Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), a global diversified chemical company, announced that its STAMAX™ 30YH570 resin has recently received the UL certification mark issued by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). As one of the flagship products of SABIC BLUEHERO™ electrification plan, this 30% fiberglass reinforced copolymer resin is the first polymer to obtain UL certification for heat resistance and mechanical properties and can be used in electric vehicle power battery systems. UL certification is based on the objective and scientific evaluation results of an authoritative third party, which helps to enhance customers' confidence in the flame retardant performance of products.

The vast majority of EV batteries remain problem-free throughout their lifetime. Although thermal runaway accidents rarely occur, the safety-conscious automotive industry still attaches great importance to the design and performance of electric vehicle battery systems, hoping to buy more time for personnel to leave the vehicle by delaying the spread of fire to the outside of the battery pack as much as possible. One of the key factors is the selection and use of appropriate fire-resistant materials for battery pack components such as casings, covers, trays, and insulated boxes that separate cells into groups.

Venkatakrishnan Umamaheswaran, Director of Global Automotive Marketing at SABIC, said: “The UL certification of STAMAX 30YH570 resin’s thermal runaway protection capabilities is another important milestone in our development of polymer materials for advancing electric vehicle batteries. This authoritative recognition The agency's recognition not only proves the excellent performance and safety of SABIC polymers, but also further highlights the importance of the BLUEHERO project. SABIC has always been committed to providing cost-effective lightweight plastic solutions to help the development of electric vehicle technology."

Thermal runaway chamber test results according to UL 2596 "Test Methods for Thermal Resistance and Mechanical Properties of Battery Enclosure Materials" show that STAMAX 30YH570 resin can withstand an chamber pressure of 250 kPa and an chamber temperature of 420°C. Test results are based on three replicate tests with a panel thickness of 4 mm. SABIC materials are intumescent and flame retardant. In addition, it has a series of performance advantages such as high hardness, high strength and easy processability.

Obtaining UL certification this time highlights another major breakthrough of SABIC's BLUEHERO program, proving that its thermoplastics have greater performance advantages in battery pack applications compared with previous steel and other metals, helping to reduce battery weight and reduce costs. cost, improve functional integration, and enhance electrical insulation and thermal insulation performance.