Dow Introduces Adhesive for Electric Vehicle Batteries

Dow Launches High-Strength Adhesive for Electric Vehicle Batteries Newly developed thermal, elastic adhesive solutions with high adhesion properties enhance the safety, sustainability, and integrated assembly of electric vehicle battery packs. Dow (NYSE:DOW) introduced next-generation VORATRON™ MA 8200S high-strength adhesives at the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE 2022). The new VORATRON™ MA 8200S high-strength adhesives significantly improve the safety, durability, sustainability, integrated assembly, and overall performance of electric vehicle battery packs. This breakthrough innovation emerged through Dow MobilityScience™ platform, which develops innovative solutions for the transportation sector. This new adhesive series was successfully applied in the "Magic Cube" batteries used by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) MG 4 (MG MULAN). As new-generation electric vehicles become safer, more environmentally friendly, and innovative, demand in the global transportation industry has increased for smart, automated, electric, and low-carbon solutions. The industry's growth in recent years has been supported by innovations in battery packs and their mass production. In particular, SAIC's "Magic Cube" batteries brought complex and stringent requirements in material joining and cell assembly. The person responsible for the research and development of MG 4 (MG MULAN) noted that the company overcame many challenges through the strict standards set globally for quality excellence, especially regarding the technical iteration of Magic Cube batteries and commercial mass production. Dow and SAIC R&D teams collaborated to continuously improve their technologies and products during the product research and development phase to achieve rapid iteration. This effort ultimately resulted in an ideal, high-standard, high-quality adhesive solution that provided a breakthrough advance for the project. Dow's VORATRON™ MA 8200S high-strength adhesives comply with European Union RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations, both applicable to products sold in the EU. For this reason, VORATRON™ MA 8200S high-adhesion adhesives with RoHS and REACH certifications, when combined with Dow's global model, can also accelerate the global development of MG 4 (MG MULAN). VORATRON™ MA 8200S innovative high-strength adhesives were launched primarily for bonding insulating bottom-shell cells, top-cover plates, and side-plate reinforcements, including bottom high-bonding adhesives, top-cover high-bonding adhesives, and side-panel high-bonding adhesives for E2 platform cells powered by electricity. All-aluminum alloy and composite battery case housings are becoming increasingly popular with rising demand for lightweight vehicles. Since shell materials cannot be welded or riveted, high-adhesion adhesives reduce the number of auxiliary parts for reinforcement ribs, thereby reducing the weight of batteries and the entire vehicle. Additionally, Dow's product formulations contain bio-based components that support customers' journey toward reducing carbon emissions. VORATRON™ MA 8200S high-strength adhesives achieve accelerated cure strength at various temperatures through a specially developed latent curing technique. They can be cured at room temperature or elevated temperature to meet the special needs of various industries. High-adhesion adhesives from the VORATRON™ MA 8200S series are made with a low-hardness filler. While enabling optimal production and assembly, they help reduce wear on major mixing equipment and minimize maintenance inspections. As a result of the unique formula design, the isocyanate component of VORATRON™ MA 8200S high-strength adhesives offers superior water resistance. This simplifies production and storage with increased flexibility in production conditions, reduced equipment maintenance, and the ability for high-density continuous production. Due to its innovative nature and performance, VORATRON™ MA 8200S was selected as a finalist for the 2022 R&D 100 Awards, which evaluates new commercial products, technologies, and materials in terms of technological significance. Dr. Weiguang Yao, Chief Technology Officer, Dow Asia Pacific, stated: "Through our deep collaboration with SAIC, we have achieved a series of innovative breakthroughs and exceptional results. All of this was made possible through our unwavering pursuit of quality excellence and firm commitment to high standards. The successful application of VORATRON™ MA 8200S high-strength adhesives to MG MULAN not only represents Dow's pledge to be 'customer-focused,' but also demonstrates Dow's commitment to promoting innovation and advancement in the electric vehicle industry." Source