AIMPLAS develops conversion process for thermoplastic composites to replace metal components in battery systems

According to foreign media reports, the Spanish technology center AIMPLAS has received funding from the local government of Valencia to carry out the VETERIA21 project to develop new and more efficient conversion processes for thermoplastic composites, so as to replace the metal components of electric vehicle batteries
.

These materials ensure a significant reduction in vehicle weight, thereby extending battery life
.
Not only that, these materials are also recyclable, thus aligning with a circular economy
.
Current lithium-ion battery modules are made of stainless steel and aluminum and are large and heavy, accounting for 20 to 30 percent of a vehicle's weight
.

Begoña Galindo, head of the Sustainability and Future Mobility Group at AIMPLAS, said: "In general, metal components make up 73% of a car's weight
.
Thermoset composites are therefore a lightweight alternative to battery casings
.
But their recyclability and productivity are not high.
, while thermoplastic composites have higher recyclability and productivity and can be used as an alternative to thermoset composites
.
”

Thermoplastic composites have gradually become the main material for vehicle weight reduction
.
In addition, the material also has advantages in mechanical resistance, adaptability to different manufacturing processes, short manufacturing cycles, the ability to combine with other materials, weldability, easy recyclability, and adaptability to the circular economy
.