Asahi Kasei Unveils LASTAN™ Nonwoven Fabric
Asahi Kasei, a Japanese technology company, has made notable advancements in the safety of electric vehicle batteries with its new LASTAN™ nonwoven fabric. This material is both flame-retardant and flexible, providing an excellent alternative to traditional thermal runaway protection solutions. LASTAN™ can be effectively employed in different scenarios, such as top covers and busbar protection sleeves in electric vehicle battery packs.
The Rising Significance of Battery Safety
As electric vehicles (EVs) gain greater popularity, many consumers are increasingly concerned about battery safety. A recent survey highlights that a significant number of non-EV owners rate safety improvements as a key factor when considering a switch to electric vehicles. In light of these worries, global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are stepping up their efforts to enhance the safety of EV batteries. The market for materials designed to prevent thermal runaway is expected to see considerable growth in the upcoming years.
Limitations of Current Materials
At present, mineral-based materials are often used to protect against thermal runaway due to their unique properties. However, these materials come with drawbacks—they can be heavy, brittle, and rigid, which complicates the processes for automotive OEMs that need flexibility for intricate shapes. Recognizing this gap, Asahi Kasei deemed it essential to develop LASTAN™ to cater to the changing needs of the automotive industry.
What Makes LASTAN™ Fabric Stand Out
LASTAN™ is a groundbreaking non-mineral flame-resistant fabric created through an intricate air baking process. It involves a specialized acrylic fiber treated at high temperatures, leading to a material that not only resists flames exceptionally but also provides enhanced electrical insulation and abrasion resistance thanks to a unique coating. LASTAN™ offers robust protection against particle bombardment from venting gas, which is vital for safety in a range of industrial applications.
Exceptional Performance Under Extreme Conditions
This fabric can endure flames reaching temperatures of 1,300°C—an important factor for the automotive sector. Impressively, even in such extreme heat, the reverse side of LASTAN™ stays below 400°C. The material also has a limiting oxygen index (LOI) exceeding 50, far surpassing the minimum requirement for flame retardance, solidifying its status as an excellent choice for safety applications. During UL94 flame retardance testing, LASTAN™ earned the highest rating of 5VA, demonstrating its remarkable resilience.
Noteworthy Features of LASTAN™
In addition, LASTAN™ exhibits remarkable resistance to impact from high-pressure particles measuring between 200–500 µm. With an electrical insulation capacity of up to 3.5 kV at a mere thickness of 1 mm, LASTAN™ proves to be an extremely effective material. Its flexibility allows for production into sheets as thin as 0.8 mm, which can be easily managed with standard manufacturing equipment, simplifying the production process.
Plans for Future Production
Currently, Asahi Kasei is engaged in the integrated production of LASTAN™ in Japan. As the company looks toward the future, it is considering expanding production facilities to the United States and other international markets to meet rising demand. Excitingly, Asahi Kasei will showcase the latest developments of LASTAN™ at the North American Battery Show.
About Asahi Kasei
Founded in 1922, the Asahi Kasei Group is committed to improving lives globally through innovation and transformation. With a team of over 49,000 employees, the company operates in three primary sectors: Material, Homes, and Health Care, offering critical solutions to address global challenges. The Material sector includes a wide array of products, from battery separators to high-performance textiles. Additionally, Asahi Kasei emphasizes sustainability, aiming for a carbon-neutral society by 2050 and engaging in initiatives that support this goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LASTAN™ material?
LASTAN™ is a flame-retardant, highly flexible nonwoven fabric designed by Asahi Kasei, specifically for applications related to electric vehicle battery safety.
How does LASTAN™ improve battery safety?
LASTAN™ offers superior thermal protection and electrical insulation, significantly lowering the risk of thermal runaway in electric vehicle batteries.
What are the advantages of LASTAN™ over traditional materials?
In comparison to traditional mineral-based materials, LASTAN™ is lighter, more flexible, and easier to manufacture, making it a more suitable choice for automotive uses.
Where is LASTAN™ currently produced?
LASTAN™ is currently manufactured in Japan, with plans in place for potential production growth in the United States.
What are Asahi Kasei's sustainability goals?
Asahi Kasei is focused on achieving a carbon-neutral society by 2050 and is actively involved in sustainability initiatives around the globe.
