Hyundai Mobis is accelerating new material development, including successfully developing polyether ether ketone (PEEK) film, a new material in the mobility field. The plan is to boost product appeal and respond to environmental regulations through high-performance, high-efficiency new materials.
PEEK film wraps the copper wire (coil) inside an electric motor to block abnormal current flow or heat generation, which can increase the output of an electric vehicle drive motor. While a synthetic fiber called aramid has been used so far, Hyundai Mobis said applying this new material improves the coil fill factor and thermal efficiency, enhancing motor output.
Hyundai Mobis is also making progress in developing electromagnetic wave shielding absorbers using MXene. MXene, a highly electrically conductive nanomaterial, is called a dream new material. In line with the trend toward higher frequency, greater integration, and higher power in electronic components, Hyundai Mobis plans to preemptively introduce MXene, a promising future material, into auto parts.
The company is also putting effort into developing eco-friendly materials. Hyundai Mobis plans to be the first in the industry to apply a bio-based material called "lignocellulose," processed from wood. It is characterized by being lighter than conventional wood. Lignocellulose is produced by grinding wood, extracting specific components through physico-chemical treatment, and mixing them with other materials to make plastic parts such as bumper covers or rubber products.
A Hyundai Mobis official said, "research and development achievements in new materials strengthen product competitiveness and help ease raw material supply shortages," adding, "in particular, core components that use eco-friendly materials have a positive impact on global orders."