Cell insulation material: the cornerstone of safety and performance of new energy batteries
Amidst the global energy transition, the new energy industry is thriving, and the performance and safety of battery cells, as the core components of new energy batteries, are receiving significant attention. As the "protector" of battery cells, battery cell insulation materials are becoming a key factor in the industry's development.
During the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, the electrochemical reaction is complex, releasing not only heat but also accompanied by changes in electrical stress. Without high-quality insulation materials, the battery cell is prone to issues such as short circuits and electric leakage, which not only significantly shortens the battery life but may also cause serious safety accidents, endangering the life and property of users. Therefore, the insulation materials for the battery cell must possess excellent insulation properties, effectively blocking current and preventing electric leakage; at the same time, they must have excellent thermal stability to cope with the high temperatures generated during the operation of the battery cell, ensuring stable insulation performance under different temperature conditions.
Lankwitzer has made remarkable achievements in the field of battery cell insulation materials. Since its establishment in 1952, with over 70 years of profound technical accumulation, it has grown into an international industrial coatings giant. The world's first commercial battery cell coating product series developed by it, such as EvoProtect 455 UV and its derivative series, are customized for different components of battery cells. This series of materials has ultra-fast curing characteristics. After ultraviolet irradiation, it can be cured in less than 5 seconds, greatly improving production efficiency. It also supports automated production, effectively ensuring stable and consistent product quality. Taking EvoProtect 455 UV (ue55 - 0500/7), developed specifically for the Chinese market, as an example, its shear strength is greater than 12mpa, curing energy is low, insulation withstand voltage is greater than 6kvdc, dielectric strength is greater than 150kv/mm, and insulation resistance is > 10gω. Even after 1000 hours of 85/85 aging test, it can still meet customer's customized needs excellently, and its reliability and durability are widely praised. Currently, Lankwitzer has supplied materials for over 450 million commercial battery cells, with products selling well worldwide and a material recycling rate of nearly 100%, leading the industry.
Nippon is also actively expanding its presence in the battery cell insulation material market. Its new generation of UV insulation material, utilizing self-developed resin, boasts excellent voltage insulation performance, reliable adhesion, and tensile strength, while achieving zero VOC emissions and outstanding environmental performance. In coating applications, this material, coupled with fully automated spraying technology, can achieve a single spray thickness of around 50 microns, requiring only UV curing and avoiding high-temperature baking and high energy consumption, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency for enterprises. Furthermore, Nippon has innovatively launched NP350 high-performance passive fireproof material, featuring fire retardancy, high insulation performance, high adhesion, and resistance to high and low temperature impacts. It has been successfully applied in projects such as Geely commercial vehicle models, transforming leading technology into practical commercial value.
Sherwin-Williams' Powdura® EV insulating powder material, Ultra Cure® UV light-curing material, and Perclad® high-temperature insulating liquid material provide comprehensive protection for the safe operation of batteries, thanks to their excellent insulation, flame retardant, corrosion resistance, and high edge and corner coverage performance. These products have undergone multiple rounds of technological iteration, boasting excellent heat resistance, pressure resistance, and corrosion resistance, while reducing construction difficulty and improving coating production efficiency.
The brand-new powder material technology from AkzoNobel's Resicoat brand offers superior electrical protection for battery cells with a single spray application. It is suitable for components such as cooling plates, side plates, and battery covers, effectively enhancing efficiency and productivity, while also resisting thermal shock, water immersion, and chemical erosion.
Battery cell insulation materials have become an indispensable force in the development of the new energy industry, owing to their crucial role in ensuring battery cell safety and enhancing battery performance. With continuous technological innovation and improvement, and sustained efforts by enterprises in the field of battery cell insulation materials, they will provide stronger support for the prosperity and development of the new energy industry, helping to build a sustainable energy future.