The Role of Synthetic Rubber in Electric Vehicle Innovation

Overview

Synthetic rubbers are pivotal in the evolution of electric vehicles (EVs), addressing challenges like thermal management and noise reduction. For example, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) with nanoscale silica reinforcement is now used in EV tires to enhance rolling resistance reduction by 15%, directly improving energy efficiency. Additionally, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is employed in battery pack seals, offering superior vibration damping and thermal stability up to 150°C.

Key Applications

lTire Compounding: Hybrid SBR/NR blends reduce weight while maintaining grip on wet surfaces.

lBattery Components: Fluoroelastomers (FKM) in sealing gaskets prevent electrolyte leakage in high-voltage systems.

lInterior Noise Control: Polyurethane (PU)-based rubber dampers absorb road noise, enhancing cabin comfort.

Market Trends

With EV adoption growing at 20% CAGR, demand for high-performance synthetic rubbers is projected to exceed 450,000 tons/year by 2027.