Japan Vilene is promoting a new gas-diffusion porous substrate in the Japanese market for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, as well as a stationary fuel-cell filter for removing exhaust and dust from fuel cells. The gas-diffusion product is made up of carbon particles, nonwoven fabric and synthetic resin, among others.

Japan Vilene produces the substrate by applying a mixture of acid-resistant resin and carbon particles onto a nonwoven fabric base. The substrate’s high moisture retention and compact structure is particularly suitable for automotive fuel cells that are subjected to high-temperature and low-humidity conditions. Sample shipments of the porous fabric are now available. Japan Vilene expects to start building a pilot facility to produce rolls of the new substrate at its Koga plant in April.