Automotive lightweighting is essential for electric vehicles. In fact, some studies show that an EV battery pack can account for 25 to 30% of the total vehicle weight. Using lightweight fillers for EV battery pack materials — such as potting resins, gap fillers, and adhesives — can be instrumental for EV lightweighting.
Dispersed into a silicone matrix, 3M Glass Bubbles allow for controlled density in a lightweight silicone gel used as a potting resin.
OEMs are looking to achieve lightweighting goals in addition to meeting other requirements, like thermal insulation, in their materials. 3M Glass Bubbles can help.
The solution: 3M Glass Bubbles. Tiny, hollow glass microspheres can achieve weight savings of 40% or higher in silicone-based resins. They’re inherently thermally insulating, replacing heavy fillers in several resins, and still meet thermal insulation requirements. They also retain the desired viscosity even at high loadings.
3M Glass Bubbles can also be used in formulations for sheet molding composites (SMCs), and are ideal for critical components such as battery enclosures. They’re available in a specific grade for lightweighting thermoplastic parts, including connectors where electrical performance is critical.
Dispersed into a silicone matrix, 3M Glass Bubbles allow for controlled density in a lightweight silicone gel used as a potting resin. 3M Glass Bubbles were shown to reduce the thermal conductivity of the potting resin without significantly increasing its viscosity, maintaining its flowability and consistency. The result: positioning, thermal insulation and reliable covering in a lightweight EV battery potting resin.
To learn more ways 3M Glass Bubbles can be used for lightweighting EV battery pack components, click here.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News