The present invention provides a method of making a gasketed fuel cell
membrane electrode assembly by simultaneously binding together the parts
of the MEA, impregnating uncured elastomeric gasket material into the
outer edge portions of each fluid transport layer, and substantially
curing the uncured elastomeric gasket material so as to form anode-side
and cathode-side gaskets. In order to form a raised-ridge microstructured
contact pattern on the contact face of each gasket, patterning plates
bearing a negative relief of a raised-ridge microstructured contact
pattern may be positioned between the press platens and the uncured
elastomeric gasket material.