Shin-Etsu advances silicone materials for electric vehicles

Tokyo: Shin-Etsu Chemical has developed new silicone thermal interface materials for applications in electric vehicles (EVs) in response to the need for enhanced heat-dissipation measures for lithium-ion batteries and other electronic control systems.

“With the accelerating worldwide growth in vehicle electrification, the amount of thermal interface materials in automotive parts has increased and their applications are expanding,” a company statement noted.

In response, Shin-Etsu has developed the TC-PEN series, a reduced-density, soft thermal interface pad, designed to meet the demands of EV and hybrid EV applications.

Another introduction is the TC-SET series, described as a high thermal interface soft pad with very low compression-set characteristics.

According to Shin-Etsu, the company’s “unique” technology enables the TC-PEN series to deliver products that are 15% lighter in weight than conventional products. This is also maintaining the same level of thermal conductivity characteristics and workability of conventional products. 

As a result, it is “lighter in weight and is superior in flexibility of handling, making it suitable for applications as a heat dissipation element in electronic devices with non-flat surfaces and in large area parts such as lithium-ion batteries.”

Meanwhile, the TC-SET series offers low hardness and low compression-set characteristics that were very difficult to achieve up until now in this technical field, according to the company. 

The product is said to be suitable for achieving heat dissipation for various electronic devices used in tough automotive applications that require long-term durability against vibrations and low compression set characteristics.