News - Empowering Electric Vehicles: Innovations solutions EV Thermoplastic Polyurethane for cables!

The advent of electric vehicles (EVs) has ushered in a new era of sustainable transportation, with fast-charging infrastructure playing a pivotal role in supporting the widespread adoption of EVs. Fast-charging piles, or stations, are critical components of this infrastructure, enabling EV users to recharge their vehicles quickly and conveniently. As the demand for fast-charging solutions grows, there is an increased emphasis on the development of robust and reliable components, including the cables that connect the charging pile to the electric vehicle. However, like any technology, these cables are not immune to challenges.

Common issues faced by fast-charging pile cables and potential solutions

1. Weathering and Environmental Exposure:

Fast-charging pile cables are exposed to various weather conditions, from scorching heat to freezing cold, and rain to snow. This exposure can lead to environmental degradation, including corrosion and deterioration of cable materials, which, in turn, affects their performance.

Solution: Weatherproofing measures, such as specialized coatings and materials, can protect fast-charging pile cables from the adverse effects of environmental exposure. Investing in cables designed for outdoor use can contribute to their longevity.

2. Wear and Tear from Frequent Use:

Fast-charging pile cables are subjected to repeated plugging and unplugging as EV users seek to charge their vehicles quickly. This frequent use can lead to wear and tear on the cables, affecting their structural integrity and potentially compromising their performance. Over time, this can result in the need for maintenance and replacement.

In addition, EV Charging cables can deteriorate due to wear and tear from being bent and dragged during use, and even by being driven over.

Solution: Investing in robust materials with enhanced flexibility and durability can help mitigate wear and tear. Advanced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) grades are designed to withstand the stresses of frequent bending and flexing, providing a longer service life for fast-charging pile cables.

TPU manufacturers need to know: Innovative Thermoplastic Polyurethane for Fast-Charging Pile Cables.

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a versatile polymer known for its exceptional mechanical properties, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals. These characteristics make TPU an ideal material for cable insulation and jacketing, especially in applications where durability and performance are paramount.

BASF, a global leader in the chemical industry, launched a groundbreaking thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) grade Elastollan® 1180A10WDM, specifically engineered to address the demands of fast-charging pile cables. The material is designed to exhibit enhanced durability, flexibility, and resistance to wear and tear. It is softer, and more flexible, yet possesses excellent mechanical properties, weather resistance, and flame retardancy, and is easier to handle than conventional materials used for charging cables of fast charging piles. This optimized TPU grade ensures that the cables maintain their integrity even under the stress of frequent bending and exposure to varying weather conditions.

How to optimize Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) formulation?

Si-TPV is processed like a thermoplastic. unlike conventional silicone additives, it disperses very finely and homogeneously throughout the polymer matrix. The copolymer becomes physically bound to the matrix and is therefore unable to migrate. You don’t worry about leading to migration (low “blooming”) issues.

Herein is a strategy for Enhancing Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Properties, Addressing issues related to fast-changing pile cable tangling, and wear and tear, and presenting solutions to prevent cable damage, Empowering Electric Vehicles.

Si-TPV(vulcanizate thermoplastic silicone-based elastomers ) is the sustainable solution for EV TPU charging cables and is an exciting novel additive that could greatly benefit your TPU manufacturing processes.

Key solutions for thermoplastic polyurethanes for electric vehicle charging system cables:

1. Adding 6% Si-TPV improve the surface smoothness of thermoplastic polyurethanes(TPU), thereby enhancing their scratch and abrasion resistance. Moreover, surfaces become more resistant to dust adsorption, a non-tacky feel that resists dirt.

2. Adding more than 10% to a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer affects its hardness and mechanical properties, rendering it softer and more elastic. it contributes TPU manufacturers to creating high-quality, more resilient, efficient, and sustainable fast-charging pile cables.

3. Add Si-TPV into TPU, Si-TPV improves the soft touch feeling of the EV Charging cable, achieving a visual of the surface matt effect, and durability.

This novel additive Si-TPV approach not only extends the life of TPU-based products but also opens the door to new and innovative applications across various industries.

Get effective strategies to improve TPU formulations from SILIKE, ensuring durability and maintaining a high-quality surface despite challenges, to meet the stringent requirements of EV TPU for charging system cables!