Huntsman is announcing the development of innovative polyurethane, carbon nanotube and epoxy materials at The Battery Show this week – 23/25 MAY, Messe Stuttgart, Stuttgart, German – which are all designed to help improve the integration of batteries into electric vehicles and enhance their protection and performance.
In a move that helps to deliver high-performance composite battery structures, alongside design and production flexibility, Huntsman has assembled a portfolio of customisable, quick-cure, high-strength polyurethane and epoxy resins that can be used to create underbody and top cover battery protection components up to 30% quicker than some
existing technologies. Crucially, the products can also lower overall part weight and increase strength and structural performance.
A range of products is currently available covering various battery performance and protection needs:
* Targeting underbody battery protection, Huntsman offers RIMLINE® WCM
system – a low viscosity liquid resin that enables the moulding of
high fiber volume fraction composites under low pressure. Balancing a
long working life and short cure time with easy mould release, this
system can help reduce overall cycle times and is formulated for use on
high pressure-mix machines.
* For battery enclosures, ARALDITE® FST resins allow the design of
flame-retardant composite parts. These OEM-qualified systems have proven
performance and reliability, meeting battery safety requirements.
Targeting battery underfloor protection, Huntsman has developed three
products:
* RIMLINE® FC (foam core) system can offer a cost-effective solution
for manufacturing sandwich composites. This lightweight system has great
flow properties, which can help with the creation of complex 3D shapes.
This system can typically also adhere well to different overmoulding
materials and cure quickly for fast cycle times.
* RIMLINE® LFI (long fiber injection) resin system can be moulded into
strong stiff parts with a density of – for example – 1100 kg/m3
including 30% glass fiber reinforcement. The resulting parts can help to
provide lower total sandwich thickness and improved damage tolerance.
* ARALDITE® 3031 / 3032 WCM system has proven in operation to combine
fastest processing cure time and outstanding mechanical properties and
stiffness.
Irina Bolshakova, Global Strategic Marketing Lead for Automotive Polyurethanes at Huntsman, said: “As demand for electric vehicles grows, we’re continually innovating, making it easier than ever for battery manufacturers, automotive OEMs and their suppliers to make new gains in powertrain performance. We’re excited to share details of our new systems at The Battery Show and discuss the latest challenges with customers face-to-face.”