The evolution of science is accelerating the development of new materials. In particular, the expansion of the EV market has increased the demand for efficient heat management technologies to enhance battery performance and safety. This is due to the nature of batteries, which generate heat during charging and discharging—a process that, if not properly controlled, can lead to decreased performance and potential safety issues.

In this trend, thermally conductive adhesives are gaining growing attention. A thermal adhesive is a state-of-the-art material that not only bonds components but also structurally secures battery cells while effectively dissipating heat. Today, we take a closer look at thermally conductive adhesives—emerging as a next-generation material—and LG Chem’s cutting-edge technology behind them.

Thermally conductive adhesives:
a next-generation heat management solution

An electric vehicle battery continuously generates heat during operation. If this heat is not managed effectively, it can lead not only to decreased performance but also to safety issues. In particular, when the internal temperature of the battery rises above a certain level, the electrolyte can decompose, and the risk of fire increases due to internal short circuits. To address this, various thermal management technologies are being applied to batteries. Among them, thermally conductive adhesives are gaining attention as a key material that effectively dissipates heat while maintaining the structural stability of the battery.

In traditional battery assembly methods, separate structural components were used to support the battery cells and dissipate heat. However, this approach increased the overall weight of the battery and, due to the large number of parts, made the assembly process more complex. In contrast, thermally conductive adhesives bond the battery cells directly to the module (currently, they are used to bond modules to packs), or directly to the pack, playing a dual role of dissipating heat and maintaining structural stability. As a result, battery packs can be made lighter, and the number of components is reduced, improving the efficiency of the manufacturing process.

Moreover, thermally conductive adhesives serve as electrical insulation between components inside the battery pack, helping to prevent accidents caused by short circuits. They fill the microscopic gaps between battery cells while maintaining the non-conductive properties of an insulating material. Thanks to these characteristics, thermally conductive adhesives are widely used not only in EVs, but also in energy storage systems (ESS) and industrial battery systems.

LG Chem is developing a range of products to further expand the applications of thermally conductive adhesives. While they were traditionally used to secure battery cells to the module (currently, they are used to bond modules to packs), their use is now being extended to directly securing cells to the battery pack. LG Chem offers a diverse product lineup—from high thermal conductivity adhesives to low-density variants that support weight reduction—and is also developing NVH* solutions to protect battery cells from unpleasant noise and vibration.

*NVH: An abbreviation for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness—factors that occur during vehicle operation and play a critical role in determining both driving performance and passenger comfort.

The Principle and Key Characteristics of Thermally Conductive Adhesives

To maintain the performance and reliability of a battery system, it is essential to effectively manage the heat generated inside. Thermally conductive adhesives securely bond the battery cell, module, and pack, while also effectively dissipating heat, enhancing the battery’s structural stability and thermal management performance.

Commonly, when an air gap forms between the contact surfaces of two objects, heat transfer becomes inefficient. To address this, thermal interface materials (TIMs) are used. However, TIMs only enhance thermal conductivity and do not provide bonding capability. In contrast, thermally conductive adhesives not only support heat management but also serve as an adhesive to structurally fix battery cells, allowing the battery pack to be securely assembled without the need for separate support structures. This contributes to lighter battery packs and a simplified assembly process, ultimately improving the overall efficiency of the battery system.

Moreover, thermally conductive adhesives offer high thermal conductivity while maintaining electrical insulation, thereby enhancing safety within the battery system. They help reduce the risk of short circuits between battery cells and enable stable power supply, contributing to the long-term performance of the battery.

Applications of Thermally Conductive Adhesives

LG Chem continues to expand the application of thermally conductive adhesives, focusing on developing products that enhance the structural stability and maximize the heat dissipation performance of batteries. Thermally conductive adhesives have gone beyond simply dispersing heat—they have become a key factor in determining the performance and lifespan of battery systems.

Thermally conductive adhesives are most widely used in EV battery systems. EV batteries continuously generate heat during charging and discharging. If this heat is not effectively managed, it can shorten the battery’s lifespan and lead to serious safety issues. Thermally conductive adhesives not only securely bond the battery cells to modules or packs, but also dissipate heat to maintain a stable internal temperature. This helps reduce the risk of thermal runaway and contributes to improving both the performance and lifespan of the battery system.

LG Chem’s thermally conductive adhesives not only offer high thermal conductivity but also focus on lightweight design, helping to reduce the weight of EV batteries and maximize energy efficiency. Recently, the company has expanded the development of thermally conductive adhesives that can be directly applied to battery packs, gaining attention as a solution that simplifies the assembly process and further enhances the durability of battery systems.

Thermally conductive adhesives are widely used not only in EVs but also in Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and industrial batteries. ESSs are systems that store and supply large amounts of energy, often used in conjunction with renewable energy sources. Since ESSs must maintain high output over long periods, thermal management is especially critical. Thermally conductive adhesives effectively control heat generation within ESS batteries, enhancing system stability and supporting continuous energy supply. Industrial batteries are used in various applications such as power grids, data centers, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), where heat-sensitive environments demand high reliability. In response to these industrial needs, LG Chem is developing thermally conductive adhesives designed to maximize the stability of battery systems in such environments.

The application of thermally conductive adhesives is expanding beyond batteries to the broader mobility industry and electronic components. While they were traditionally used to bond battery cells to modules or packs, there is now growing demand for thermally conductive adhesives in core EV powertrain components such as motors, inverters, converters, and automotive power semiconductors. LG Chem is also actively conducting research and development to apply thermally conductive adhesives to automotive electronic components such as camera sensors, in-vehicle displays, and LED headlamps. These components require high output and power density, making effective thermal management essential. Thermally conductive adhesives help efficiently control internal heat generation, contributing to the long-term performance and durability of these components.

The automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by the advancement of electrification and autonomous driving technologies. In line with this trend, the mobility adhesive market is also growing quickly, and is expected to expand from approximately USD 6.1 billion in 2024 to USD 10.8 billion by 2030.

As the era of EVs accelerates, the importance of thermally conductive adhesives in ensuring battery stability and performance will continue to grow. LG Chem holds over 180 patents related to thermally conductive adhesives and is keeping up with the development of innovative products that meet customer demands for cost efficiency and lightweight design.

With its long-standing technological expertise and know-how, LG Chem is poised to solidify its position as a global leader in the next-generation battery materials market.