At this year’s Battery Show North America, on this week in Detroit, Michigan), Wacker Chemical Corporation (WCC) is presenting new developments in thermally conductive (TC) adhesives for electric vehicle (EV) batteries (Booth 5011).
WACKER thermal adhesives are ideal for automotive e-mobility battery applications, thanks to their easy handling, pigmentability, and excellent mechanical properties.
As battery manufacturers shift from cell-to-module (CTM) to cell-to-pack (CTP) and cell-to-chassis (CTC) configurations, the need for adhesives that provide both efficient heat dissipation and mechanical stability continues to grow.
To address these evolving requirements, WACKER is expanding its portfolio with thermally conductive adhesives that combine thermal management and structural performance. The company’s silicone and hybrid formulations are designed to meet a range of mechanical, electrical, and safety specifications across modern battery systems.
WACKER’s hybrid TC adhesives, based on silane-terminated polyether (STP-E) technology, combine the flexibility and temperature resistance of silicones with the mechanical strength of organic polymers.
This combination enables tailored curing behavior, high-thermal conductivity, chemical resistance, and flame retardance, characteristics that support both performance and safety in demanding battery environments.
“As EV battery architectures evolve, our thermally conductive adhesives are being developed with considerations for new assembly methods, re-workability, and total value optimization,” said Peter Zorney, senior director, Electronics and Automotive business segment for North and Central America. “Our silicone-based adhesives have shown consistent mechanical performance following thermal aging and shock testing, contributing to long-term reliability in EV applications.”
Unlike conventional epoxy, acrylic, or polyurethane systems, WACKER’s hybrid TC adhesives are isocyanate-free, solvent-free, and tin-free. They are formulated to retain adhesive strength, hardness, and flexibility even after exposure to extreme temperature and humidity—critical characteristics for battery assemblies operating under varying environmental conditions.
As the industry adopts advanced CTP and CTC designs, requirements for thermal interface materials are shifting toward improved lightweighting, simplified integration, and greater durability. WACKER’s thermally conductive adhesives are engineered to align with these design and manufacturing trends.
Filed Under: Adhesives, Technology News