The fine chemical manufacturing industry is unique in its scope, green chemistry practices, and contributions to sustainability. Suppliers are regularly called upon to deliver starting materials, active ingredients and advanced intermediates for a near-limitless range of downstream applications. One particularly exciting avenue opening for this industry is the e-mobility revolution.
What is e-Mobility?
Electromobility is a broad term used to describe the electrification of transport systems, specifically automobiles. This covers all aspects of vehicle engineering from the drivetrain to the interior display, as well as charging stations and infrastructure support. Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are increasingly commonplace on our roads, with almost all major automotive brands offering some form of e-mobility product.
One of the unsung drivers of the e-mobility revolution is fine chemical manufacturing. Without high-purity dianhydrides, for instance, many of the key performance indicators of EVs and PHEVs would be simply unattainable.
Case Study: BTDA in the e-Mobility Revolution
How well a vehicle performs comes down to a complex manifold of factors. In addition to fuel efficiency, key metrics include acceleration and top speed which are primarily determined by the size and efficiency of the engine. The e-mobility revolution will require durable components that can withstand high temperatures and physical strain. The traditional combustion engine is either supplemented or replaced by electric motors powered by hundreds, if not thousands, of individual lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells that must endure harsh vibrations and charging cycles. Additionally, electric motors throughout the vehicle, for operation of windows, locks, door handles, liftgates, seating, interior accessories, and active aerodynamics also need to operate reliably. Every motor adds a new point of convenience, but also a potential point of failure that requires durable engineering. Beyond temperature and physical demands, many of these components may be exposed to the outside environment.
Fine chemical manufacturers are tasked with developing solutions that can enable downstream parts to endure abrasion, chemical corrosion, and temperature extremes in components critical to electric vehicles and their supporting infrastructure.
For example, BTDA (Benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride) is an important thermal curative used to improve the performance of epoxy resins and extend their length of service. Cyclic dianhydrides including BTDA have been around for decades, and their use is transitioning to modern, high performance electronic applications. BTDA-epoxy systems can be employed as wire enamels and varnishes for electric motor windings; encapsulants to protect sensors and components; coating powders to insulate wiring and busbars; all significantly improving their performance over extended life cycles. With the support of the fine chemical industry, continuous improvement to EVs/PHEVs, charging stations and infrastructure are ensured, supporting the green promise of the e-mobility revolution.
Fine Chemical Manufacturing for Greener Roads
CABB is a leading fine chemical custom manufacturer , providing solutions to energize key market segments like e-mobility. If you would like to learn more about how our products and services are employed in today’s modern vehicle technology, and our plans to support the future of e-mobility, why not contact a member of the team today?
