SABIC tests have shown that phase-change thermoplastics have great potential for preventing thermal runaway in electric vehicle batteries
2024-11-23
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), a globally renowned diversified chemical company, has released test results showing that thermoplastic-based heat pad solutions have great potential in preventing the spread of electric vehicle (EV) battery fires. A series of tests at the SABIC secondary system level demonstrated that the company's STAMAX™ 30YH570 long glass fiber polypropylene (PP) resin cell module housing, with a thickness as low as 1 mm between cells, can be used as an effective thermal barrier solution to prevent the uncontrolled thermal propagation of 18650 cylindrical cells. It has the necessary insulation and flame retardant properties, so it reduces the chance of thermal runaway spreading between cells, thereby reducing the risk of catastrophic safety incidents. This material is also very effective when combined with compressible foam, which can effectively inhibit the thermal runaway propagation of square cells and soft pack cells.
Prior to this test, SABIC's STAMAX 30YH570 resin was also independently evaluated. In 2023, the product received the UL certification mark from Underwriters Laboratories for its effective flame retardation performance. The evaluation is based on the UL 2596 test method for thermal and mechanical properties of battery housing materials, which is tested using a thermal runaway housing.
Fahad Al-Harthi, Global Head of the Automotive business at SABIC Polymers, said: "We are pleased to share that our thermoplastic solutions have once again proven their potential for use in electric vehicle battery components and systems. Our portfolio of flame-retardant materials, combined with our expertise in application design and combustion-polymer interactions, helps enable new thermal runaway barrier methods. We look forward to continuing to work with the entire automotive value chain to help improve the safety, efficiency and performance of EV battery systems."
Thermal runaway barrier test
Thermal runaway spread tests were performed on 15 commercial 18650 lithium battery cells, which used STAMAX 30YH570 resin injection moulded blocks as heat pads, and 11 21700 lithium battery cells, which were enclosed in steel chambers. The way to generate heat abuse in the initial cell is to heat the cell through electrical insulation tape, so that it begins to lose thermal control. In tests without thermal barriers, the electrical and chemical energy stored in the cell is released in the form of high-temperature gases, open flames, high-speed particles, and pressure surges inside and outside the test chamber. Because the heat transfer is uncontrolled, the thermal runaway immediately spreads to all adjacent cells, causing a fire hazard and severe damage to the EV battery pack.
In contrast, in tests using STAMAX 30YH570 resin injection blocks as thermal barriers, the heat transfer and thermal propagation generated by the initial excitation cells were effectively suppressed, and all remaining cells remained safe and intact.
This flame-retardant material undergoes phase transitions from solids to liquids and gases and removes heat during severe thermal runaway through latent heat and expansion functions, thus acting as an effective barrier, delaying heat transfer and fire spread.
Prior to this test, SABIC's STAMAX 30YH570 resin was also independently evaluated. In 2023, the product received the UL certification mark from Underwriters Laboratories for its effective flame retardation performance. The evaluation is based on the UL 2596 test method for thermal and mechanical properties of battery housing materials, which is tested using a thermal runaway housing.
Fahad Al-Harthi, Global Head of the Automotive business at SABIC Polymers, said: "We are pleased to share that our thermoplastic solutions have once again proven their potential for use in electric vehicle battery components and systems. Our portfolio of flame-retardant materials, combined with our expertise in application design and combustion-polymer interactions, helps enable new thermal runaway barrier methods. We look forward to continuing to work with the entire automotive value chain to help improve the safety, efficiency and performance of EV battery systems."
Thermal runaway barrier test
Thermal runaway spread tests were performed on 15 commercial 18650 lithium battery cells, which used STAMAX 30YH570 resin injection moulded blocks as heat pads, and 11 21700 lithium battery cells, which were enclosed in steel chambers. The way to generate heat abuse in the initial cell is to heat the cell through electrical insulation tape, so that it begins to lose thermal control. In tests without thermal barriers, the electrical and chemical energy stored in the cell is released in the form of high-temperature gases, open flames, high-speed particles, and pressure surges inside and outside the test chamber. Because the heat transfer is uncontrolled, the thermal runaway immediately spreads to all adjacent cells, causing a fire hazard and severe damage to the EV battery pack.
In contrast, in tests using STAMAX 30YH570 resin injection blocks as thermal barriers, the heat transfer and thermal propagation generated by the initial excitation cells were effectively suppressed, and all remaining cells remained safe and intact.
This flame-retardant material undergoes phase transitions from solids to liquids and gases and removes heat during severe thermal runaway through latent heat and expansion functions, thus acting as an effective barrier, delaying heat transfer and fire spread.
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