Evonik addresses the need for high-voltage batteries for electric vehicles

Evonik is expanding its portfolio of PA12 compounds for insulated electrical conductors with the Vestamid LX9050 OR
.
By using a halogen-free flame retardant that complies with IEC60754, the compound meets the V-0 flammability classification requirements of UL94
.
Busbars insulated with the new RAL 2003 signal orange material can be used at operating temperatures up to 125°C
.

In the future, busbars made of copper or aluminum in the high-voltage batteries of electric vehicles will require safer protection against electrical failures and associated fire risks at voltages of 1000 V and above
.
Evonik has developed the new Vestamid LX9050 OR PA12 compound, which contains halogen-free fire protection additives to achieve the highest fire resistance with a flammability rating of V-0
.
Coating thicknesses from 0.
5 to 0.
7 mm meet insulation requirements for busbar profiles from 30 to approx.
150 mm²
.
RAL 2003's signature orange color permanently and at a glance shows high-voltage applications
.

Copper or aluminium profiles are coated by co-extrusion and the good processability of Vestamid LX9050 OR allows higher extrusion speeds
.
Good adhesion to metal core; no adhesion promoter required
.
Due to the high elasticity of the compound, the coated busbars can be easily shaped after extrusion and can even be bent to small radii without losing the protective effect of the Vestamid insulating layer
.

"The new high-performance plastics developed by Evonik specifically for electric vehicles offer the highest possible flame-retardant properties, excellent insulating properties, and a very favourable processing process from extrusion to moulded busbar components, making possible the energy management of electric vehicles performance, making it more efficient and, above all, significantly safer,” said Eckart Ruban, responsible for the electric vehicle business of Evonik’s Performance Polymers business unit
.

The compound is also suitable for processing by injection moulding
.
In addition, thanks to the halogen-free flame retardant, it can also be used in the manufacture of automotive electrical or other components in the electrical industry
.
The newly developed compound complements Evonik's existing RAL-signature orange PA12 product range with V-2 and HB classifications
.