Emerging Applications of Silicon Foam in Advanced Battery Insulation for New Energy Vehicles

Abstract: This paper highlights the emerging applications of silicon foam in enhancing the thermal protection of advanced batteries in new energy vehicles. Silicon foam possesses desirable characteristics such as low density, flame retardancy, and certain electrical insulation properties, making it well-suited for key applications such as insulation in battery enclosures, waterproof sealing, and flame retardant measures. Its stability, water resistance, resistance to shrinkage-induced damage, and flame retardancy position it as an optimal material for safeguarding new energy vehicle batteries.

As the new energy vehicle sector continues to experience rapid growth, ensuring effective battery insulation protection is crucial for optimizing battery performance and ensuring safety. Silicon foam, with its excellent properties, plays a pivotal role in the protection of batteries in new energy vehicles.

To begin with, the low density of silicon foam renders it an ideal material for thermal insulation. By undergoing the foaming process, the density of silicon foam can be reduced to 0.16-0.20 g/cm3. When employed for battery enclosure insulation, silicon foam effectively dissipates the heat generated during battery charging and discharging, mitigating thermal expansion and contraction-induced deformations and damages, thereby prolonging the battery's service life.

Moreover, silicon foam exhibits commendable flame retardant properties. When flame retardant additives are incorporated into silicone foam, it can achieve the UL94-V0 flame retardant rating, significantly reducing the risk of combustion-related issues during battery operation. This heightened reliability and safety make silicon foam particularly valuable in electric vehicle applications.

Furthermore, silicon foam possesses a certain level of electrical insulation properties. While the presence of physical fillers may slightly diminish the electrical insulation capabilities of silicon foam, careful design and material selection can still ensure adequate electrical insulation protection. This aspect assumes critical importance in upholding the safety and stability of the battery system.

To summarize, silicon foam, with its low density, flame retardancy, and partial electrical insulation properties, finds key applications in providing thermal insulation protection to advanced batteries in new energy vehicles. Its stability, water resistance, resistance to shrinkage-induced damage, and flame retardancy position it as an ideal choice for safeguarding new energy vehicle batteries. With the continuous advancement of the new energy vehicle market, silicon foam is poised to play an increasingly significant role in battery thermal insulation protection, thereby contributing significantly to the reliability and safety of battery systems.