Specialty chemicals company LANXESS and South Korean auto parts specialist INFAC have jointly developed a battery module housing for electric vehicles (EV).
The battery shell uses LANXESS` Durethan BKV30FN04 to meet the strict mechanical and chemical performance requirements of the latest electric vehicle components. Halogen-free flame-retardant glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) has excellent flame-retardant properties and electrical properties. The material has a high degree of workability and can integrate complex functions required by housing components, thereby reducing the number of parts, simplifying the assembly process, and reducing weight.
The new battery housing components have been used in the mass production of electric car models launched by South Korean OEMs this year. "The success of the mass production of battery cases proves LANXESS Durethan's excellence in electric vehicle batteries, where technology and safety are of paramount importance. Our high-performance plastics will make a significant contribution to the electric vehicle and battery market," LANXESS Asia Pacific Milan Vignjevic, head of the High Performance Materials (HPM) business unit, said. For the battery module housing, in order to protect the battery from external shocks, shock absorption and thermal management are essential. Durethan BKV30FN04 is not only mechanically sturdy, but also has high-voltage insulation, can withstand voltages up to 800 V, and can effectively prevent high-voltage currents, and has strong flame-retardant properties.
The durability of glass fiber reinforced Durethan BKV30FN04 to mechanical loads is better than that of unfilled PA6. In addition, when in contact with electrolyte or cooling medium, it maintains excellent strength and rigidity, and is chemically resistant to inhibit chemically induced damage. LANXESS' engineering plastics can be applied to a wide range of battery components, including battery covers, high-voltage connectors, cable supports and battery cooling system pipes, as well as parts for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, such as hydrogen storage tanks. It can also replace metals in various components, achieve lightweight design, and produce multiple functional components. This is the driving force for the continued growth of the next-generation transportation and mobility market. “LANXESS’ high-quality materials, expertise and custom engineering services have allowed us to accelerate the pace of development. This helps to consolidate our position in the fast-growing market for electric vehicle battery components,” said Gyuso Lee, head of procurement and development at INFA. INFAC is a Korean auto parts manufacturer specializing in the production of automotive control cables, actuators, antennas and battery packs. Since its establishment in 1969, INFAC has operated 17 factories in South Korea, the United States, Mexico, China, the Czech Republic, India and Vietnam, providing auto parts to the world's leading automakers. With its continuous R&D efforts in the field of auto parts, from chassis, electronics and drive components to environmentally friendly cars and future smart cars, the company is consolidating its position as a global OEM component supplier. The company currently has approximately 1,500 employees worldwide.