In response to the growing demand for high-voltage electric motors in the automotive industry, Solvay, a leading specialty materials company, has unveiled KetaSpire® KT-857, a new polyetheretherketone (PEEK) extrusion compound designed specifically for copper magnet wire insulation.

The development of this custom-engineered insulation material aims to address the range anxiety concerns of consumers by supporting the trend toward higher density batteries and electric powertrains operating at 800V or above.

Brian Baleno, Head of Marketing, Automotive, at Solvay Materials, highlights the advantages of the KetaSpire® PEEK KT-857 technology. Unlike the conventional polyimide process that involves multiple application passes, this new solution offers a faster and more cost-efficient monolayer process, eliminating potential defects that may occur during layering. Moreover, the KetaSpire® PEEK insulation material provides better adhesion to the copper magnet wire, surpassing the challenges faced by standard PEEK extrusion methods.

In addition to its improved performance, Solvay's KetaSpire® KT-857 contributes to sustainability efforts. The single insulation layer requires less energy during extrusion, and unlike enamel processes, it does not require the use of volatile organic compounds. This innovative insulation material further enhances the uniformity of the insulation layer. Solvay's KetaSpire® KT-857 complements their portfolio of high-performance e-motor solutions, offering a comprehensive range of materials for various motor components.

Source: Solvay