Parker Hannifin has launched a new liquid-dispensed thermal barrier designed to enhance battery pack safety in cylindrical cell applications. The new CoolTherm SF-1000 Silicone Foam is formulated to function as a fire blanket within the pack, helping manufacturers address thermal runaway propagation while improving manufacturability and design flexibility.

As battery systems continue to evolve, engineers are under increasing pressure to improve safety without adding unnecessary process complexity or cost, Parker explains. Many current approaches rely on potting materials, intracellular foams, mica sheets and aerogel-based solutions.

Many expanding foams require complex mixing equipment during application, and are difficult to control in continuous mass production. CoolTherm SF-1000 is a non-expanding foam, so it’s simple to dispense and easy to place precisely where protection is needed.

Battery designers need materials that balance safety performance, processing efficiency and total system cost. Parker tells us that there is demand for alternatives to rigid, labor-intensive barrier materials that can complicate assembly. CoolTherm SF-1000 addresses these needs by delivering a liquid-applied solution that can replace die-cut mica sheets in cylindrical-cell battery packs while providing the same level of safety at a lower overall cost.

Extensive testing by Parker and UL has demonstrated CoolTherm SF-1000’s ability to help mitigate thermal propagation.

“The team is excited to bring a material designed for electrification needs across markets using lithium-ion batteries that not only drives safety but also lowers costs and complexity for our customers,” said Eric Dean, Business Development Manager of Parker Hannifin’s Assembly and Protection Solutions Division.

Source: Parker Hannifin