By Sreeparna Das, sustainability communications consultant at Afera (European Adhesive Tape Association)
As enablers of a sustainable future, adhesive tapes play an important role in supporting downstream sectors in their journey towards sustainability. Key sectors such as packaging, construction and transportation, among others, are adopting innovative solutions to counter global energy and climate challenges. In the case of the automotive sector, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining prominence as a sustainable solution and the market for EV batteries is growing.
However, there are certain pain points and challenges that EV batteries need to overcome to support the transition to e-mobility. Adhesive tapes can not only provide structural integrity and lightweighting solutions but can also play a crucial role in electrical and thermal management.
What’s driving the transition to e-mobility?
The transition from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars to EVs is propelled by a convergence of factors with many governments offering incentives including tax credits, rebates, etc. This shift is considered to be a pivotal step toward a more sustainable future as EVs offer benefits like reduced dependence on fossil resources, lower greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, etc.
While EV technology is rapidly evolving and we are witnessing more innovations in battery chemistry, further improvements are necessary. This is especially true with respect to supporting infrastructure, end-of-life recycling of batteries and overall safety.
How adhesive tapes support the needs of EV battery manufacturers
Adhesive tapes provide multifunctional support i.e. they improve the efficiency of production lines, increase safety and decrease the overall weight. Just like the case of ICE cars, the use of adhesive tapes as a replacement for mechanical fasteners drives down the overall weight of EVs. This is essential to extend the driving range of EVs, which is analogous to improving fuel efficiency in the case of ICE cars.
But lightweighting is only one of the many benefits of using adhesive tapes, with these products also playing a role in structural integrity. Their use enables reliable assembly of cell packs and modules. Also, as the demand for more compact and high-performance EV batteries grows, tapes also play a key role in ensuring optimal thermal and electrical management for overall safety.
During the charge and discharge process, cells generate some heat, which normally gets dissipated under ideal conditions. However, if the cell gets overheated, it can catch fire and spread across the battery pack owing to the domino effect. This phenomenon is referred to as ‘thermal runaway’.
The cell reaches thermal runaway when its temperature rises uncontrollably at a rate greater than 20°C centigrade per minute with maximum temperatures reaching greater than 300°C accompanied by gas and/or electrolyte venting, smoke or fire or a combination of all1. Clearly thermal runaway protection is an important requirement for battery manufacturers. The use of adhesive tapes can provide the required protection. This is achieved with the use of flame-retardant tapes between the cells. Specialised tapes can also help with the dissipation of heat, which improves the cooling of the batteries. Similarly, the risk of short circuits is also countered with the use of innovative tapes that provide adequate EMI shielding and electrical insulation. In some cases, functional safety materials such as ceramic fibre blankets, aerogels, etc. are placed over the battery cells and kept in place with the use of adhesive tapes.
Several tape manufacturers have developed comprehensive tape solutions to meet the requirements of EV battery manufacturers. Some of the commercially available examples are listed in the table.
Conclusion
The rapid growth of the automobile industry, and e-mobility in particular, will drive the growth of specialised multifunctional tapes. To cater to the specific needs of EVs, manufacturers of automotive adhesive tapes continue to work on developing new variations to support this sustainability trend.
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