Comparison of mechanical properties of NiO/YSZ by different methods

Planar solid oxide fuel cells are a leading candidate for future power generation. Integral to their utility is the robustness of the component materials and their ability to tolerate the mechanical stresses expected during the lifetime, including fabrication, of the cell. Most current planar designs rely on either the anode or cathode as the structural-supporting member.

To gain a fundamental basis of data on which to compare future cell designs, a series of half-cell (electrolyte/anode) specimens was fabricated in which processes variables and additives typical of current cells were varied. These samples were tested in unreduced state in a biaxial flexure apparatus to determine the biaxial flexure strength. The samples were oriented with the electrolyte on the tensile surface. Results were compared to a concurrent study in which similar specimens were tested by a uniaxial tensile method with statistical distribution parameters used to adjust for volumetric differences to validate the biaxial flexure data.