DuPont Components Contribute to the Integrity of Electrical and Electronics Systems
Electrical insulation is required for virtually any electrical component, including motors, transformers, sensors, relays and wiring. Beginning with the discovery of Teflon® PTFE and Nylon 66 more than 50 years ago, DuPont has become one of the world's leading suppliers of electrical insulating materials.
As voltage increases and more electrical/electronic devices are added to the vehicle, automakers and suppliers are finding that many of the lessons learned for non-automotive applications will start to apply to motor vehicles. Higher voltages of 42 volts and above presents a new set of challenges where, for example, the risks of arcing and sparking and the importance of good dielectric properties will drive advancements in insulation materials
Challenges for Electrical Insulation
DuPont has vast experience in electrical insulation materials and standards. We've applied our science to many of the challenges facing high-voltage applications in non-automotive industries. Higher voltages allow for the use of thinner wires, but those thinnerwires will generate more heat, requiring higher-performance wire insulation. Those higher voltages also will require greater protection against arc tracking and flammability. Increased operating temperatures in the engine compartment and hot spots along the exhaust system also make heat aging a more significant issue, and telematics and other high-frequency signals will require insulating materials with improved dielectrics for less distortion.
