COMPOSITES EXCHANGE by Westlake Epoxy
To enable future mobility, electric vehicles continue to increase their driving range using more energy-dense battery packs with greater quantities of individual cells. These batteries pose a potential safety risk in the unlikely scenario where they experience an electrical short that leads to a thermal runaway condition. The newest automotive design standards are now detailing the required performance of an electric vehicle battery enclosure regarding the minimum thermo mechanical safety constraints. The design of the battery enclosure thus becomes critical in preventing and safeguarding against a thermal runaway. A phenolic sheet molding compound is compared against traditional enclosure materials to evaluate their high temperature resistance up to 1600 °C. The phenolic composite is shown to be the best-in-class and only material capable of delivering the required thermal performance without secondary countermeasures.
Speakers:
Lars MOSER, Technology Manager, Westlake Epoxy (formerly “Hexion Coatings and Composites”)
Jean-Philippe SAUVAGET, Director Business Development Automotive Europe, Westlake Epoxy (formerly “Hexion Coatings and Composites”)