Fiber Felts

Titanium, Nickel & Stainless Steel

Sintered and Non Sintered

Carbon cloths & Fabrics Conductive Plastic Films Fiber Felts Graphitized Carbon Papers Ion Exchange Membranes & Polymers Wire Meshes

Item	Porosity (%)	Thickness (um)*	Basis Weight (g)	Actual weight (g)**
LINQCELL TFP250	50 - 60	250	45.5	18.3 - 22.6
LINQCELL TFP250S	60 - 70	250	45.5	13.7 - 18.1
LINQCELL TFP400	50 - 60	400	72.8	29 - 36.3
LINQCELL TFP400S	60 - 70	400	72.8	22 - 29
LINQCELL TFP600	50 - 60	600	109.3	44 - 54.5
LINQCELL TFP600S	60 - 70	600	109.3	32.8 - 43.6
LINQCELL TFP800	50 - 60	800	145.7	58.3 - 72.9
LINQCELL TFP800S	60 - 70	800	145.7	43.7 - 58.2

All the standard sheet sizes are 20 x 20cm

*Thickness tolerance is ±150um for all grades.

**The actual weight of the sheet will depend on the final porosity. This is the expected range.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fiber Felts

What are Fiber Felts, and How Are They Used?

Fiber Felts are porous, three-dimensional materials used in various applications such as filtration, catalysis, electrode production, and more. They are prized for their unique structural properties and material choices, which make them highly adaptable to specific industrial requirements.

What Is the Difference Between Sintered and Non-Sintered Fiber Felts?

Sintering is a process where fibers are fused together at high temperatures to create a cohesive structure. Sintered Fiber Felts offer increased durability, temperature resistance, and precise pore control. Non-sintered Fiber Felts, on the other hand, are cost-effective and suitable for applications where these specific advantages are not required.

Which Materials Are Available for Fiber Felts?

Our Fiber Felts are available in a variety of materials, including titanium, nickel, stainless steel alloys (such as 316), and graphite. Each material is chosen for its unique characteristics, making it suitable for specific applications.

What Industries Benefit from Fiber Felts?

Fiber Felts find applications in a wide range of industries, including chemical processing, petrochemical, water treatment, metallurgy, fuel cells, and more. Their versatility and adaptability make them valuable in various industrial settings.

When Should I Choose Non-Sintered Fiber Felts?

Non-Sintered Fiber Felts are a cost-effective choice for applications where the advantages of sintering, such as high-temperature resistance and pore control, are not necessary. They are often used in applications where regular replacement is acceptable.

What Are the Benefits of Sintered Fiber Felts?

Sintered Fiber Felts provide enhanced durability, precise pore control, and the ability to withstand higher temperatures. They are ideal for applications requiring high-purity filtration and long-lasting performance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Titanium fiber papers

What are the main advantages of using titanium fiber papers?

Titanium fiber papers offer several advantages, including high electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength. Their porous structure allows for efficient gas diffusion, making them suitable for applications requiring reactant distribution and electrolyte permeation. Additionally, titanium fiber papers are lightweight yet robust, making them ideal for aerospace applications where strength and weight reduction are critical.

How are titanium fiber papers utilized in electrochemical systems?

Titanium fiber papers are used in various roles within electrochemical systems. They can serve as gas diffusion layers, facilitating effective gas diffusion and reactant distribution in electrolyzers and fuel cells. Additionally, titanium fiber papers function as current collectors, providing a conductive pathway for electron transfer. Their porous structure aids in electrolyte flow and supports the overall structural integrity of the system.

What applications can benefit from the use of titanium fiber felt/papers?

Titanium fiber papers find applications in several industries. In electrochemical systems, they are vital for hydrogen production in electrolyzers and oxygen reduction in fuel cells. Their porous nature also makes them suitable for filtration processes, such as particle separation and removal of contaminants from fluids. Furthermore, the aerospace industry benefits from titanium fiber papers due to their lightweight and strong characteristics, enabling sound absorption, thermal management, and reinforcement in composite materials.

Can titanium fiber papers be customized for specific applications?

Yes, titanium fiber papers can be customized to meet specific application requirements. They can be tailored in terms of thickness, porosity, and surface modifications (double sides) to optimize their performance for desired outcomes. Additionally, different weaving or processing techniques can be employed to enhance their mechanical properties or surface characteristics. Collaborating with manufacturers and experts can help determine the most suitable customization options based on the intended use of titanium fiber papers.

What are the available grades of titanium felts/papers?

The titanium fiber felts for PTL (Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis) applications are available in several grades to accommodate various requirements. These grades include TA0, TA1, TA2, TA7, and TA9. TA0, TA1, TA2 are commercially pure titanium grades with varying levels of impurities, TA7 and TA9 are titanium alloy grades containing aluminum and vanadium, offering enhanced mechanical properties suitable for high-performance applications. Each grade offers specific properties and characteristics suited for different operating conditions and performance demands, ensuring versatility and reliability in diverse electrolysis applications.

What is the available porosity of the titanium felts/papers?

The porosity range of titanium papers spans from 50% to 80%. This variability in porosity offers users flexibility in selecting the most suitable grade based on their specific needs and application requirements.

Why should Titanium fiber felts/papers be coated?

Untreated titanium porous transfer will not be consumed like a carbon Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) will. However, the presence of oxygen does have an impact if the electrolyzer is being operated at high pressures (1 bar to 3 bars). The untreated titanium surface will quickly form an electrically insulated oxide layer (TiO2) on the surface of the of the small-diameter fibers under high O2 pressures. This oxide coating will eventually affect the efficiency of the overall system acting as an electrical insulator and it will increase the interfacial resistance in the cell, lowering the electrochemical performance. To prevent the formation of this detrimental oxide coating, applying a gold or platinum coating is recommended. Surface platinization of titanium creates a conductive and chemically stable coating that withstands regular electrolysis conditions. This coating extends the lifetime of the titanium, making it well-suited for applications requiring both high performance and long-term reliability. By preventing the formation of TiO2, stability in the electrochemical performance of the electrolyzer or intended electrochemical device is greatly enhanced, ensuring consistent and efficient operation over its lifespan.

What are the available sizes?

The titanium papers are offered in different sizes to suit different applications. The thicknesses available range from 0.25mm to 1.25mm. Additionally, our titanium fiber felts come in a variety of dimensions, with lengths and widths starting at 100x100mm and extending up to 1200x1200mm. This wide selection of sizes ensures that our titanium fiber felts can be tailored to fit specific project requirements, offering flexibility and adaptability for a diverse range of applications.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sintered Stainless Steel Fiber Felts

What are Sintered Stainless Steel Fiber Felts?

Sintered stainless steel fiber felts are non-woven filter media constructed from randomly laid short stainless steel fibers. These fibers are then sintered, or fused, together to form a porous and robust filtration material. These felts have fine and consistent pore sizes, excellent resistance to high temperatures, corrosion resistance, and are highly durable. They also exhibit low electrical heat resistance, making them suitable for filtration of hot materials and electrical applications.

What Thickness Options are There for Sintered Stainless Steel Fiber Felts?

These felts come in various thicknesses, typically ranging from 0.25mm to 1.2mm, providing versatility for different filtration applications. Stainless steel fiber felts can also be cleaned and reused, making them a cost-effective filtration solution in applications where sustainability is a concern.

What are the Applications of Sintered Stainless Steel Fiber Felts?

They are used in a wide range of applications, including purification of polymers and polyester melt, pre-filtration in ultrafiltration processes, filtration in refining operations, and electronic dust collection for high-temperature gases. They also find use in protection filters for vacuum pumps, support for filter membranes, and in various industrial applications.

Are These Felts Suitable for High-Pressure and High-Temperature Environments?

Yes, sintered stainless steel fiber felts are well-suited for applications operating under very high pressure, high temperature, and corrosive conditions due to their robust and corrosion-resistant nature. They offer finer and more consistent pore sizes compared to woven wire mesh, making them efficient in deep and sub-micron filtration. They are also highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and ideal for applications that require resistance to high temperatures

Frequently Asked Questions about Sintered Nickel Fiber Felts

What are Sintered Nickel Fiber Felts?

Sintered nickel fiber felts are robust filter media made from fused nickel fibers. They exhibit fine filtration capabilities, exceptional corrosion resistance, and can withstand high temperatures.

What are the Key Properties of Nickel in These Felts?

Nickel offers remarkable resistance to corrosion, making these felts ideal for challenging environments. It provides excellent heat resistance, making them suitable for high-temperature applications.

Where are Sintered Nickel Fiber Felts Used?

They find applications in demanding industries, including chemical processing, petrochemicals, and automotive, where their nickel-based properties excel.

Why Prefer Sintered Nickel Fiber Felts Over Other Filters?

These felts offer fine, consistent pore sizes and combine the excellent properties of nickel, providing a durable and heat-resistant filtration solution.

Sintered Titanium Fiber Felts

Titanium fiber papers represent a specialized category of materials known for their unique properties and applications in various industries. These papers are composed of titanium fibers intricately woven together to form a porous and conductive structure. With their exceptional characteristics, titanium fiber papers find utility in diverse fields, ranging from electrochemical systems to filtration and aerospace applications.

Titanium fiber papers serve as versatile components in electrochemical systems, such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and solid oxide electrolyzers. They function as critical elements in these devices, playing roles as gas diffusion layers, current collectors, and support structures. Their high electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance ensure efficient electron and ion transport, while the porous structure allows for effective gas diffusion, aiding in reactant distribution and facilitating electrolyte permeation.

Beyond electrochemical applications, titanium fiber papers find use in filtration processes, where their porous nature enables effective separation of particles and contaminants from fluids. They are often employed as filter media in industries such as pharmaceuticals, wastewater treatment, and air purification. Additionally, titanium fiber papers have gained traction in the aerospace sector for their lightweight yet strong characteristics, making them suitable for applications such as sound absorption, thermal management, and composite reinforcement.

Titanium fiber paper manufacturing process and properties

Titanium fiber paper is produced from titanium fibers through a laying process that involves lamination and lapping. The laminated titanium fibers are then sintered at high temperature, thereby creating a strong and porous three-dimensional fiber network. This three-dimensional structure endows titanium fiber papers with high surface area-to-volume ratio, high porosity, and high permeability. On top of these properties, titanium fiber papers are also known to be electrically conductive, workable (i.e., fiber papers can be rolled and processed), and highly resistant to corrosion and thermal stress.

Titanium fiber paper production properties and key properties

Titanium fiber felt applications

Titanium fiber papers are used in a wide array of applications including aerospace, medical, military, and filtration. Recently, they have been employed as flow field and anodic distributors in fuel cell and electrolysis stacks.

Titanium fiber paper vs. carbon fiber paper

At the cathode side, carbon paper is the predominantly used porous transport layer. On the other hand, at the oxygen (anode) side of fuel cells, the environment is much more corrosive because of usage of pure oxygen and application of potentials as high as 2 V. The highly oxidative environment at the anode corrodes the carbon-based LGDLs, thereby forming CO₂(Eqn. 1) and carbonate ions (Eqn. 2) in acidic and basic media, respectively. Carbon corrosion drastically reduces the the activity and stability of the anode during galvanic or electrolytic operations. For these reasons, metal-based PTLs, specifically titanium fiber papers, are used at the anode of fuel cells and water electrolyzers.

Carbon degradation reactions

	Carbon Fiber Paper	Titanium Fiber Paper
Application	Cathode PTL	Anode PTL
Advantages	High porosity and permeability Cost-effectiveness Good conductivity Good compressibility Low contact resistance Tunable wettability Efficient gas diffusion	High electrical conductivity Excellent corrosion resistance High mechanical strength Good thermal resistance High porosity and permeability Efficient gas diffusion Highly tunable surface properties
Disadvantages	Prone to corrosion at oxidative environments and high applied potentials Brittle Not suitable as anode PTL	Prone to hydrogen embrittlement Not suitable as cathode PTL

Titanium-based PTLs exhibit good corrosion resistance even when subjected to highly oxidative potentials. In the Pourbaix diagram of the titanium–water system, we can see that titanium forms a passivation layer under the operating conditions of PEM water electrolyzers. This layer prevents the direct contact between the titanium PTL and the corrosive electrolyte, thereby reducing the likelihood of corrosion. The passivation layer also stabilizes the titanium PTL surface and reduces the concentration of surface defects, which can serve as initiation sites for corrosive reactions. By minimizing the competing side reactions, the overall performance and durability of the electrochemical device improves substantially.

Titanium fiber paper as anode LGDLs in fuel cells and electrolyzers

As the anode GDL in fuel cells, titanium fiber papers serve as a porous media for the efficient and uniform delivery of gaseous reactants to the catalyst layer (CL). They also provide pathways that facilitate electron transport from the anode to the cathode, in which electrons are being used up during the reduction reaction. In addition to these, titanium GDLs also serve as water diffusion layers to avoid flooding and manage water build up in the anode of alkaline fuel cell stacks.

Titanium fiber paper as gas diffusion layer and electrical conductor in PEMFc