Shin-Etsu Chemical Has Developed a Silicone Rubber for Molding That Is Optimal as an Insulation Covering Material for Onboard High-voltage Cable in Automobiles

Rhea-AI Summary

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. has introduced a new silicone rubber product, KE-5641-U, designed for high-voltage cable used in electric and hybrid vehicles. This innovative material enhances flexibility while maintaining optimal insulation performance even at thinner layers, addressing manufacturers' needs for lighter and more manageable wiring. The product boasts a high dielectric breakdown strength of 40kV/mm, surpassing the previous 26kV/mm benchmark, alongside superior heat and cold resistance. Beyond automotive applications, this silicone rubber is suitable for industrial machinery and energy sectors, enhancing overall reliability.

Positive

• Introduced silicone rubber product KE-5641-U enhances flexibility and reduces weight for high-voltage cable.
• Achieves high dielectric breakdown strength of 40kV/mm, improving insulation performance.
• Can be utilized in various applications beyond automotive, including industrial and energy sectors.

Negative

• None.

This new product realizes significant improvements in flexibility and lighter weight for high-voltage cable

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tokyo; President: Yasuhiko Saitoh) has developed a new silicone rubber for molding (the “KE-5641-U”) that is optimal as an insulation covering material for high-voltage cable used in automobiles.

In the case of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), their drive systems increasingly require higher-voltage/larger current cable. Because of this, high withstand voltage characteristics are being sought after for high-voltage cable for EVs and HEVs. Accordingly, when the currently existing insulation covering material is used in order to secure the insulation’s performance, the covering layers of the cable become too thick and the cable becomes inflexible and therefore problematic to handle and to route through the interior of a vehicle. Thus, automobile manufacturers are seeking high-voltage cable that has superior flexibility that makes wiring easier to handle.

Developed by taking advantage of our company’s unique technologies, Shin-Etsu Chemical’s new silicone rubber for molding product, the KE-5641-U, will help facilitate the solution of these issues. With this new product’s high withstand voltage characteristics, even when the high-voltage cable’s insulation system covering layers are made thinner, superior insulation performance is secured. In addition, the thinness of the covering layers leads to a significant improvement in the flexibility of the cable, and at the same time, it realizes a thinner diameter and lighter weight high-voltage cable.

The product’s main characteristics are as follows:

1. It realizes the industry’s top-level high dielectric withstand voltage (DWV) characteristics. Its dielectric breakdown strength is 40kV/mm — our currently existing product’s strength is 26kV/mm.
2. Because it is made of silicone rubber, this new product has combined many superlative characteristics, such as strong resistance to heat and cold, weatherability and flame retardancy.
3. Compared to non-silicone type insulation covering materials, it is stellar in long-term reliability.

In addition to its usage for vehicles, the new product can also be used as an insulation covering material in high-voltage cables for applications in such fields as industrial machinery, railroad equipment, and energy plants, and it will contribute to higher performance and improved reliability.

Shin-Etsu Chemical will continue to endeavor to enhance our ability to contribute to the solution of various social and customer issues. We will work toward the achievement of this goal by developing and supplying advanced functional silicone products through making full use of the technological power and knowhow that Shin-Etsu has nurtured up to now, as we strive to further contribute to the realization of the sustainability of society.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230301006211/en/

For inquiries about this matter, please contact:

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

Public Relations Dept.

Tetsuya Koishikawa

Tel: 03-6812-2340, or from outside Japan: 81-3-6812-2340

Fax: 03-6812-2341, or from outside Japan: 81-3-6812-2341

E-mail: sec-pr@shinetsu.jp

www.shinetsu.co.jp

Source: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

FAQ

What is the new product introduced by Shin-Etsu Chemical?

The new product introduced is a silicone rubber for molding called KE-5641-U, designed for high-voltage cable in vehicles.

What are the key features of Shin-Etsu's KE-5641-U silicone rubber?

The KE-5641-U silicone rubber features a dielectric breakdown strength of 40kV/mm and improved flexibility and weight reduction in high-voltage cables.

How does the KE-5641-U product benefit electric vehicles?

The KE-5641-U product allows for thinner insulation layers, making high-voltage cables more flexible and easier to handle in electric vehicles.

In what other applications can KE-5641-U be used?

Besides automotive, KE-5641-U can be used in industrial machinery, railroad equipment, and energy plants.

What significant improvement does KE-5641-U offer over existing products?

KE-5641-U offers a significant improvement in dielectric withstand voltage, increasing from 26kV/mm to 40kV/mm.