Amorim Cork Solutions introduces cork composite for EV battery thermal runaway management

Amorim Cork Solutions has unveiled ETP058, an innovative cork-based composite designed to enhance thermal management and safety in electric vehicle (EV) battery systems and stationary energy storage. This engineered material serves as an inter-cell separator, offering a unique combination of thermal insulation, flame resistance, and mechanical compressibility. Its low thermal conductivity and compliance with the UL94 V-0 flammability standard for samples thicker than 2 mm highlight its potential to mitigate the risks associated with battery thermal runaway events. The composite’s performance was demonstrated through flame exposure tests at temperatures nearing 1,000 °C, where it effectively slowed heat transfer between cells, resulting in a controlled temperature increase on the material’s reverse side. ETP058’s ability to compress under mechanical load ensures it maintains structural integrity and contact within battery modules during high-temperature incidents, a critical feature for maintaining safety and performance under stress. The material combines cork granules with a fire-retardant formulation, leveraging cork’s natural microcellular structure to provide resilience, low weight, and thermal insulation. Cork’s renewable nature, harvested sustainably from the bark of cork oak trees without the need for felling, adds an environmental benefit to the composite’s technical advantages. This aligns with the growing demand for sustainable materials in the electric mobility and energy storage sectors. Amorim positions ETP058 as a solution for both EV battery modules and stationary energy storage systems, aiming to improve safety while addressing mass and compressibility requirements. While Amorim Cork Solutions has not disclosed any specific customer partnerships or a timeline for commercial release, the introduction of ETP058 signals a promising development in battery safety technology. Its combination of natural materials and engineered performance could influence future standards in thermal runaway management, potentially shaping design approaches in electric mobility and energy storage industries. Further announcements are anticipated as the company progresses towards market introduction.