Asahi Kasei Unveils Advanced LASTAN™ Nonwoven Fabric for EVs

Asahi Kasei Introduces LASTAN™ Nonwoven Fabric

The Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei has made significant strides in enhancing electric vehicle battery safety with its innovative LASTAN™ nonwoven fabric. This advanced material is designed to be flame-retardant and highly flexible, offering an exceptional alternative to traditional materials used for thermal runaway protection. LASTAN™ can be effectively utilized in various applications, including top covers and busbar protection sleeves within electric vehicle battery packs.

The Growing Importance of Battery Safety

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly prevalent, concerns surrounding battery safety are at the forefront for many consumers. A recent survey sheds light on this issue, revealing that a considerable percentage of non-EV owners prioritize safety improvements when considering the shift to electric vehicles. In response to this growing concern, global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are intensifying efforts to enhance the safety of EV batteries. The market for materials aimed at preventing thermal runaway is anticipated to witness substantial growth, with an annual increase expected in the coming years.

Challenges with Existing Materials

In the current landscape, mineral-based materials are commonly used to safeguard against thermal runaway due to their inherent properties. However, these materials present challenges as they tend to be heavy, brittle, and inflexible. Such limitations raise processability issues for automotive OEMs that require adaptability for complex shapes. Asahi Kasei recognizes this gap in the market, which is why the development of LASTAN™ was essential to meet the evolving needs of the automotive sector.

Features of LASTAN™ Fabric

LASTAN™ is a revolutionary non-mineral flame-resistant fabric crafted through a meticulous air baking process involving a special acrylic fiber subjected to high temperatures. This innovative process results in a material with exceptional flame resistance, enhanced electrical insulation, and improved abrasion resistance through a unique coating. LASTAN™ effectively protects against particle bombardment from venting gas, ensuring safety in various industrial applications.

Remarkable Performance Under Extreme Conditions

This fabric can withstand flames reaching temperatures of 1,300°C, which is a critical consideration for application in the automotive industry. Notably, even under such extreme heat, the temperature on the reverse side of the LASTAN™ fabric remains below 400°C. The material boasts an impressive limiting oxygen index (LOI) of over 50, significantly exceeding the minimum standard for flame retardance, which makes it a superior choice for safety applications. In UL94 flame retardance testing, LASTAN™ has achieved the highest rating of 5VA, showcasing its incredible resilience.

Outstanding Properties of LASTAN™

Additionally, LASTAN™ demonstrates remarkable resistance to impact from high-pressure particles sized between 200–500 µm. With an electrical insulation capability of up to 3.5 kV at a thickness of merely 1 mm, LASTAN™ proves to be a highly effective material. Its flexibility allows for processing into sheets as thin as 0.8 mm, which can easily be handled with standard manufacturing tools, thus streamlining the production process.

Future Production Plans

Asahi Kasei is currently engaged in integrated production of LASTAN™ in Japan. Looking ahead, the company is exploring opportunities for production expansion in the United States and other international markets to meet the growing demand. Excitingly, Asahi Kasei is set to showcase the latest advancements of LASTAN™ at the North American Battery Show.

About Asahi Kasei

Founded in 1922, the Asahi Kasei Group remains dedicated to enhancing life worldwide through innovation and transformation. With a workforce of over 49,000, the company operates across three core business sectors: Material, Homes, and Health Care, delivering vital solutions to the world's challenges. The Material sector encompasses a diverse range of products, from battery separators to high-performance textiles. Asahi Kasei is also committed to sustainability, aiming for a carbon-neutral society by 2050 and actively engaging in initiatives that align with this goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LASTAN™ material?

LASTAN™ is a flame-retardant, highly flexible nonwoven fabric developed by Asahi Kasei, designed for electric vehicle battery safety applications.

How does LASTAN™ improve battery safety?

LASTAN™ provides exceptional thermal protection and electrical insulation, significantly reducing the risk of thermal runaway in electric vehicle batteries.

What are the advantages of LASTAN™ over traditional materials?

Compared to traditional mineral-based materials, LASTAN™ is lighter, more flexible, and easier to process, making it ideal for automotive applications.

Where is LASTAN™ currently produced?

LASTAN™ is presently produced in Japan, with plans for potential production expansion in the United States.

What are Asahi Kasei's sustainability goals?

Asahi Kasei is dedicated to achieving a carbon-neutral society by 2050 and is actively engaged in sustainability initiatives worldwide.

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