Evonik’s New Nylon 12 Compound Delivers V‑0 Fire Protection for High‑Voltage EV Busbars

Evonik has expanded its Vestamid line with a new nylon‑12 compound, Vestamid LX9050 OR, engineered to provide the highest level of fire protection for busbars used in high‑voltage batteries of electric and hybrid vehicles.

Incorporating halogen‑free flame retardants that comply with IEC 60754, the material achieves a V‑0 rating under UL 94, the most stringent classification for flammability. Busbars insulated with the RAL 2003 “signal orange” coating can reliably operate at temperatures up to 125 °C (248 °F).

As automotive manufacturers push battery voltages beyond 1,000 V, the need for reliable insulation that guards against electrical breakdown and fire becomes critical. Vestamid LX9050 OR delivers exactly that, with a coating thickness of 0.5–0.7 mm suitable for copper or aluminum busbars ranging from 30 mm² to roughly 150 mm².

Co‑extrusion of the copper or aluminum core with Vestamid LX9050 OR produces a seamless, adhesion‑free bond—no additional adhesion promoters required. Its exceptional elasticity allows post‑extrusion shaping and bending with tight radii without compromising fire resistance.

The compound is also fully compatible with injection‑molding processes, making it an attractive choice for a wide array of automotive electrical components. With a V‑0 flammability classification, it completes Evonik’s portfolio of RAL‑orange nylon‑12 products that include V‑2 and HB‑rated variants.