Transparent PC resin UV enhancement, providing solutions for lithium-ion batteries

With the continuous development of automobile electrification, the powerful lithium-ion battery structure has become the center of discussion around electric vehicles. Although battery system designs vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, the joint performance goals of all automotive battery technologies are longer service life, operational safety, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. In their recent collaboration, Henkel and Covestro have developed a solution that can effectively fix cylindrical lithium-ion batteries in plastic battery racks. The solution consists of Henkel's UV curing adhesive and Covestro's UV transparent polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (PC/ABS) blend.

As consumers vigorously push the price of electric vehicles, large-scale, cost-effective lithium-ion battery assembly is a prerequisite for every car manufacturer. Therefore, the development of Henkel's Loctite AA 3963 battery module adhesive and Covestro's UV transparent Bayblend polycarbonate blend is compatible with high-volume automatic dispensing technology and provides a flexible and fast curing mechanism. Acrylic adhesive is made of a special flame-retardant plastic and can be used with battery holders. Through long open time and short curing cycle, it provides strong adhesion to the substrate and production adaptability.

Frank Kerstan, Head of e-Mobility, Henkel Europe, explained: “High-volume manufacturing operations with short cycle times and process flexibility are essential. The manufacturer’s approved Loctite adhesive is designed to secure cylindrical lithium-ion batteries to the carrier. Medium is an on-demand curing formula. After high-speed dispensing, the long open time of the material allows any accidental production interruption to establish adaptability in the process. Once all the units are put in the adhesive and fixed in the fixed In the device, the curing will be activated with ultraviolet (UV) and completed in less than 5 seconds.” This is a major advantage compared to traditional manufacturing, where the curing time ranges from a few minutes to a few hours. , So additional parts storage capacity is required.

The battery holder is made of Covestro’s Bayblend FR3040 EV PC/ABS mixture. The thickness of the plastic is only 1 mm, and its rated value is UL94 V-0, but it has good permeability to ultraviolet radiation in the wavelength range of 380 nanometers or more.

Steven Daelemans, Covestro’s E-Mobility Polycarbonate Market Development Manager, said: “This material allows us to manufacture dimensionally stable parts, which are necessary for automated mass assembly. Together with the fast curing of Loctite adhesives. Capability, this combination of materials provides an innovative method for large-scale cylindrical lithium-ion battery assembly production.