SABIC has been recognized at the 2025 R&D 100 Awards for its flame-retardant (FR) STAMAX resins, considered the world’s first glass fiber-reinforced, intumescent thermoplastic materials developed specifically for large electric vehicle (EV) battery packs.
The R&D 100 Awards, often called the “Oscars of Innovation,” annually honor the most impactful breakthroughs in science and technology from research organizations and industry worldwide.
The STAMAX FR resin family recently received UL Verification for flame retardancy under the UL 2596 standard, confirming its ability to withstand the high heat and pressure conditions associated with EV battery thermal events.
In testing, battery modules and panels made with STAMAX resins resisted internal pressures up to 250 kPa and temperatures of 420° C without rupture or burn-through. In module-level trials with cylindrical cells, the materials also acted as effective thermal barriers, suppressing propagation between cells.
Designed to replace traditional metal-intensive enclosures, STAMAX FR resins provide a lightweight and cost-efficient solution for EV battery safety.
Compared to metal alternatives, the thermoplastic design enables up to 10% weight reduction, supports complex geometries through molding, and can lower overall system costs by as much as 40%. With 30% long glass fiber reinforcement, the resins also deliver the stiffness and impact strength required for battery trays and covers in demanding automotive environments.
By combining lightweight design, safety performance, and manufacturing efficiency, SABIC’s STAMAX FR resins advance the engineering of EV battery systems and align with the industry’s drive toward safer, more sustainable electrification.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News