Aerogel Fireproof Coating for Lithium Battery Thermal Runaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-temperature fireproof and heat-insulating paints using organic materials degrade and produce toxic substances when exposed to high temperatures, limiting their effectiveness in protecting lithium battery modules in electric vehicles and other high-temperature applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of a silicone-based aerogel paint using a method involving mixed hydrolysis, condensation, atmospheric drying, and high-temperature-resistant glue mixing to create a smoke-free, non-toxic, and highly fire-resistant coating with enhanced thermal insulation properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If organic foaming materials are used for thermal insulation, then thermal insulation effect is good at room temperature or below 120°C, but they rapidly decompose and lose thermal insulation effect at temperature higher than 120°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from organic foaming materials to inorganic aerogel particles, fundamentally altering the temperature stability parameter. Aerogel particles maintain their structural integrity and thermal insulation properties at temperatures exceeding 120°C, eliminating the decomposition issue of organic materials while preserving low thermal conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coating system combining inorganic aerogel particles with inorganic binder materials (such as silicate-based binders). This composite approach integrates the excellent thermal insulation properties of aerogel with the high-temperature stability of inorganic binders, achieving both thermal insulation effectiveness and reliability at elevated temperatures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If thermally expandable metal oxides are used in fireproof paint, then fire-proof and heat insulative effects are achieved under high-temperature flames, but the metal oxide layer cracks and falls off under high-temperature flames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs porous aerogel particles as the core insulating material. The porous structure of aerogel provides exceptional thermal insulation while accommodating thermal expansion stresses without cracking. The porous network absorbs expansion forces, preventing the coating from losing integrity under high-temperature flame conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a composite coating system where aerogel particles are embedded in an inorganic binder matrix. This composite structure combines the thermal insulation capabilities of aerogel with the mechanical strength and thermal stability of inorganic binders, creating a cohesive coating that maintains integrity during thermal expansion and contraction cycles.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If organic paints are used in high-temperature applications, then fire-proof effects are achieved, but organic paints carbonize and decompose into toxic substances under high-temperature flames above 500°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the chemical composition parameter from organic to inorganic materials. Aerogel particles are silicon dioxide-based inorganic materials that do not carbonize or decompose into toxic substances. The inorganic binder system similarly avoids organic decomposition, eliminating toxic emissions while maintaining fire protection capabilities through physical barrier formation and endothermic reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of high-temperature exposure into benefit by using materials that undergo controlled physical changes rather than harmful chemical decomposition. The inorganic binder system may undergo controlled carbonation or other benign reactions that consume heat and form protective layers, turning the high-temperature environment from a source of toxic emissions into a condition that enhances protective function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The aerogel paint maintains its integrity and effectiveness at temperatures up to 1200°C, preventing heat conduction and ensuring safety by forming a stable, porous structure with reduced thermal conductivity and improved fire resistance.
Implementation Method 1
aerogel is a porous material with a three-dimensional network structure, and having characteristics such as high porosity (higher than 80% or even higher than 95%), low density (about 0.05 to 0.2 g/cm3), high specific surface area (500 to 2000 m2/g), low thermal conductivity (k=15 to 40 mW/mk)
Implementation Method 2
adding siloxane precursors to an ethanol water solution so as to form a mixed solution, and adding an acid catalyst to the mixed solution so that the siloxane precursors are hydrolyzed into a hydrolyzed siloxane compound mixture
Implementation Method 3
adding a alkali catalyst solution to the mixed solution to perform a condensation reaction so as to obtain a condensation solution
Implementation Method 4
providing an air flow having a drying temperature at atmospheric pressure in a drying tank to rapidly evaporate the remaining dispersing water solution from the surface-stable aerogel wet-gel particle so as to obtain a dried aerogel particle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an aerogel paint with smoke-free, fireproof and high heat insulation properties and preparation method thereof. The method comprises steps of: (1) mixed hydrolysis, (2) condensation and dispersion, (3) atmospheric drying, (4) high-temperature-resistant glue mixing, (5) homogenizing and dispersing. In this technology, the aerogel particles can be prepared by condensation under suspension and dispersion, and the aerogel particles have more uniform particle sizes. After being dried with hot air on an atmospheric condition, the aerogel paint is then prepared by mixing a high-temperature-resistant glue solution with the dried aerogel particles to obtain an aerogel paint being smoke-free, toxic-free, highly fire-proof and highly heat insulative. The products developed in the present invention withstand impact of high-temperature flames more than 1200° C. for a long time, and remain unpenetrated of the aluminum plate. The product is therefore suitable for safety protection of electric vehicles from lithium battery modules thermal runaway.