In recent years, the new energy vehicle industry has developed rapidly and become a major trend in the global automotive industry. With increasing environmental awareness and strong support from relevant policies, the market share of new energy vehicles has continued to rise year by year. PK materials (polyketone), with their excellent performance and broad application prospects, are playing an increasingly important role in the field of new energy vehicles.
In recent years, the new energy vehicle industry has developed rapidly and become a major trend in the global automotive industry. With increasing environmental awareness and strong support from relevant policies, the market share of new energy vehicles has continued to rise year by year. PK materials (polyketone), with their excellent performance and broad application prospects, are playing an increasingly important role in the field of new energy vehicles.
Current Market Status of New Energy Vehicles
With global attention toward sustainable development, the new energy vehicle industry has entered an unprecedented period of opportunity. According to statistics, global new energy vehicle sales approached 14 million units in 2023, with China leading the global market with 8 million new registrations. The combined impact of policy support, technological advancement, market maturity, and increasing consumer environmental awareness has accelerated the adoption of new energy vehicles.
Characteristics of PK Materials
PK materials, as a new type of high-performance polymer material, demonstrate a series of excellent properties due to their unique molecular structure:
（1）Low-temperature resistance and impact resistance: PK materials can maintain mechanical properties in environments as low as -30°C. Their wide operating temperature range ensures long-term product durability and meets the low-temperature application requirements of new energy vehicles.
（2）Better dimensional stability under various conditions
（3） Excellent chemical resistance: PK materials exhibit good resistance to various chemical agents and can effectively withstand corrosion from substances such as electrolytes, extending the service life of components.
（4）Low water absorption: Compared with other polymer materials, PK materials have lower water absorption and can maintain dimensional stability in humid environments, making them suitable for various application scenarios in new energy vehicles.
（5）Low VOCs: Solving the issue of formaldehyde emission from materials and meeting the concept of “low-carbon and green growth”.
（6）Better NVH performance: NVH refers to noise, vibration, and harshness. PK materials can provide a more comfortable environment.
Applications of PK Materials in New Energy Vehicles
1、Cooling Pipes and Fuel Pipes
Good processability, low water absorption, excellent dimensional stability, good chemical resistance, good welding performance, and fuel resistance.
2、Integrated Flow Channel Plates
Low water absorption, excellent dimensional stability, good chemical resistance, easy processing, and good welding performance.
3、Connectors
Low water absorption, excellent dimensional stability, and outstanding snap-fit performance;
Maintains excellent impact resistance even at low temperatures of -30°C, solving the problem of connector cracking under low-temperature conditions;
Good insulation properties and durability, compliant with the safety standards for household and similar electrical appliances (IEC 60335-1), and has passed the 750°C glow-wire test (IEC 60695-2-11) for approximately 60 types of connectors;
Easy processing and higher MFI provide better thin-wall processing capability. PK can serve as a solution for the development of thin-wall, small-sized connectors in new energy vehicles.
4、High-Voltage Battery Busbar Boards
Halogen-free flame-retardant grade;
Low water absorption, excellent dimensional stability, and outstanding mechanical properties;
High comparative tracking index (CTI) of 600V, excellent insulation performance, and outstanding electrical properties.
5、Seat Belt Guides and Buckles
Low water absorption, excellent dimensional stability, and wear resistance ensure long-term use;
Low noise and low VOCs provide a comfortable and safe vehicle interior environment.
6、Headlight Cleaning Systems
Excellent chemical resistance and impact resistance, capable of withstanding water pressure impact and detergent corrosion.
Future Trends
1. Material Performance Improvement:
Through improvements in molecular structure and the application of composite material technologies, the performance of PK materials will be further enhanced to meet the higher performance requirements of new energy vehicles.
2. Cost Optimization:
With improvements in production processes and the realization of economies of scale, the cost of PK materials will be further reduced, promoting their wider application in new energy vehicles.
3. Application Expansion:
In the future, PK materials are expected to be applied in more components of new energy vehicles, such as interior parts and transmission system components, providing more possibilities for lightweighting and high performance of new energy vehicles.
With the continuous advancement of new energy vehicle technologies and the growing market demand, the application prospects of PK materials in this field will become increasingly broad.
In the future, WDF will continue to focus on the advancement of PK material modification technologies, ensuring excellent material quality and performance to meet the demand for high-performance materials across various industries.
