Research

My research interests are in using experiments combined with applied mathematics to solve energy and pollution problems.

Polymer Composites for Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates
Fuel Cells have been proposed as an alternative to fossil fuels for stationary and transportation applications. In order to make this a possibility, several fundamental changes must occur. One particular area is the development of a new bipolar plate material. These plates separate one cell from another within the fuel cell, and have channels etched to allow for reactant and product flows. These plates are currently made from the addition of a graphite powder to a thermosetting polymer. This polymer cannot be remelted and reused in bipolar plate applications.

In this project we are investigating a more sustainable way to develop the bipolar plate material. This involves the use of a liquid crystal polymer. Furthermore, we are attempting to improve the thermal and electrical conductivities of the fuel cell bipolar plate through the addition of multiple carbon fillers (carbon black, synthetic graphite, and carbon fiber) which has been shown to have a synergistic effect on these important material properties.

After extruding the polymer and filler into pellets, they are injection molded into samples, which are tested for thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and tensile strength. The rheology is tested on the extruded pellets.

Chemical Reactor Dynamics
Tight emissions standards are being developed for diesel fueled vehicles. We are using thermal stability theory to understand the ignition phenomenon within design diesel particulate traps to reduce emission of these harmful particles.

Selected Publications 

J. M. Keith, J. A. King, R. L. Barton, “Electrical Conductivity Modeling of Carbon-Filled Liquid Crystal Polymer Composites,” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 102, 3293-3300 (2006).

J. M. Keith, C. D. Hingst, M. G. Miller, J. A. King, and R. A. Hauser, “Measuring and Predicting In-Plane Thermal Conductivity of Carbon-Filled Nylon 6,6 Polymer Composites,” Polymer Composites, 27, 1-7 (2006)

J. A. King, M. G. Miller, R.L. Barton, J. M. Keith, R. A. Hauser, K. Peterson, and L. L. Sutter, “Thermal and Electrical Conductivity of Carbon-Filled Liquid Crystal Polymer Composites,” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 99, 1552-1558 (2006).

H. Zheng and J. M. Keith (by invitation), “Thermal Stability of Chemical Reactors,” Encyclopedia of Chemical Processing, Sunggyu Lee, editor; vol. 4, pp. 2997-3008 (2005).

F. L. Chan and J. M. Keith, “Designing Reverse Flow Packed Bed Reactors for Stable Treatment of Volatile Organic Compounds,” Journal of Environmental Management, 78, 223-231 (2006).

H. Zheng and J. M. Keith, “Ignition Analysis of Wall-Flow Monolith Diesel Particulate Filters,” Catalysis Today, 98, 403-412 (2004).