Advancements in eMobility Plastics
With the growth of eMobility, the demand for plastics with enhanced ageing resistance in chemical environments is rising. Frequent battery charging requires plastic components in vehicles to withstand 45,000 to 55,000 hours at operating temperatures, a significant increase from the 5,000 hours needed for conventional engines.
Testing and Methodology
BASF has adapted proven test methods to assess hydrolysis storage, focusing on ageing in water-glycol mixtures. The Arrhenius equation, which links temperature and reaction rate, is employed to predict the service life of materials under normal conditions.
Polyamide Performance
In tests initiated in August 2020, BASF's latest polyamide generation, Ultramid®, was evaluated. This material features optimized hydrolysis resistance, laser markability, glass fiber reinforcement, and low halogen content, meeting automotive market requirements.
Results and Implications
The tested polyamide's properties can be extrapolated to over 100,000 hours after five years of testing, providing the automotive industry with the necessary durability and reliability for future applications in cars and trucks.
