Japanese Company Introduces Fireproof Fabric To Boost EV Battery Safety
This fabric can withstand flames up to 1,300℃.
By Syazwan Bahri — 07 Oct 2024, 01:34 PM
Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) globally, concerns about battery safety continue to deter many potential buyers
A recent survey conducted by Asahi Kasei Automotive in China revealed that 34% of non-EV owners prioritise safety as the primary factor influencing their decision to purchase an electric car. In response to these concerns, automakers around the world are investing heavily in enhancing EV battery safety.
The Asahi Kasei Corporation, a Japanese technology company, has introduced Lastan, a flame-retardant nonwoven fabric designed to enhance the safety of EV batteries
Lastan is positioned as a superior alternative to traditional materials used for thermal runaway protection in EV batteries. The material demonstrates exceptional fire resistance, capable of withstanding flames up to 1,300℃ while maintaining a temperature below 400℃ on the reverse side. Lastan also boasts a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 50+ and a UL94 5VA rating, ensuring superior fire resistance without compromising structural integrity.
These remarkable properties make Lastan a promising solution for improving the safety of EV batteries and mitigating the risks associated with thermal runaway events.
Most current thermal protection solutions for EV batteries rely on mineral-based materials like mica or ceramics. While these materials effectively provide thermal protection, they have several significant drawbacks.
One of the major limitation of mineral-based materials is their brittleness and rigidity. This makes them difficult to apply in complex battery designs, hindering the manufacturing process and increasing production costs for automakers. Their lack of flexibility poses challenges during the manufacturing process, leading to potential damage and delays.
Lastan fabric not only offers exceptional fire resistance but also demonstrates resistance to high-pressure impacts from particles ranging in size from 200 to 500 microns, approximately the width of a human hair
The fabric also provides excellent electrical insulation, withstanding up to 3.5kV of electricity at a thickness of just 1mm, thereby helping to prevent electrical failures.
Despite its impressive strength and durability, Lastan remains flexible and can be processed into extremely thin sheets, as thin as 0.8mm. This flexibility and ease of handling streamline the manufacturing process, making it compatible with standard tools and techniques.
