Electrically conductive polymer composites for bipolar plate were fabricated by two-step compression molding technique. Raw materials consisted of natural graphite flakes (G), expanded graphite (EG), carbon black (CB), and phenol resin (PF). The G/EG/CB/PF composites were first compressed at a temperature lower than curing point (100 degrees C) and then cured at a high temperature above curing point (150 degrees C) and high pressure (10 MPa). Results showed that G and EG are oriented in the direction parallel to the composite plate surface. CB is dispersed not only in the phenol resin matrix but also in the packing and porous space of G and EG. The addition of EG and CB significantly increases number of the electrical channels and thus enhances the electrical conductivity of the composite. Under optimal conditions, electrical conductivity and flexural strength of the composite were 2.80 x 10(4) S/m and 55 MPa, respectively, suggesting that the dipolar plates prepared by two-step compression molding technique are adequate to meet the requirement of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2296-2302, 2013