A new flame retarded electrolyte for LiBs has been developed by Daikin America.
enough of these additives to the electrolyte, we can create a selfextinguishing or even non-flammable mixture.
AI: How do you see the product changing the Lithium ion battery industry?
Kennefick: In applications where safety is of paramount importance such as transportation, aerospace, and defense, the inclusion of fluorinated electrolytes will revolutionize the way that system integrators look at battery pack and auxiliary system design. Not only will safety be improved but overall system designs will be simplified. This will make LiBs even more attractive as an energy storage option.
AI: What are some of the investments Daikin America has made in the development of the new electrolyte?
Kennefick: Daikin has made a significant investment in equipment, quality control systems, and people. Our ISO certified electrolyte manufacturing facility located in our plant complex in Decatur, Alabama is state-of-the-art and utilizes many of the operational and quality control systems that have made us a premier manufacture of fluoropolymers.
AI: What are some of the initial reactions you have had from automotive OEMs about the new electrolyte?
Kennefick: Our announcement is very recent, so we are just beginning to receive feedback from the OEMs. At the AABC( Advanced Automotive Batteries Conference) held during the week of February 4 we received feedback and interest from a number of automotive and aerospace OEMs.
AI: How much of Daikin America’ s focus is on the automotive industry?
Kennefick: The automotive market is one of the key focus areas for Daikin’ s current and future growth. As under-the-hood operating temperatures continue to rise, and fluids are introduced that could attack conventional polymers, the use of fluoropolymers will grow. They offer superior heat and chemical resistance, weatherability, fuel permeation resistance, and lubricant and additive resistance.
AI: What are some of the other innovative automotive products that Daikin has in its portfolio?
Kennefick: Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers of components and assemblies to the automotive industry use Daikin fluorpolymers in areas such as powertrain sealing. Here, Daikin’ s DAI-EL FKM fluoroelastomer and PTFE are used for transmission, driveline, axle, hybrid, differential and wheel seals. Its solutions for fuel systems, including DAI-EL, PTFE, ETFE, EFEP, CPT and Dupra FFKM, are used for fuel tubing, fuel hoses, O-ring seals, check valves, gaskets and fuel tank sender seals.
AI: What are some of the future automotive technologies that Daikin is working on?
Kennefick: We are developing improved materials and design solutions with our Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier partners. This will help the automotive industry deal with the new CARB LEV3 emissions regulations which will come into effect shortly. AI
Electricity may not burn like fossil fuels – but the lithium ion batteries in electric vehicles are a potential fire hazard.
Automotive Industries 39