2011 News Release
Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
Hitachi Metals Announces the Development of Alloys with
Improved Oxidation Resistance for Use in Fuel Cells
—Positioned to Expand the Popularity of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells—
Tokyo, Japan, July 11, 2011—Hitachi Metals, Ltd. (TOKYO : 5486)(ISIN : JP3786200000) has today announced its successful development of metal interconnect materials with higher oxidation resistance and strength for use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC).
Interconnects , an important component comprising SOFCs, function to electrically connect individual cells. Among the characteristics demanded in materials are oxidation resistance over sustained periods of time at certain operating temperature ranges (700－850°C, for example), excellent electrical conductivity, and a coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of zirconia ceramics electrolytes.
With general stainless steel (430ss, etc.), the problem of insufficient oxidation resistance has been encountered. For nickel-based alloys (Alloy 600, etc.), which have excellent oxidation resistance, the coefficient of thermal expansion is large. Likewise, alloys containing aluminum have excellent oxidation resistance, but the electrical conductivity of their oxide scale is insufficient.
At Hitachi Metals, keen efforts have been advanced in the quest to develop interconnect materials capable of satisfying these required properties. Completed in 2005 was work on ZMG™232L, which is ferritic stainless steel. On this occasion, the Company has successfully developed ZMG™232J3 and ZMG™232G10 which are interconnect materials that further improve electrical conductivity, oxidation resistance, and strength beyond the levels achieved in ZMG™232L. Achievements in this area are not limited merely to the supply of materials. Steps are being taken to meet a wide range of customer needs through initiatives for processed products as well.
"Hitachi Metals supplies high-performance materials to support the diffusion of fuel cells, which are clean", saidAkitoshi Hiraki,President of Specialty Steel Company ofHitachi Metals, Ltd. "Hitachi Metals can convert energy with a high degree of efficiency, and continues to contribute to the development of an energy-saving society by providing materials and products that create energy's future".
Sample Supply Schedule
Commenced
Sales Targets
Fiscal 2015: 500 million yen/year
Fiscal 2020: 5 billion yen/year
About Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
Hitachi Metals has built a solid position as a manufacturer of materials and components, developing businesses in broad range of industrial fields. Since our founding in 1910, our management philosophy has been to contribute to society by embodying the optimum corporate performance. With our highly distinctive products, we will be the driving force that helps society achieve sustainable growth.
Additional information about Hitachi Metals is available on the company's web site.
)Press Inquiries:
Akio Minami
Corporate Communications Office
Tel: +81-3-5765-4079
E-mail Akio_Minami@hitachi-metals.co.jp
Customer Inquiries:
Ryuji Takehara
Specialty Steel Company
Tel: +81-3-5765-4121
E-mail Ryuji_Takehara@hitachi-metals.co.jp
This announcement contains results obtained through research into the development of systems and elemental technology on SOFCs commissioned from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).