Maintains shape for up to 600 seconds at temperatures above 1000℃
Lotte Chemical announced on the 20th that it has developed a high-strength flame-retardant plastic that can delay the thermal runaway phenomenon in electric vehicle batteries.
The main cause of fires in lithium-ion battery electric vehicles is the thermal runaway phenomenon of the battery. Due to physical shocks or electrical shocks such as overvoltage and overdischarge, the internal temperature of the battery can increase by about 1000℃ or more within just a few minutes.
The metal materials previously applied to batteries are being replaced with plastics for fuel efficiency improvement and cost reduction purposes, and with the increase in fire accidents, there is a demand for the development of materials that can slow down fire spread.
Accordingly, Lotte Chemical developed a material applied with Short Glass Fiber (PP/SGF) and a material supplemented with stiffness using Long Glass Fiber (PP/LGF), respectively.
These products have better moldability compared to engineering plastics and offer the advantage of weight reduction. They are also eco-friendly as they do not contain halogens, harmful substances that provide flame-retardant performance.
They were recognized for high-temperature and impact strength performance through thermal performance and mechanical performance test evaluations by UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science. Through its own battery thermal runaway test, it was confirmed that PP/SGF can withstand over 300 seconds and PP/LGF over 600 seconds while maintaining the original shape of the molded product at temperatures above 1000℃.
Lotte Chemical explained that applying this to batteries is expected to delay combustion time in case of fire, minimizing secondary damage and helping secure the time needed for fire suppression.
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