"Enhancing EV Motor Performance and Eco-Friendliness"... Hyundai Mobis Unveils Achievements in New Material Development

New Material Film Enhances Drive Motor Performance
Industry's First Application of Eco-Friendly Bio-Based Material Processed from Wood
Expanding AI Utilization in Functional New Material Development

Hyundai Mobis is accelerating the strengthening of its technological competitiveness by achieving results in new material research and development. By applying high-performance and high-efficiency new materials, the company aims not only to enhance product quality but also to improve its ability to respond to increasingly stringent global environmental regulations.

On December 2, Hyundai Mobis introduced various research and development achievements in the field of new materials, including a new film material that enhances the output of electric vehicle drive motors and eco-friendly, wood-based alternatives to plastics. Hyundai Mobis also unveiled research methods that use artificial intelligence to simulate virtual environments or explore the physical properties of new materials.

The company's new material R&D focuses on three main pillars: innovative materials that contribute to the competitiveness of core components, sustainable eco-friendly materials, and the implementation of digital material development processes utilizing artificial intelligence.

First, Hyundai Mobis highlighted its successful development of a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) film that can increase the output of electric vehicle drive motors. This film wraps around the copper wires (coils) tightly wound inside electric motors, blocking abnormal current flows and heat generation.

Previously, a synthetic fiber called aramid was used, but by applying the new material, the fill factor and thermal efficiency of the coils are improved, resulting in increased motor output. The surface of this film is more uniform than existing materials, reducing friction during the coil insertion process and thus improving process efficiency. Hyundai Mobis has also ensured durability so that the film can withstand temperatures above 180 degrees Celsius.

Hyundai Mobis has also achieved results in developing electromagnetic interference shielding and absorbing materials using the new material "MXene." MXene is a highly conductive nanomaterial, often referred to as a "dream material." In line with the trends of high frequency, high integration, and high power in electronic components, Hyundai Mobis plans to proactively introduce MXene, a promising material for the future, into automotive parts.

Bumper cover made of lignocellulose, a new material processed from wood. Provided by Hyundai Mobis

Developing sustainable eco-friendly materials is another area of focus for Hyundai Mobis. Major countries are legislating the use of eco-friendly materials, and the European Union has mandated that, starting in 2030, 25% of plastics used in new vehicles must be recycled plastics.

Hyundai Mobis plans to be the first in the industry to apply "lignocellulose," a bio-based material processed from wood. This involves grinding wood and extracting specific components through physical and chemical treatments. The extracted material is then mixed with other materials to produce plastic parts such as bumper covers or rubber products. Through the development of lignocellulose, Hyundai Mobis has achieved product weight reduction and has filed eight patents related to this technology.

Hyundai Mobis is also expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of functional new materials. By building a virtual research and development environment, the company can easily predict the durability, strength, and deformation of materials.

As part of these efforts, Hyundai Mobis is developing functional new materials using electrically conductive rubber. AI technology is used to predict and analyze where and with what pressure the material is pressed. The company plans to further develop this technology for use in airbag impact detection sensors for collision accidents, passenger detection systems inside vehicles, and various control buttons.

In addition, Hyundai Mobis is leading the development of new materials by introducing AI into material research fields such as predicting corrosion or aging of parts exposed to external environments for long periods and exploring the properties of complex polymer substances.

Hyundai Mobis stated, "Research and development achievements in the field of new materials, which are fundamental technologies, contribute to strengthening product competitiveness and alleviating raw material supply shortages. In particular, core components that use eco-friendly materials have a positive impact on global orders."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.