Figure 4.

3D microstructural analysis for evaluating transport properties. (a) X-μCT 3D images of the pristine GDL and (b) that with the hydrophobic thread; the thread and the carbon cloth are segmented (scale bar is 1 mm). (c) Change in bulk porosity due to the existing thread. (d) Porosity distribution for the pristine carbon cloth and (e) with the hydrophilic thread. Analysis of the effect of the thread on (f) diffusivity, (g) permeability, and (h) thermal conductivity (the pristine carbon cloth is black and that with the thread is blue). Error bars represent SD (n = 3); *ns = not significant, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.005, ***p < 0.0005, and **** p < 0.0001.