Application of Polymer Based Materials for Automotive Battery Applications

摘要

The automotive industry has seen a developing trend to reduce the weight of passenger vehicles in the past decade. This lightweight trend has been mainly driven by regulations to reduce CO2 emissions of the vehicle fleet. Recently, lightweight construction strategies have been further fueled by the escalating investment in electric vehicles. Trends in emissions regulation, a growing desire towards adoption of electric vehicles, and automotive OEM plans to produce electrically driven vehicles in greater volumes has led to strong growth forecasts for hybrid and fully electric powertrains. To provide long driving ranges, batteries with high energy density are needed. Several battery strategies are being employed, but what all long-range durable battery concepts have in common is that polymer-based materials can enable lightweight solutions for battery pack assembly and sealing, and enhance safety for end use consumers. We report how polymer chemistry-based solutions including engineered thermoplastic resins, fracture toughened adhesives, and thermal interface materials can enable the manufacturing, safety and lifelong performance of high voltage batteries for the transportation industry. Polyimide polymers and composites can be used for electrical insulation, and chemical & temperature resistance. Meta-aramid materials are lightweight while providing an effective flame barrier against thermal runaway, and intrusion protection for battery cell shielding. Fracture toughened structural epoxy and polyurethane adhesives allow impact resistant joining of aluminum or composite battery enclosures. Silane modified polymers offer very good adhesion, environmental sealing & fire-resistant properties. We further report how thermally conductive structural polyurethane adhesives as well as thermally conductive gapfillers enable thermal management of battery cells or modules to cooling units. Polymer chemistry enabled solutions for the manufacturing of battery modules and packs to improve their lifelong performance and safety will be discussed.