Evonik introduces advanced fire-resistant coatings for EV battery safety

Evonik is expanding its TEGO Therm product range to include heat protection and fire-resistant coatings for electric vehicle (EV) battery housings and covers.

As reported by Evonik, the rapidly growing EV market is seeing increasingly stringent safety standards for lithium-ion batteries.

The TEGO Therm coatings offer a robust solution for the industry’s need for effective thermal insulation barriers, essential for preventing thermal runaway in EV batteries.

Dr Benjamin Schaeffner, Global Head of Market Segment Industrial and Transportation Coatings at Evonik Coating Additives, said: “With the electric mobility sector accelerating, the safety of lithium-ion batteries in EVs has never been more crucial.

“TEGO Therm is our response to the industry’s call for reliable thermal barriers that not only meet but surpass the stringent safety standards of today.”

Components of the TEGO Therm toolbox

The TEGO Therm toolbox includes various components designed to enhance the performance of thermal insulation and fire-resistant coatings.

TEGO Therm HPG 4000 granules feature a microporous silica core, providing low thermal conductivity, high hydrophobicity, and reduced flammability.

TEGO Therm HPG 6806 granules excel in insulation, strengthen mechanical performance, and ensure smooth surfaces of insulation coatings.

The waterborne polysiloxane hybrid binder, TEGO Therm L 300, enhances the thermal stability and fire resistance of protective coatings.

These coatings meet the UL 94 V-0 fire safety standards, providing a new level of protection for EV batteries.

The versatility of TEGO Therm allows for spray application on complex three-dimensional substrates, ensuring complete and efficient fire resistance coverage.

Dr. Niko Haberkorn, Global Head of Business Development for the Market Segment Industrial & Transportation Coatings at Evonik Coating Additives, said: “The synergy between TEGO Therm binder and granules is at the core of our solution.

“It minimizes heat transfer and effectively inhibits the spread of fires, offering crucial additional time for emergency response.

“Moreover, our products ensure high mechanical resistance, maintaining structural integrity in high-temperature scenarios.”

Evonik’s commitment to rigorous testing

Evonik’s dedication to safety and innovation is demonstrated through rigorous testing of TEGO Therm-based coatings.

When exposed to a propylene flame exceeding 1000 °C, these coatings effectively protected the substrate, maintaining moderate temperatures on the back of the substrate even with a thin dry film thickness.

These results highlight the effectiveness of TEGO Therm in insulating against intense heat and its suitability for space-constrained applications.

The expansion of TEGO Therm products marks a notable advancement in EV battery safety.

As the electric mobility market continues to grow, Evonik’s commitment to providing reliable and efficient coating solutions will contribute to a safer and more sustainable future for the automotive industry.

Evonik’s expertise in coating additives

Evonik’s Coating Additives business line offers a wide range of specialty additives for the coatings and inks sector.

With decades of expertise, the business provides pioneering products for various coatings markets, including decorative coatings, industrial coatings, automotive coatings, and printing inks.