EVs & battery tech 51 www.aftermarketonline.net JUNE 2024 Innovation in the fast lane Huntsman unveils its new SHOKLESS polyurethane systems to help protect electric vehicle batteries Automotive experts from Huntsman have added a series of new lightweight, durable polyurethane foam technologies to the company’s battery solutions portfolio that have been developed for the potting and fixation of cells mounted in EV batteries. The new range also includes products that can be used as a moldable encapsulant in battery modules or packs. The new SHOKLESS foam systems can offer a flexible choice for helping to safeguard the structural integrity of EV batteries in case of impact or a thermal event. The product family includes a range of low to high density foams that can be used via common polyurethane dispensing processes and can offer a wide processing window for extra handling flexibility. These new solutions can help provide thermal as well as structural protection at a cell, module, or pack level combined with fast processability compared to non-polyurethane alternatives. The moldable encapsulant version of the SHOKLESS system can further expand design and manufacturing options for EV battery manufacturers and OEMs. Incorporating robust mechanical properties, the new SHOKLESS systems can offer very good compression and tensile performance with high elongation to failure. Elastic performance can remain stable at different operating temperatures ranging from -35ºC to 80ºC, based on dynamic mechanical analysis tests conducted in Huntsman’s R&D laboratory in Belgium. The new systems have also been developed to be easy to work with thanks to their low viscosity and ability to cure quickly at low temperatures. Alex Stepuk, Huntsman’s global market segment leader automotive, said: “As the drive to create more EVs continues to accelerate, we are applying our knowhow to the challenges facing automotive manufacturers and developing new products that help to address clearly identifiable gaps in the market. “We are delighted to extend the breadth of our SHOKLESS portfolio into the EV battery sector.” SHOKLESS polyurethane systems are generally compatible with a number of different manufacturing methods such as open- and closed-pour (injection) and cold-cure molding. Certain products in the range can also be dispensed with high pressure equipment. Huntsman also offers simulation and modelling capabilities that can help customers customise and optimise processing parameters, and the structural and thermal performance of the materials, so they can get the very best out of the SHOKLESS system they select. Huntsman will be among exhibitors at the Battery Show Europe in Stuttgart from June 18-20.
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