Two formal design methodologies, biomimetic design and the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, TRIZ, were applied to the redesign of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Proof of concept prototyping was performed on two of the concepts for water management. The liquid water collection with strategically placed wicks concept demonstrated the potential benefits for a fuel cell. Conversely, the periodic flow direction reversal concepts might cause a potential reduction water removal from a fuel cell. The causes of this water removal reduction remain unclear. In additional, three of the concepts generated with biomimetic design were further studied and demonstrated to stimulate more creative ideas in the thermal and water management of fuel cells. The biomimetic design and the TRIZ methodologies were successfully applied to fuel cells and provided different perspectives to the redesign of fuel cells. The methodologies should continue to be used to improve fuel cells.

Two formal design methodologies, biomimetic design and the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, TRIZ, were applied to the redesign of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell. Proof of concept prototyping was performed on two of the concepts for water management. The liquid water collection with strategically placed wicks concept demonstrated the potential benefits for a fuel cell. Conversely, the periodic flow direction reversal concepts might cause a potential reduction water removal from a fuel cell. The causes of this water removal reduction remain unclear. In additional, three of the concepts generated with biomimetic design were further studied and demonstrated to stimulate more creative ideas in the thermal and water management of fuel cells. The biomimetic design and the TRIZ methodologies were successfully applied to fuel cells and provided different perspectives to the redesign of fuel cells. The methodologies should continue to be used to improve fuel cells.

Pour combiner les bonnes propriétés mécaniques des matériaux métalliques et obtenir des surfaces bioactives, des revêtements de phosphate de calcium (Ca-P) ont été développés. Le but est d’améliorer la biocompatibilité et la bioactivité du système et créer une barrière contre l’éventuelle libération d’ions toxiques du substrat métallique. Notre démarche a été de développer une nouvelle voie de synthèse. Après un polissage mécanique et décapage chimique du substrat de Titane ou Ti–6Al–4V une couche intermédiaire en titanate de sodium a été obtenue par un prétraitement alcalin sur les substrats. Elle a été ensuite soumise à un traitement thermique afin de créer une couche alvéolaire nanométrique. Celle-ci facilite la croissance une couche de phosphate de calcium par voie autocatalytique d'une manière similaire au procédé de formation de l'os naturel. La caractérisation et l’étude des revêtements des Ca-P obtenus par les trois bains (acides, alcalins et oxydant) sur les substrats métalliques ont été réalisés. Les dépôts ont été étudiés d’un point de vue structural et morphologique. La stabilité des couches de Ca-P a été mesurée dans le fluide corporel (SBF) pour des périodes différentes utilisant des analyses biochimiques. En conclusion, cette méthode est une solution peu coûteuse, fiable, et utilisable à l'échelle industrielle. La couche de Ca-P aussi bien que le titanate de sodium obtenus peuvent permettre d’être imprégnés par des agents actifs comme un ou plusieurs agents antibactériens. / To combine the good mechanical properties of metallic substrate with the bioactivity of some ceramics, to obtain bioactive surface, a calcium phosphate (Ca-P) coating has been developed. The goal is to improve the biocompatibility and bioactivity of metallic implant and create a barrier against the possible release of toxic ions from the metallic substrate. Our approach has been to develop a new synthetic route. After mechanical polishing and chemical etching of the titanium or Ti-6Al-4V substrates, an interlayer of sodium titanate was obtained by an alkaline pretreatment of the substrates. Then, it was subjected to a heat treatment to create a nanometeric layer. The latter facilitates the growth of a layer of Ca-P by means of an electroless manner similar to the forming process of the natural bone. Characterization and study of Ca-P coatings obtained by the three baths (acids, alkalis and oxidizing) on metallic substrates have been made. The deposits were studied from a structural and morphological point of view. The stability of Ca-P layers was measured in simulated body fluid (SBF) for different periods using biochemical analyzes. In conclusion, this method is a cheap and reliable solution that can be used on an industrial scale. The Ca-P as well as the sodium titanate layers can afford to be impregnated with active agents such as one or more antibacterial agents.