Wacker improves its silicone material business for electric vehicles. The expansion of the market due to the rapid spread of electric vehicles.
On the 26th, Wacker stated that its global sales of silicon for electric vehicles this year increased by more than 20% compared to the sales of last year
Wacker is a comprehensive chemical materials company based in Munich, Germany that produces chemical products such as silicones, polymers, polysilicon, and biosolutions. It produces materials used in various fields such as semiconductors, displays, and automobiles.
Wacker developed silicon for electric vehicles with major automakers in Europe, Korea, Japan and China. Some products started its mass production, and some will begin its full-scale mass production at the beginning of the new year.
Wacker silicone is mainly applied for electric vehicle battery thermal management and fire prevention, and is largely used for power conversion devices, battery thermal management and safety.
Electric vehicles require high-voltage electrical insulating materials for ultra-high voltage transmission and distribution applications. This is because the voltage rises above 40 volts. Wacker silicone is used in sensors and circuit encapsulants (insulation materials filled in electronic components to protect sensors or circuits from shock or vibration), thermally conductive adhesives, gap fillers, connectors, and sealants.
Silicon plays an important role in thermal management of electric vehicle batteries. This is because the electric vehicle battery module and the battery generates heat up to 180 degrees during charging. Thermal management is important because high heat is a major factor for battery power efficiency and shortening of lifespan.
Wacker has developed a high heat dissipation silicone that effectively dissipates heat provided by the battery.
Silicon plays an important role for battery safety. When a battery cell explodes or burns, silicon is used to prevent heat diffusion to nearby cells. Wacker is developing a variety of solutions to prevent heat diffusion with flame retardant self-adhesive films, and silicone foam coatings and potting. The silicon does not emit toxic gas even when burned, and only non-toxic water, carbon dioxide, and silica are generated, which makes it safer than other materials.
A company official explained that eco-friendly and safe silicone materials are receiving more attention as environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) management has become more popular in recent years.
A Wacker official said, "Wacker silicone is being applied to various car models. In response to the ever-increasing demands for safety and the environment, we are developing various solutions with not only automakers but also battery cell manufacturers as well.”
By Staff Reporter So-ra Park (srpark@etnews.com)