(34b) High Performance Polymer Nanocomposites for E-Mobility and Lightweighting Applications

Polymer nanocomposites have garnered significant attention due to their notable properties (such as electrical, thermal, & mechanical) and hold promise for advancing e-mobility and lightweighting technologies in automotive & aerospace industries. The polymer nanocomposites combine carbonaceous nanomaterial (such as carbon nanotube, graphene etc.) within polymer matrix, resulting in enhanced structural and tailored electrical characteristics or contain non-carbonaceous (such as inorganic oxides or ceramic fillers) improving dielectric and/ thermal properties of these nanocomposites. The synergistic effects arising from the combination of nanomaterials and polymers make the polymer nanocomposites suitable candidates that meet stringent “Critical to Quality” (CTQs) for various e-mobility, and aerospace applications. The right choice of the nanomaterials and/ the fillers as well as the right ratios are critical to design & develop a new polymer nanocomposite with desired properties meeting the specific CTQs and to process it with ease as well as scale up for manufacturability.

This presentation aims to provide a high-level technical overview on polymer nanocomposites-based technologies as well as other polymer technology that we developed to provide technical solutions to different businesses within Eaton Corporation including:

• High Performance Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK) Nanocomposite Insulation for High Voltage EV e-Motor Application
• Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD) PEEK Nanocomposite for Non-Metallic Aircraft Fuel Conveyance
• Rigiflex Busbar Insulation Technology

I will highlight the business value proposition for each project, and the technical approaches used to solve the challenging technical problem(s). I will also share the major outcomes & key lessons learned while worked as a technical lead in these multiple New Technology Introduction (NTI) projects, and how my contribution helped develop high performance nanocomposite to improve the functionality, efficiency, durability, and safety of Eaton’s products designed for Aerospace and Electric Vehicle market.

In addition, my talk will also cover the path I took to become a polymer researcher, and the steps that helped me positively during my career.