LANXESS: Introduces glass fiber-reinforced PA6 for the production of battery casings

Specialty chemicals company LANXESS and South Korean auto parts specialist INFAC have jointly developed a battery module housing for electric vehicles (EVs)
.

The battery housing uses LANXESS' Durethan BKV30FN04 to meet the stringent mechanical and chemical performance requirements of the latest electric vehicle components
.
This halogen-free, flame retardant and glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) is characterized by excellent flame retardant and electrical properties
.
The material is highly machinable and enables the integration of complex functions required for housing components, resulting in reduced part count, simplified assembly, and reduced weight
.

A new battery housing part has been adopted into mass production of an electric model launched this year by a Korean OEM
.

Milan Vignjevic, head of the LANXESS High Performance Materials (HPM) business unit Asia Pacific, said: "The success of the series production of battery housings demonstrates LANXESS Durethan's excellence in the field of electric vehicle batteries, where technology and safety are paramount
.
Our high-performance plastics will make a significant contribution to the electric vehicle and battery markets
.
"

Flame retardant plastic with excellent mechanical and electrical properties

Shock absorption and thermal management are critical for battery module housings to protect the battery from external shocks
.
Durethan BKV30FN04 is not only mechanically strong, but also has high-voltage insulation properties, can withstand voltages up to 800V, and can effectively block high-voltage currents
.
It has strong flame retardant properties and can prevent or delay the spread of flames in the event of a fire
.
Glass fiber reinforced Durethan BKV30FN04 is better than unfilled PA6 for durability to mechanical loads
.

Additionally, it retains excellent strength and stiffness when in contact with electrolytes or cooling media, and is chemically resistant to inhibit chemically induced damage
.

Engineering plastics from LANXESS can be used in a variety of battery components, including battery covers, high-voltage connectors, cable holders, and piping for cell cooling systems, as well as components for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, such as hydrogen storage tanks
.
It can also replace metal in various components, enabling lightweight designs
.
Its ability to produce multiple functional parts in a single process is also a driver of continued demand in the next-generation transportation market, where many technologies and components come into play
.

Gyuso Lee, Head of Purchasing and Development at INFAC, said: "The high-quality materials, technical expertise and custom engineering services provided by LANXESS allow us to accelerate our growth
.
This helps strengthen our position in the fast-growing EV battery components market.

.
"

Sanghun Han, Head of HPM Korea, said: "LANXESS works closely with the world's leading automotive OEMs, including those from South Korea
.
This is why we were able to identify trends and challenges in electric vehicles at an early stage and participate in various electric vehicle and Battery development projects
.
With the success stories we have accumulated with our customers, we are establishing ourselves as a key material partner for new mobility
.
”

INFAC is a Korean auto parts manufacturer specializing in automotive control cables, actuators, antennas and battery packs
.
Since its establishment in 1969, INFAC has established 17 factories in South Korea, the United States, Mexico, China, the Czech Republic, India and Vietnam, providing auto parts to the world's leading automakers
.
With its continuous R&D efforts in automotive components ranging from chassis, electronics and driving components to eco-friendly vehicles and future smart cars, the company is strengthening its position as a global OEM component supplier
.
It currently has around 1,500 employees around the world
.