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Wacker Chemical Corporation (WCC) is highlighting its advanced thermally conductive (TC) adhesives at The Battery Show North America in Detroit, Michigan. The company is responding to the electric vehicle (EV) industry’s growing need for high-performance materials that support the shift from traditional cell-to-module (CTM) architectures to newer cell-to-pack (CTP) and cell-to-chassis (CTC) designs.
Key Highlights
- WACKER is introducing next-generation thermally conductive adhesives engineered for the evolving EV market.
- The new adhesives provide essential thermal management and structural support for modern EV battery designs.
- The company’s proprietary hybrid technology combines the benefits of silicones and organic polymers for superior performance.
- The products are designed to be isocyanate-free, solvent-free, and tin-free, enhancing safety and ease of use.
Evolving Demands in EV Battery Design
Thermally conductive adhesives are critical for ensuring efficient heat management and structural integrity in EV batteries, which are essential for overall vehicle safety and reliability. As battery architectures evolve, WACKER is expanding its portfolio with thermally conductive adhesives (TCA) to meet a broader range of technical requirements. The company’s silicone and hybrid adhesives are specifically engineered to address these new demands by offering customizable curing, high thermal conductivity, flexibility, chemical resistance, and flame retardance.
Hybrid Technology: Flexibility and Strength
WACKER’s proprietary hybrid TC adhesive is based on silane-terminated polyether (STP-E) technology. This innovative approach combines the benefits of silicone materials with organic ones. The resulting hybrid adhesives merge the flexibility and temperature resistance of silicones with the mechanical strength of organic polymers. This unique combination is crucial for high-performance EV battery applications. Unlike conventional epoxy, acrylic, or polyurethane adhesives, these hybrid solutions are isocyanate-free, solvent-free, and tin-free, making them safer and simpler to handle.
Strength and Reliability Under Extreme Conditions
According to Peter Zorney, Senior Director of the Electronics and Automotive business segment for North and Central America, the company’s adhesives are designed to anticipate industry trends. “Our silicone-based adhesives have proven to maintain nearly constant mechanical performance after enduring thermal aging and thermal shock, ensuring reliability and safety for electric vehicles,” stated Zorney. The adhesives are engineered to maintain high strength, hardness, and flexibility even after prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity. This resilience is critical for the latest battery designs, which are more susceptible to environmental stresses while also facing industry pressure for lightweighting, reducing complexity, and minimizing costs.
Visit WACKER at The Battery Show
WACKER will be showcasing its adhesive solutions at Booth 5011 during The Battery Show North America.
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