BASF introduces advanced polyamide materials to support next-generation e-mobility applications

As e-mobility continues to advance, plastics that come into contact with chemicals are required to deliver significantly higher ageing resistance. In particular, frequent battery-charging cycles—where temperatures must remain tightly controlled—have dramatically increased the expected service life of plastic components used under the hood. These components must now withstand 45,000 to 55,000 operating hours, compared with approximately 5,000 hours in conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Such plastics are commonly used in applications including pumps and valves within the engine compartment.

Previously, material durability was primarily assessed under hot-air ageing conditions. BASF has now adapted these proven testing methods to hydrolysis ageing, which involves exposure to water-glycol mixtures. This approach uses the Arrhenius equation to establish the relationship between temperature and reaction rate, enabling reliable predictions of material service life under normal operating conditions.

In a test program initiated in August 2020, BASF evaluated a next-generation polyamide from its materials portfolio. This Ultramid® grade features enhanced hydrolysis resistance, laser markability, glass-fiber reinforcement, and low halogen content, ensuring compliance with current and future automotive requirements. Test results indicate that the material’s performance can be extrapolated to more than 100,000 operating hours after five years of testing, providing long-term reliability and confidence for automotive applications in both passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

Source: BASF