2020 annual and sustainable performance report

Innovative for designing the future

Lithium-ion battery

Driving the transition with Arkema

By 2050, half the world’s vehicles will be powered by electricity. All the leading carmakers have joined the revolution. Compared to 3% at present, 10% of new vehicles should be electric in 2027 (33% including hybrids). A key aspect of this transition is improving Li-ion battery performance (charging time, autonomy, weight), now one of the biggest R&D fields in the world. Government stimulus plans in 2020 have further increased its prospects. A recognized name in the battery ecosystem, Arkema has made a major contribution in this area with a unique combination of high value-added solutions, from the cell interior to assembly and battery management.

At the heart of each cell...

Kynar® PVDF,

which enjoys high electromagnetic stability, performs an essential role in the formulation of electrodes by helping active particles to bind to current collectors. Thanks to its resistance to high voltages and electrolyte solvents, it is also used as a protective and adhesive agent for the separator film, improving the cell’s lifespan. These two applications are seeing strong growth. In 2020, Li-ion batteries became the biggest market for Kynar® PVDF, which represents just a very small proportion of the materials that make up a battery pack but plays a crucial role in the system’s overall performance and in reducing its carbon footprint.

Foranext® ultra-pure electrolyte salts,

far more stable at high voltage than current solutions, will help to reduce the battery’s charging time and increase its autonomy.

Graphistrength® carbon nanotubes,

added to the cathode in small quantities, help the flow of electrons to the anode and reduce battery charge time.

For the protection pack…

Elium® thermoplastic resin,

used as a high-performance composite matrix, is the preferred choice of a growing number of manufacturers for the battery pack as an alternative to steel, in comparison to which it presents a considerable weight advantage (see p. 32).

Kepstan® PEKK,

thanks to its light weight and outstanding resistance, offers a high-end battery pack protection solution.

Inside the modules…

Rilsan® polyamide 11,

applied in a thin layer on the lining that separates the cells, provides electrical insulation.

Piezotech® piezoelectric polymers

are used as “actuators” for sensors monitoring the level of battery charge.

Bostik® specialty adhesives

are used to attach cells to each other and to the battery pack casing.

For thermal management...

Rilsan® polyamide 11,

combining very good temperature stability, mechanical resistance and excellent waterproofing for the connections, is now widely used for making the tubes that carry cooling liquid to the protection pack. Rilsamid® polyamide 12 can also be used for this application.

For electrical insulation...

Rilsan® polyamide 11,

owing to its electrical insulation and shaping properties, can be used as a protective coating for bus bars. These rigid connectors, which link modules to each other, are used instead of flexible cables to make the battery more compact. This bio-sourced application is growing at a rapid rate.

For battery assembly...

Various Bostik® adhesive and insulating agent solutions

are used for the encapsulation of electronic components, preventing thermal bridging, and battery assembly and waterproofing.