Ascend Performance Materials, a chemical manufacturing company from Texas, has developed two new materials that it says can help to make electric vehicles safer and quieter.
The two new materials include the trademark-named quiet Starflam X-Protect and Vydyne AVS. Each material tackles a what Ascend describes as “unique challenges” for EV manufacturers in the development of their electric vehicle platforms.
Starflam X-Protect is an industry-leading flame-retardant type of material able to withstand 1,100°C direct flame for 15 minutes. This surpasses levels for standard flame-retardant materials and aluminium.
“Safety remains one of the primary concerns for people considering an EV,” said Ian van Duijvenboode, Ascend’s senior director for e-mobility.
“Despite being relatively rare, critical battery failure and thermal runaway can occur and X-Protect was designed to keep people safe even in extreme circumstances.”
The second material, Vydyne AVS, has been specifically engineered to dampen high-frequency vibrations from noise sources like motors and compressors.
Quiet achievement
Ascend claims that this new material can reduce cabin sound pressure by 80%. This could prove game-changing, considering that EVs produce vibrations at 10 times the frequency of ICE vehicles.
Vydyne AVS is already in noticeable use in the Cadillac Lyriq, which has been dubbed by some as “crypt-quiet” and “the quietest car I can remember driving”. Specifically, the electric AC compressor mounting bracket is made of Vydyne AVS, helping to dampen the component’s vibrations at the source, while also providing structural support.
“Vydyne AVS is the result of years of engineering development combined with our unique ability to tailor the polymerization process to target specific attributes,” said Dr. Steve Manning, Ascend’s senior director for engineered materials.
“It’s an example of our commitment to help customers lead in innovation and tackle the unique challenges driven by this transformation to electrification.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.