New approach for electric vehicle composite battery housings: Electromagnetic shielding and flame retardancy of PUR/UP-based sheet molding compound

In a battery electric vehicle, the battery housing fulfils important safety functions such as electromagnetic shielding and flame retardancy. Composites like Sheet Molding Compounds (SMCs) offer significant potential in the production of battery housings. However, to achieve both electromagnetic shielding and flame retardancy in one material, conventional SMCs must be modified. This study examined the electromagnetic shielding and flame retardancy of unsaturated polyester polyurethane hybrid (UPPH) resin-based SMCs containing either glass- or carbon-fiber reinforcement as well as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanostructures or expandable graphite filler.