Cabot’s aerogel are reported to combine low thermal conductivity with thermal stability
BOSTON—A new group of aerogel particles recently introduced by Cabot Corporation are reported to offer a thermal insulation additive that is designed to enable the development of ultra-thin thermal barriers for electric vehicle (EV) lithium-ion batteries.
Cabot’s ENTERA™ aerogel particles portfolio includes three aerogel products that formulators can incorporate into a range of thermal barrier forms, including blankets, pads, sheets, films, foams and coatings, the company said in a release.
Vehicle fleets are increasingly transitioning from internal combustion engines to EVs. To meet increased EV demand, battery manufacturers are working diligently to develop higher performing lithium-ion battery packs with increased range. These higher energy batteries require more advanced thermal management, including thermal barriers to mitigate thermal runaway, the company said.
Thermal runway is a rare occurrence in which a battery cell overheats to dangerous levels, and the heat propagates to neighboring cells within the module or battery pack due to malfunction or damage, according to Cabot. As a result of potentially severe risks from an EV battery fire, additional regulations, such as the United Nations’ Global Technical Regulation 20 on Electric Vehicle Safety (UN GTR No. 20) and China’s GB 38031-2020, have been implemented to maximize occupant safety.
Amid these risks, aerogel has emerged as a leading, performance-enabling thermal barrier material that is enabling EV manufacturers to meet critical industry safety standards, according to Cabot. The company said its ENTERA aerogel products not only help battery and EV manufacturers comply with these new regulations, but they also provide a lightweight thermal barrier that offers low thermal conductivity, combined with thermal stability.
The Cabot ENTERA aerogel particles portfolio ranges in size from microns to millimeters. It includes ENTERA™ EV5200 aerogel, ENTERA™ EV5400 aerogel, and ENTERA™ EV5800 aerogel.
Using lightweight materials in EVs is important to offset the weight of EV batteries, and to improve efficiency, extend driving range, and increase the lifespan of the battery, the company said. With greater than 90 percent air volume, Cabot’s ENTERA aerogel is reportedly up to 20 times lighter than traditional insulation additives used in thermal barriers.
“We have been producing aerogel for 20 years, and the expansion of our aerogel capabilities for use in thermal barriers for batteries is a natural progression in our commitment to support the tremendous growth of the battery market,” said Jeff Zhu, Cabot’s executive vice president and president, Performance Chemicals segment and Asia Pacific region, in the release. “Our new ENTERA aerogel particles provide strong formulation flexibility and play an important role in improving passenger safety, energy efficiency, and extended range for EVs.”
Cabot offers a range of products that serve the EV battery market. Its conductive additives product portfolio for battery applications is reported to include conductive carbons, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanostructures, as well as blends and dispersions of these additives to deliver optimal performance. Conductive additives play a critical role in lithium-ion battery chemistry and provide a pathway for electrons to move within the anode and the cathode, which enables charging and discharging. Cabot also offers fumed alumina for separator and cathode active material coatings, the company said.
“We are committed to developing solutions that solve some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges, and with these new products, we are well positioned to further support the global transition to vehicle electrification and enable a lower carbon future,” said Zhu.