Dr Carsten Ihmels
Head of R&D department for Adhesives and Thermosets, Nabaltec AG
Dr. Carsten W. Ihmels studied chemistry at the University of Oldenburg, Germany, including a one-year research stay at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He subsequently obtained his PhD in polymerization technology from the Technical University of Berlin. He joined Nabaltec AG in 2005 and has since specialized in thermoset applications. Today, he is head of R&D and technical service for adhesives and thermosets. His expertise focuses on thermally conductive and flame-retardant applications.
Tailored Fillers for Flame retardant, Thermal Conductive and Ceramifying Resins
Modern adhesives used in automotive applications must meet several demanding requirements. These include high flame retardancy, effective thermal conductivity, and high compatibility with polymer materials. Functional fillers, such as aluminium hydroxide, are key to achieving these properties. For example, adding optimized aluminium hydroxide to polyurethane resins can significantly improve fire resistance and help prevent flame spread. Additionally, by adding modified aluminium hydroxide not only to the polyol but also to the hardener (isocyanate), it is possible to achieve very high filler loadings in the final compound. This helps to meet the thermal conductivity requirements for automotive applications such as gap fillers in Electric Vehicle Batteries and thermal conductive adhesives (TCA).
The multifunctional properties of aluminium hydroxide enable it to serve as an efficient filler for achieving both flame retardancy and thermal conductivity in challenging automotive applications. Utilizing optimized and modified aluminium hydroxide, rather than combining high-performance thermally conductive fillers with separate flame retardants, offers a highly cost-effective approach.
This overview introduces advanced aluminium hydroxide-based fillers with results in polyurethane and other thermoset resins. It also presents a new filler system designed to form heat barriers and promote ceramification effects in thermosets. Ceramification effects refer to the process where, under high temperatures, the resin transforms into a ceramic-like layer. This ceramic barrier helps protect materials from heat and flames. By using these fillers, manufacturers can create Polymeric compounds with enhanced safety and durability.
Breakout II – Smart Additives for Advanced Adhesive Formulations – 16 September 2026 – 16:00 – 16:30 – Room Whittle – F3