LATI Releases Technical Brochure for EV Thermoplastic Compounds
New LATICONTHER range achieves thermal conductivity up to 28 W/mK, enabling potential metal replacement in EV components.
Italian compounder LATI has consolidated its engineering thermoplastics for electrified vehicles into a single technical brochure, detailing grades designed for thermal management, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and high-voltage safety.
What Happened
The new documentation covers a range of materials including halogen-free flame-retardant (HFFR) compounds based on polyamide, PBT, PPA, and PPS matrices. These grades are rated for electrical insulation and long-term stability under specific operating conditions. LATI also highlighted specialized high-voltage formulations stabilized against color shift, ensuring components remain visually identifiable as orange throughout the vehicle's service life.
For thermal management, the LATICONTHER range disperses graphite and special ceramics to achieve thermal conductivity values of up to 28 W/mK, compared to less than 1 W/mK for unfilled polyamide. The LATISHIELD compounds utilize stainless steel fibers, carbon fibers, and nanotubes to provide EMI shielding effectiveness between 30 and 90 dB. Additionally, the brochure lists LATILUB formulations for friction and wear that are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as well as LATIECO compounds incorporating mechanically and chemically recycled raw materials.
Why It Matters
As electrification increases the functional demands on vehicle components, these materials offer alternatives to traditional metal parts for heat transfer and shielding. Luca Posca, LATI’s Group Technical Assistance & Marketing Director, stated that plastics must now address electrical safety, thermal management, and environmental impact, rather than just lightweighting. The ability to combine recycled content with thermal conductivity in a single compound may assist manufacturers in meeting sustainability targets without compromising performance in high-heat EV environments.
The Bottom Line
LATI’s updated brochure provides a centralized resource for automakers and component suppliers seeking specialized thermoplastics that meet the rigorous thermal, electrical, and safety standards required for modern electric vehicles.
