Toray TGP-H-060 vs 090 Carbon Paper: Selection Checklist

The main difference in Toray TGP-H-060 vs 090 carbon paper is thickness: TGP-H-060 is listed at 190 µm and TGP-H-090 at 280 µm. That single number drives how you choose gaskets, how much the paper is compressed, and how gas and water move through it. Pick the one that matches your cell hardware first, then confirm porosity and wet-proofing on the datasheet.

Quick answer Choose TGP-H-060 for thinner MEAs and hardware designed around thinner GDLs. Choose TGP-H-090 when your gaskets and flow fields are sized for a thicker layer. Never mix them in a comparison study.

 

Toray TGP-H-060 vs 090 at a glance

Grade	Total thickness	Position in the series
TGP-H-030	110 µm	Thinnest
TGP-H-060	190 µm	Thin
TGP-H-090	280 µm	Medium
TGP-H-120	370 µm	Thickest

 

Thickness values are from the Fuel Cell Store Toray carbon paper listing. For porosity, density, electrical resistivity and gas permeability, use the current Toray datasheet for the exact grade and lot you buy.

Match thickness to your gasket and compression

Carbon paper must be compressed enough to make good electrical contact, but not so much that pores collapse or fibres break. The gasket sets that compression. Work it out before you order:

1. Note the paper’s uncompressed thickness (190 µm for 060, 280 µm for 090).
2. Note the gasket thickness on that side of the MEA.
3. Compression = (paper thickness − gasket thickness) ÷ paper thickness.
4. Compare the result with the compression range your fixture or group normally uses.
5. If the numbers do not fit, change the gasket or the paper grade, not the bolt torque alone.

Our MEA and GDE test fixture setup guide covers fixture assembly and torque.

Mass transport and water management

A thicker paper adds distance for gas and water to travel and adds electrical resistance through the layer, while also offering more mechanical support over flow-field channels. A thinner paper shortens those paths but may sag into channels under compression. Which matters more depends on your flow-field design, operating current and humidity, so test both if you are unsure.

Plain or wet-proofed?

Toray paper is sold both untreated and wet-proofed with PTFE. Wet-proofing changes how the paper handles liquid water. Decide whether you need it, and at what PTFE level, before comparing grades; a 060 with PTFE and a 090 without is not a fair thickness comparison. If you plan to add your own microporous layer, tell your supplier so they can advise on the base paper.

Selection checklist before you order

• Gasket thickness and target compression worked out for each grade.
• Same grade and PTFE treatment across every cell in a comparison.
• Sheet size large enough for your active area plus cutting margin.
• Datasheet values (porosity, resistivity, permeability) for the exact grade.
• Microporous layer plan: none, supplier-applied or your own.
• Enough spare sheets for repeats.

For context on membranes, catalysts and other layers, see our fuel cell research materials overview, or browse carbon paper and fuel cell materials. The right grade depends on your hardware; Canrd’s support team can help you check the numbers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Toray TGP-H-060 and 090?

Mainly thickness. TGP-H-060 is listed at 190 µm and TGP-H-090 at 280 µm total thickness. That affects gasket choice, compression, electrical resistance through the layer and how gas and water move. Check the Toray datasheet for porosity and resistivity of the exact grade you buy.

Does Toray carbon paper come wet-proofed?

Yes, it is sold both untreated and wet-proofed with PTFE. Decide on the treatment before comparing grades, and keep it the same across every cell in a study. If you will add a microporous layer yourself, ask your supplier which base paper suits that process.

Which Toray paper should I use for a small test cell?

Start from your fixture’s gasket and compression design, not the paper. Calculate compression for both 060 and 090 with your gasket thickness and pick the grade that lands in your usual range. Many groups standardise on one grade so results stay comparable.

 

Not sure which thickness fits your cell? Send us your gasket and fixture details, and we will help you choose: email our lab team.