of solitary cells. The optimal bipolar plate should have high thermal/electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, low density, good mechanical characteristics, cheap cost, and ease of manufacturing in order to fulfill these useful criteria. Current bipolar plates, on the other hand, have issues such as weak corrosion protection and conductivity, high manufacturing costs, and a limited lifespan.

The COVID-19 has had a major effect on the business of Molded Bipolar Plates. Government policies, standards, and laws in both established and emerging countries were changed, assisting in economic recovery. The industry expects a lot of requirements and demand following the pandemic due to increasing urbanization assisting market expansion.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Manufacturers of Molded Bipolar Plates are also extending their operations and getting end-to-end financial insight by building digitally capable clever chemicals facilities. This digital integration provides advantages such as reduced risk, better trash management, production network optimization, and, most significantly, increased worker safety in the market.

Market Restraints

Current bipolar plates feature shortcomings such as poor corrosion resistance and conductivity, high production costs, and a short lifespan. A critical step in the commercialization of fuel cells is achieving a reasonable match of the conductivity and corrosion resistance of the bipolar plate material, that is, achieving high corrosion resistance while ensuring reasonable conductivity, ensuring the service life of the entire system.

Market Opportunities

The increase in demand for these Electric Vehicles, Energy Storage, and Other Applications will aid in the market's rise.

Market Scope

Segmental Analysis

Segmentation By Type

• Expanded Graphite

Graphite is a carbon compound with the greatest electromagnetic conductivity. Because of its low resistance, high current carrying capacity, excellent thermal stability, and long service life, expanded graphite is used as an electrical substance. It transmits electricity extremely well in both dry air and when not exposed to grease or wetness. Because of its low resistance, high current carrying capacity, excellent thermal stability, and long service life, it is used as an electrical substance. Graphite plates are typically preferred over copper plates due to their ability to provide long-term steady performance in circumstances needing heat or fire-retardant characteristics, such as electric cars (EVs) and energy storage applications.

• Graphite-Polymer

The wires of an electrical cell are formed bipolar plates. Because it provides for simpler packaging and greater electrode layout flexibility, the molded bipolar plate design outperforms other designs for large battery packs.[Graphite-polymer Molded Bipolar Plates] are less costly to manufacture than conventional graphite/metal options, but they are more challenging. Graphite and polymer are used to make polymer-graphite cast bipolar plates. The plate is heated after merging the two materials in a mold until the polymer softens and runs around the graphite particles, forming a link between them.

• Graphite/Metal

A bipolar plate is a planar metal component that is put between two electrolytic cells in an electrochemical array. It moves electrons from one cell to the next while also acting as a separator, preventing mingling and reducing electrical cross-talk. Aluminum is the most common bipolar plate substance, but graphite/metal plates are acquiring market share.The most current bipolar plate technique is graphite/metal molded bipolar plates. Graphite/metal is a carbon/metal composite with excellent conductivity properties that aluminum blocks lack.

Segmentation By Application

• Electric Vehicles

Molded Bipolar Plates are used for electricity delivery in electric vehicles. It is also used as a load-sharing conductor between the electric vehicle's primary busbars, allowing current flow through each switch and its related cabling to be reduced if one or more wheels lose traction during acceleration. Molded Bipolar Plates also serve to extend the life of an electric vehicle's battery.

• Energy Storage

Molded bipolar plates have a variety of applications in the energy storage business. Some examples are: Molded bipolar plates can be used in electric cars to store energy collected during regenerative braking. This improves efficiency and extends striking range. Molded bipolar plates can also be used to control voltage in grid-scale energy storage. They can also be used in residential energy storage devices, allowing residents to store power during peak hours for later use.

Regional Analysis

The Global Molded Bipolar Plates Market is segmented by region as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa.

During the forecast period, North America is anticipated to lead the market with the greatest CAGR. The Asia Pacific market for molded bipolar plates is expected to be the quickest expanding. The increasing popularity of electric cars and energy storage uses is driving up demand for molded bipolar plates in this area. In terms of income, Latin America is expected to be the biggest market for molded bipolar plates.

Europe is anticipated to be the second-largest market for manufactured bipolar plates after the United States. Electric car adoption and green energy storage are driving up demand for molded bipolar plates in this area.

The Middle East and Africa are expected to have the lowest precast bipolar plate markets.

Key Players

1. Dana
2. Nisshinbo
3. FJ Composite
4. Schunk Group
5. ZBT
6. Entegris Inc
7. Porvair plc
8. Eisenhuth GmbH
9. Qingdao Hanhe
10. Weifu High-technology
11. Guangdong Guohong

Recent Developments

Dow has announced that their VORAGREEN range of bio-based polyols, made from waste and residual streams, would be released in 2021. These polyols are meant to be used as a carbon-light replacement for conventional polyols.

BASF has announced the introduction of a new speciality polyol in 2021 that will be utilized in the production of flexible polyurethane foams for the furniture sector. Pluracol PHL is a polyol developed specifically to increase the quality of life and longevity of furniture.

Huntsman Corporation has stated that their new line of bio-based polyols, VITROX® HC 98010, will be available beginning in 2020. The polyols are made to help items be more eco-friendly by providing them with a lower carbon footprint.

The new line of bio-based polyols developed by Covestro AG for use in the manufacture of stiff polyurethane foams will be introduced in 2020. Desmopan® Eco polyols are produced from renewable resources and aim to enhance product durability and functionality.