Solvay launches new grade for superior flame retardancy in battery enclosures

Solvay announced its launch of SolvaLite 716 FR, an innovative fast-curing epoxy prepreg system, designed for a wide range of structural parts and reinforcements in premium battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

A SolvaLite 716 FR component.

SolvaLite 716 FR is primarily targeted at flame-retardant battery enclosure applications for premium and super-premium BEVs.

It has a dry glass transition temperature (Tg) of 145°C and has shown to outperform aluminum and discontinuous fiber composites in practical UL 2596 flammability tests by providing protection at a wall thickness of 2mm. The material is also significantly lightweight compared to incumbent solutions.

The new material has passed the UL 2596 flame test.

SolvaLite 716 FR component after the flame test.

Apart from automotive industry, the new material also unlocks potential for other components where fire safety is key to meeting general UL94 V-0 specifications.

The system is designed for rapid curing, offering a press cure time of eight minutes at 150°C, with higher temperature and shorter cycle time capability designed to help converters achieve more efficient production routes, such as Solvay’s proprietary Double Diaphragm Forming (DDF) technology.

SolvaLite 716 FR is available in a carefully selected range of formats and continuous fiber types aimed at meeting the most demanding mechanical requirements – under worst-case loading conditions, minimizing component thickness and optimizing enclosure volume for increased volumetric energy density or vehicle z-height.

The new material will officially launch at Composites and Advanced Materials Expo (CAMX) in Atlanta from October 30 to November 2, and will be commercially available by the end of 2023.