Plastics and Rubber Trade Fair K 2025 by Wacker: Innovative silicone rubber enhances safety of electric vehicle batteries during traction
Wacker, a leading chemical company, has unveiled a new silicone rubber, Elastosil R 531/60, designed to boost the safety of traction batteries in electric vehicles (EVs). This innovative material offers robust electrical insulation and fire resistance, making it ideal for insulating busbars in high-voltage battery packs.
Key Benefits and Features
Elastosil R 531/60 boasts several key features that make it an excellent choice for enhancing the safety and reliability of EV batteries.
Flame Resistance
In the unfortunate event of a fire, Elastosil R 531/60 forms an electrically insulating ceramic layer. This layer helps prevent short circuits, thereby improving passenger and fire safety. This feature is crucial for minimizing fire risks in EV battery packs [1].
High Temperature Stability
The new silicone rubber can withstand operating temperatures up to 205 °C without degradation, ensuring reliable insulation performance under the thermal stresses typical in EV batteries [1].
Electrical Insulation for High-Voltage Systems
Elastosil R 531/60 supports rising battery voltages in EVs, addressing the growing demand for efficient, durable insulation as power and charging speeds increase [1][4].
Flexibility under Wide Temperature Ranges
The material remains highly flexible even at temperatures as low as -40 °C, protecting the battery components from mechanical stress and environmental temperature fluctuations [2].
Cost-Effective Extrusion Processing
Elastosil R 531/60 can be processed by extrusion, enabling efficient manufacturing of insulating components at scale [1][3].
These features work together to enhance the overall safety and reliability of high-voltage traction batteries. By preventing leakage currents, reducing energy losses, and mitigating fire hazards through advanced flame-resistant insulation of critical busbar components inside EV battery packs, Elastosil R 531/60 contributes directly to improved passenger safety and battery durability in electric vehicles [1][2][3][4].
Exhibition at K 2025
Wacker is showcasing Elastosil R 531/60 at the K 2025 International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber, which will be held in Duesseldorf, Germany, from October 8 to 15. You can find the product on display in Hall 6, Booth A10.
References:
[1] Wacker Chemicals Corporation. (n.d.). Elastosil R 531/60. Retrieved from https://www.wacker.com/en/products/elastosil-r-531-60
[2] Wacker Chemicals Corporation. (n.d.). Elastosil R 531/60: Properties. Retrieved from https://www.wacker.com/en/products/elastosil-r-531-60/properties
[3] Wacker Chemicals Corporation. (n.d.). Elastosil R 531/60: Processing. Retrieved from https://www.wacker.com/en/products/elastosil-r-531-60/processing
[4] Wacker Chemicals Corporation. (n.d.). Elastosil R 531/60: Applications. Retrieved from https://www.wacker.com/en/products/elastosil-r-531-60/applications
[5] Wacker Chemicals Corporation. (n.d.). Elastosil R 531/60: Safety Data Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.wacker.com/en/products/elastosil-r-531-60/safety-data-sheet
- The innovation in the chemical industry, Elastosil R 531/60, has applications not only in the automotive sector, but also in the energy industry, as it offers robust electrical insulation and fire resistance that are crucial for reducing fire risks and ensuring safe insulation of battery cell infrastructures in the renewable energy sector.
- The recent advancement in finance, with the introduction of Elastosil R 531/60, has potential implications for the transportation industry, especially for electric vehicles (EVs), as it supports rising battery voltages, addresses the growing demand for efficient, durable insulation, and enhances the safety and reliability of EV batteries.
- The tech-driven material, Elastosil R 531/60, is not only beneficial for the automotive and energy industries, but also for the technology sector, as its cost-effective extrusion processing method can lead to the mass production of insulating components, contributing to technological advancements in high-voltage battery systems used in various applications, including transportation and renewable energy.
