LG Chem and LX Hausys introduce extra flame retardant material
LG Chem, together with LG Group company LX Hausys, has developed a material that delays the thermal runaway of batteries and can withstand a flame at 1,500 °C for over 20 minutes. The material, called Special Flame Retardant Continuous Fiber Thermoplastic (Special Flame Retardant CFT), can withstand strong flames and high pressure over 14 times longer than existing thermoplastics, according to LG Chem.
The Special Flame Retardant CFT can be used in the top and bottom covers of large electric vehicle battery packs, effectively retarding flame spread in the event of a fire, according to the companies’ press release.
Thermal runaway – or “thermal runaway” – describes the ignition or explosion of a battery cell due to a self-reinforcing heating process. Flames and hot gases are then released as well as electrically conductive particles. These can cause neighbouring cells to undergo thermal runaway (“thermal propagation”) as well as lead to short circuits in the electrical system.
LG Chem had already presented a flame-retardant material last year. According to the company, this could withstand temperatures of up to 1,000 °C for over ten minutes, likely a record at the time. Together with LX Hausys (formerly LG Hausys), the material could be improved again.
“We have been working closely with LX Hausys since we developed and announced a super flame barrier material last year. We are proud to have a total solution lineup for electric vehicle thermal runaway,” said Tom Shin, division manager of Engineering Materials’ marketing department. “We will continue research and development to make the daily lives of electric vehicle drivers safer while addressing customer pain points.”
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