a composite bipolar plate for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is prepared as follows : a ) compounding vinyl ester and graphite powder to form bulk molding compound material , the graphite powder content ranging from 60 wt % to 95 wt % based on the total weight of the graphite powder and vinyl ester , wherein carbon fiber 1 - 20 wt %, modified organo clay or noble metal plated modified organo clay 0 . 5 - 10 wt %, and one or more conductive fillers selected form : carbon nanotube 0 . 1 - 5 wt %, nickel plated carbon fiber 0 . 5 - 10 wt %, nickel plated graphite 2 . 5 - 40 wt %, and carbon black 2 - 30 wt %, based on the weight of the vinyl ester resin , are added during the compounding ; b ) molding the bmc material from step a ) to form a bipolar plate having a desired shaped at 80 - 200 ° c . and 500 - 4000 psi .