3M Forward applies materials science to challenges like EV battery safety • SMARTGRIDSINFO

2023-05-29 04:03:31

The company’s state of science study 3M (State of Science Index, SOSI) reflects that 85% of the people surveyed believe that there is a connection between science and improving the quality of life of citizens. In this sense, the initiative 3M Forward shows how scientists, engineers and experts apply materials science to meet the challenges of global megatrends, such as the safety of electric vehicle (EV) batteries or the production of green hydrogen in a cost-effective, efficient and viable way.

The use of TB5000 3M heat dissipation material increases the safety of electric vehicle batteries.

Faced with the great challenges posed by megatrends such as climate change, resource scarcity, demographic and social changes, and the convergence of the physical and digital worlds, 3M offers its global portfolio and extensive experience to offer innovative solutions at scale. . “3M Forward is an example of how the company develops new solutions through collaboration with partners and research institutes to push the limits of technology,” said Camila Cruz Durlacher, Vice President, 3M EMEA Corporate R&D Operations. .

With R&D centers in 55 countries and more than 7,000 R&D specialists and scientists, 3M has pursued more than 132,000 patents and 60,000 products in various industries. The application and use of these innovations take place on a large scale and provide the basis for other industries to develop new technologies.

Materials science to meet global challenges

3M is committed to the application of the latest advances in materials science, taking advantage of all its capabilities to offer relevant solutions that help society progress.

The State of Science Index study reveals global trends in 17 countries: Spain, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Taiwan, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, China, India, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Thailand, and Australia. It shows how citizens perceive the future of innovation and how trends around issues such as trust in science, climate change, health care or digital transformation affect them.

In this sense, 89% of Europeans believe that science can contribute to minimizing the effects of climate change. For example, 3M Nanostructured Supported Iridium Catalyst Powder is a solution for reducing the amount of iridium, a rare precious metal that is required to meet the stringent efficiency and lifetime requirements of water electrolysers. In this way, a more profitable, efficient and viable production of green hydrogen can be achieved.

92% of the citizens of Europe also think that electric public transport is safe. In this case, 3M proposes the use of TB5000 3M thermal dissipation material, which increases the safety of electric vehicle batteries. In the event of a cell failure, it protects the adjacent cells from the emission of energy by forming a fireproof barrier and electrical and thermal insulation that prevents propagation.

On the other hand, 92% of Europeans foresee negative consequences if a solution to the shortage of skilled labor is not found. Automated technologies like the 3M Finesse-it robotic paint repair system automatically detect and repair the most common paint defects on automotive production lines, addressing skilled labor shortages and increasing the quality and efficiency of production. production.