Summary
- Asahi Kasei introduces LASTAN fabric for thermal runaway protection in EV battery packs
- LASTAN is a flame-resistant nonwoven fabric made of special acrylic fiber
- The fabric has high flame resistance, electrical insulation, and abrasion resistance
- LASTAN can withstand high temperatures, resist particle impact, and provide electrical insulation
- Asahi Kasei plans to expand LASTAN production to the United States and other countries in the future
Article
Japanese chemical company Asahi Kasei has developed a new nonwoven fabric called LASTAN that is flame-resistant and highly flexible, making it ideal for thermal runaway protection in electric vehicle battery packs. Traditional mineral-based materials used for thermal runaway protection are heavy and brittle, making them challenging to adapt to the complex shapes within vehicles. LASTAN, made by air-baking a special acrylic fiber at 200-300° C, offers high flame resistance, electrical insulation, and abrasion resistance due to a special coating process.
In testing, LASTAN demonstrated exceptional performance, with the temperature on the opposite side remaining below 400° C even with a 1,300° C flame applied, and no holes forming in the fabric. The material has a high limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 50 or higher, indicating excellent flame retardance. In UL94 flame retardance testing, LASTAN achieved the highest rating of 5VA. Additionally, LASTAN is resistant to high-pressure impact by particles of 200-500 µm and provides electrical insulating capacity of up to 3.5 kV at a thickness of 1 mm. Its flexibility allows for easy processing with ordinary tools, even in sheets as thin as 0.8 mm.
Asahi Kasei is currently producing LASTAN in Japan and is considering expanding production to other countries, including the United States. The material’s unique properties make it an attractive option for thermal runaway protection in EV battery packs, top covers, busbar protection sleeves, and other applications where high flame resistance and flexibility are essential. By offering a lightweight, flexible, and highly effective solution, LASTAN has the potential to improve safety and efficiency in electric vehicles, contributing to the development of a more sustainable transportation industry.
The special acrylic fiber used in LASTAN, along with the innovative air-baking process and unique coating method, enhances the material’s flame resistance, electrical insulation, and abrasion resistance. These features make LASTAN an ideal choice for protecting against particle bombardment from venting gas during thermal runaway events in EV battery packs. The material’s ability to maintain its performance characteristics even in thin sheets enables easy processing and adaptation to various shapes and sizes required in automotive applications.
Overall, Asahi Kasei’s introduction of LASTAN represents a significant advancement in thermal protection materials for electric vehicles. By combining high flame resistance, electrical insulation, flexibility, and ease of processing, LASTAN offers a reliable solution for safeguarding against thermal runaway incidents in EV battery packs. With the potential for global production and adoption, LASTAN has the opportunity to enhance safety standards and performance in the growing electric vehicle market, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient future in transportation.
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