As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction in the automotive industry, the importance of high-voltage connectors cannot be overstated. These connectors play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of an EV. One of the key challenges these connectors face is moisture ingress, which can lead to electrical issues and reduced reliability. To combat this, proper sealing and consistent electrical conductivity are essential. MOLYKOTE®, a renowned brand specializing in lubrication solutions, offers a range of specialty lubricants designed to address these challenges, ensuring the reliability of high-voltage connectors in EVs.
Sealing Performance: MOLYKOTE® 111 Compound and MOLYKOTE® HP-300 Grease
To maintain the functionality of high-voltage connectors, elastomer seals are commonly used to prevent moisture from infiltrating the system. However, these seals need effective lubrication to prevent microcracking during assembly and simplify the assembly process. MOLYKOTE® 111 Compound and MOLYKOTE® HP-300 Grease have been developed to meet these specific needs.
- MOLYKOTE® 111 Compound: This lubricant is compatible with a wide range of plastics and elastomers. Its excellent water resistance ensures that moisture ingress is effectively prevented. What sets it apart is its minimal vapor pressure and volatility, with only 0.8 wt% evaporation after 30 hours at 204°C. This means that it remains effective in high-temperature environments, making it ideal for high-voltage connectors.
- MOLYKOTE® HP-300 Grease: Like MOLYKOTE® 111 Compound, this grease is compatible with various plastics and elastomers. It offers superior resistance to chemicals and solvents, including water. With a high-temperature resistance of up to 250°C, it can withstand extreme conditions. Additionally, it boasts high dielectric strength and arc resistance, making it a reliable choice for sealing performance.
Electrical Conductivity: MOLYKOTE® L-8030 Semi-Dry Lubricant
The metal pins within high-voltage connectors require effective lubrication to maintain consistent electrical conductivity over time. MOLYKOTE® L-8030 Semi-Dry Lubricant is the solution to this issue. It provides numerous benefits, including:
- Good Compatibility: MOLYKOTE® L-8030 is compatible with a range of plastics and elastomers, ensuring it won’t compromise the integrity of the connectors.
- Non-Sticky: After application, it does not become sticky, guaranteeing smooth and efficient operation.
- Super-Thin Layer: This lubricant forms a super-thin, transparent lubricating layer, minimizing wear and fretting corrosion caused by vibrations and protecting the metal from oxidation.
- Consistent Performance: Field tests have shown that MOLYKOTE® L-8030 Semi-Dry Lubricant retains consistent friction values over more than 250 mating cycles, without any change in electrical conductivity.
Specifications and Technical Data
To ensure the reliability of high-voltage connectors in EVs, it’s important to consider the technical specifications of these MOLYKOTE® specialty lubricants. Here are some key properties of the lubricants:
- Dielectric Strength: MOLYKOTE® 111 Compound and MOLYKOTE® HP-300 Grease offer high dielectric strength, which is essential for maintaining electrical performance even in high-voltage environments.
- Arc Resistance: Both lubricants provide impressive arc resistance, ensuring they can withstand electrical stresses without breaking down.
- Compatibility: These lubricants are compatible with a range of materials, including plastics, elastomers, and metals.
Conclusion
In the ever-expanding world of electric vehicles, the reliability of high-voltage connectors is paramount. MOLYKOTE® specialty lubricants, such as MOLYKOTE® 111 Compound, MOLYKOTE® HP-300 Grease, and MOLYKOTE® L-8030 Semi-Dry Lubricant, are designed to address the unique challenges faced by high-voltage connectors. These lubricants not only prevent moisture ingress but also ensure consistent electrical conductivity, making them an invaluable asset in the quest for reliable and efficient EV performance.
