Introducing Ultramid Expand: A particle foam for electric vehicle batteries
Ultramid Expand stands out with its exceptional heat resistance and mechanical properties, making it an ideal choice for high-temperature applications, withstanding temperatures above 120°C. Furthermore, it exhibits outstanding chemical resistance to automotive fluids, ensuring long-lasting durability and reliability. Key feature of this new foam is its drop-in compatibility with existing expanded polypropylene (EPP) tools, making it a straightforward and cost-effective solution for manufacturers. The foam is also compatible with cathodic dip coating and can be easily recycled, highlighting BASF's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the plastics industry. The applications of this particle foam are diverse and include battery protection, battery cell holders, and complex 3D geometries.
Long-lasting protection and performance with the right surface treatment and coatings
For optimal protection and enhanced performance across a wide range of platform designs and battery systems, BASF offers a range of innovative coating solutions. These solutions, spanning from pretreatment to e-coat, are instrumental in achieving the desired outcomes. A standout technology is Chemetall's eco-friendly Oxsilan® thin film technology, which applies a uniform and protective layer on metal surfaces. When combined with CathoGuard technology, this unique combination significantly bolsters corrosion protection, thereby improving the durability and performance of battery systems. BASF's CathoGuard portfolio further ensures comprehensive corrosion protection for multi-metal car bodies and components, including battery covers, ensuring that all vital components remain shielded from the damaging effects of corrosion.
In a next step of innovation, Chemetall is developing non-chrome surface treatment solutions for copper foil, which is used as anode current collector. Removing hexavalent chromium from the passivation process promotes both a safer and more sustainable future. Additionally, BASF is developing protective interfacial coatings for electrode foils, an exciting advancement towards safeguarding cathodes and anodes, whilst also enhancing performance. Such coatings help to enable novel battery systems, for example Lithium solid state, or Lithium-Sulfur cells. BASF’s portfolio of surface treatment and coating solutions therefore not only provide corrosion protection but also can enhance performance and lifespan of battery cells, enabling development of further improved battery systems.
Smoother processing with the right additives
High-performance processing additives empower battery cell manufacturers to overcome challenges in all aspects of battery cell manufacturing, such as conductive slurry preparation, improved performance and enable an enhanced runability on the coating lines. BASF’s portfolio of innovative processing additives provides suitable solutions to overcome current and future requirements and challenges, enabling a smoother and more efficient manufacturing experience.
Overcoming the limits of lithium-ion batteries
To achieve cleaner and more efficient batteries the need for high-performance materials increases. Despite improvements over recent years Lithium-ion batteries still offer room for technical improvement, particularly in terms of charge capacity. Licity binders have been designed to overcome the current limits of the technology. The waterborne binders possess high colloidal stability, making them highly compatible with cobinders like CMC. In addition, they exhibit exceptional processability and superior coating behavior, as well as excellent mechanics and electrochemical performance. With these unique properties, Licity binders enable an increased performance for Lithium-ion cells, contributing to the development of cleaner and more efficient batteries.
Sealant component for batteries and electronics
OPPANOL is a highly versatile polyisobutylene that is an excellent choice for enhancing the performance and efficiency of next-generation batteries in automotive applications. By using OPPANOL as a binder, the risk of electrochemical disturbances is significantly minimized. Its chemical inertness ensures that it does not react with the electrolyte or other components of the battery, preventing the formation of undesirable byproducts or detrimental reactions that could compromise the battery‘s performance. In addition, high molecular weight OPPANOL exhibits superior elasticity and elongation. This means that it can effectively accompany the mechanical expansions and contractions during battery operation, reducing the risk of physical damage or premature failure.
Extensive portfolio for the automotive industry
Modern vehicles are already heavily based on chemical products and solutions. BASF is the world’s leading chemical supplier to the automotive industry. The company cooperates closely with customers worldwide through its network across the regions. Supplying functional materials and solutions the company enables vehicles to be built more efficiently and with a lower environmental impact. But chemistry is set to play an even greater role in the future as it contributes significantly to solving the mobility challenges ahead. BASF expects the chemical content of cars to increase further as a result of developments in automotive industry with regard to sustainability, electromobility, new interior concepts, safety and comfort. Leveraging its broad portfolio of innovative technologies and solutions, BASF strives to empower automotive manufacturers and suppliers to create the next generation of vehicles that are safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.
