Organopolysiloxane Ceramic Microsphere Foam for Battery Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal barriers for lithium-ion batteries fail to provide adequate heat insulation, flame resistance, and compressibility, especially for high-energy density battery packs, with materials like aerogel and silicone foam having respective weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising polysiloxanes functionalized with Si—H and ethylenically unsaturated groups, a fire retardant, and hollow ceramic particles is used to create a compressible, heat-insulating, and flame-resistant foamed material for lithium-ion battery spacers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If aerogel or ceramic fiber is used as thermal barrier, then heat insulation and flame resistance are improved, but mechanical resilience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of polysiloxane matrix combined with ceramic particles (alumina, silica, or勃姆石) and fire retardant additives. This composite structure provides both thermal insulation properties and mechanical resilience, resolving the contradiction between heat insulation and mechanical strength by integrating multiple materials with complementary properties.
2Temperature
If mica board is used as thermal barrier, then heat insulation and flame resistance are improved, but compressibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the thermal barrier material by using polysiloxane-based foam with controlled density (0.05-0.5 g/cm³) and incorporating flexible fire retardant additives. This modifies the material's compressibility while maintaining heat insulation properties, allowing it to deform under compression while still providing thermal protection.
3Ease of operation
If silicone blown foam is used as thermal barrier, then compressibility is improved, but heat insulation deteriorates for high energy density battery packs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances silicone foam by incorporating ceramic particles (alumina, silica, or勃姆石) and fire retardant additives into the polysiloxane matrix. This composite modification significantly improves heat insulation performance while preserving the compressibility and flexibility of the original silicone foam, making it suitable for high energy density battery packs.
4Reliability
If thermal barrier is added to prevent thermal runaway, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition and physical properties of the thermal barrier material by adjusting the degree of polymerization of polysiloxane (5-1000), incorporating specific fire retardant additives (metal hydroxides, carbonates, or hydrates), and controlling the density and particle size of ceramic fillers. These parameter optimizations enhance safety performance while maintaining material simplicity and ease of processing.
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 foamed material effectively provides heat insulation, flame resistance, and compressibility, mitigating thermal runaway risks in lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a polysiloxane functionalized with at least two Si—H groups... a polysiloxane functionalized with at least one ethylenically unsaturated group... a catalytic amount of a hydrosilylation catalyst
Implementation Method 2
provides heat insulation and flame resistance... effectively provides heat insulation, flame resistance, and compressibility, mitigating thermal runaway risks
Implementation Method 3
The rapid pressure build-up arising from these thermal events increases the risks of fire and explosion... thermal runaway can be mitigated by placing a thermal barrier between cells
Data Source
AI summary
A composition comprises reactive polysiloxanes and hydroxyl-containing precursors, a fire retardant, and micron-sized hollow ceramic particles. The composition is useful in the preparation of an insulating, compressible, and flame-resistant foamed material that is useful for providing heat insulation, flame resistance, and compressibility for applications such as lithium-ion batteries.