Portugal-based Amorim Cork Composites, building on past development of sealing and aerospace applications, has introduced a range of products for sealing, housing and cell spacing that are designed to protect key components of EV batteries by preventing heat propagation during thermal runaway episodes.

According to Amorim, cork’s low density, low thermal conductivity, heat resistance, cushioning and sealing properties, and sustainability make it ideal for EV battery components.

The battery-sealing product combines cork with silicone and meets the UL 94 V0 flammability requirement while providing compression set below 40% for 50% deflections, as well as resistance to wear, UV radiation and ozone.

Multilayer systems for the battery interior combine cork with such materials as mica and basalt/carbon fibers to act as cell spacers/thermal pads or as protection of the battery housing. The products come in various formats, in thicknesses from 0.8 to 30 mm. They come with compressibility of up to about 80% at 2.5 MPa, thermal insulation of around 20-30 °C/min and density of 200 kg/m³.

Source: Amorim