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Global specialty materials company Solvay (Alpharetta, Ga., U.S.) introduces a new high-heat and flame-retardant grade in the company’s Xydar liquid crystal polymers (LCP) — glass fiber or mineral-filled resins — portfolio, which is designed to meet critical safety demands in electric vehicle (EV) battery components. The Xydar LCP G-330 HH material is said to address challenging thermal and insulation requirements and is targeted particularly at battery module plates of EV models operating with higher voltage systems.

“As automakers are moving from 400V to 800V on next-generation EVs, new regulations in Europe, China the U.S. and other countries are increasing the demand on battery components to withstand temperatures from 300°C to 1,000°C for an extended window of up to 15 minutes,” states Brian Baleno, head of marketing, transportation at Solvay Materials. “Appropriate materials are expected to retain a level of electrical insulation protection that will provide sufficient time for passengers to exit the vehicle in a thermal runaway event. Our new Xydar LCP grade combines this high safety potential with exceptional processability.”

Xydar LCP G-330 HH is a glass-filled LCP for injection molding capable of retaining its electrical insulation upon exposure to 400°C for 30 minutes. Xydar LCP is an inherently flame-retardant polymer, without the use of halogen or bromine additives. In addition, it is said to offer exceptional flowability and helps battery designers achieve thinner parts than possible with incumbent battery module insulation materials, such as polycarbonates or aerogels. It has been successfully tested with plates molded in typical dimensions of 100 ×  150 ×  0.5 mm.

The material is well-suited to many electrical and electronic as well as coating applications. Besides automotive lighting components, sensors, solenoids and connectors, advanced examples in e-mobility include thin-wall slot liners used in the rotor design of an electric drive traction motor.

Xydar LCP G-330 HH extends the portfolio of Solvay’s battery solutions, which also includes Solef PVDF for binders and separators, Ryton PPS for coolant line connectors and vents and Amodel PPA for connectors and busbars.