Revolutionizing MgO Ceramics: Low-Temperature Sintering for Superior Thermal Management

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, enhancing safety and performance has become a key focus for the industry. In particular, frequent fire incidents highlight the urgent need for effective thermal management solutions to control battery temperatures and prevent fires. Recently, researchers at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), in collaboration with multiple experts, have achieved exciting breakthroughs with high-thermal-conductivity MgO-based thermal interface materials (TIMs), paving the way for safer EVs.

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MgO: A Promising Heat Dissipation Material

Traditional aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) thermal interface materials are widely used but have a relatively modest thermal conductivity of around 3 W/m·K. In contrast, MgO (magnesium oxide) is considered an ideal alternative due to its low cost and excellent performance. Recent studies demonstrate that through specialized low-temperature sintering processes, MgO’s thermal conductivity can exceed 80 W/m·K—far surpassing the typical 20-30 W/m·K of standard aluminum oxide materials.

Why is MgO so important?

High-thermal-conductivity MgO TIMs can rapidly dissipate heat generated by batteries, preventing localized overheating, reducing fire risks, and improving battery performance and lifespan. The research also reveals that doping MgO with donor elements such as Ti⁴⁺ and Nb⁵⁺ effectively controls its microstructure, suppressing the formation of liquid phases and enabling high-efficiency sintering at lower temperatures. This breakthrough in microstructure control opens new avenues for industrial applications of MgO.

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Advantages of Low-Temperature Sintering Technology

Traditional high-temperature sintering processes are complex and energy-intensive. The newly developed low-temperature sintering technique is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, allowing for better control over microstructure and resulting in MgO ceramics with superior thermal conductivity. When applied in battery packaging, these materials significantly enhance thermal management. Simulations and practical tests show that batteries using MgO TIMs can start cooling at 80°C and rapidly drop to 40°C in a much shorter time—up to three times faster than with conventional materials.

As MgO-based thermal interface materials continue to be optimized and mass-produced, their applications in electric vehicles, electronics, aerospace, and other fields are poised for broad expansion. With outstanding thermal performance, low cost, and advanced low-temperature sintering technology, MgO is gradually becoming a key solution for thermal management in EVs. It not only enhances heat dissipation and reduces costs but also leads the way toward safer, more efficient new energy vehicles, offering a safer and more effective travel experience in the future.

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