Huntsman to offer Shokless PU systems for EV batteries

TIENEN, Belgium—Huntsman Corp. will expand its Shokless polyurethane systems portfolio into the EV battery space, the company said in an April 19 news release.

The PU foam system, typically compatible with injection and cold-cure molding, is intended to help protect EV batteries. The new offering will be unveiled at the Battery Show in Europe in June.

"As the drive to create more electric vehicles continues to accelerate, we are applying our know-how to the challenges facing automotive manufacturers and developing new products that help to address clearly identifiable gaps in the market," said Alex Stepuk, global market segment leader for automotive at Huntsman. "We are delighted to extend the breadth of our Shokless portfolio into the electric vehicle battery sector."

Huntsman said the Shokless PU foam is lightweight and durable, developed for the potting and fixation of cells mounted in EV batteries.

The company also offers products that can serve as a moldable encapsulant in battery modules or packs.

In all, the product portfolio offers low- to high-density foams, all intended to protect EV batteries from impact or a thermal event.

Shokless products protect against a range of temperatures, from -35ºC to 80ºC, according to tests that the company conducted in June 2023.

"The new systems have also been developed to be easy to work with thanks to their low viscosity and ability to cure quickly at low temperatures," Huntsman said.

Some products in the portfolio also can be dispensed with high-pressure equipment.

Huntsman is an international producer of MDI-based PUs, serving automotive customers in seating, interior trim, acoustic insulation, EV batteries and composite panel applications.

The Battery Show Europe will be June 18-20 at Messe Stuttgart, Germany.

Huntsman, with about 6,000 employees, saw 2023 net sales of around $6 billion.