Applications of Powder Coating in the New Energy Industry

01 The Trend of “Paint to Powder” and “Water to Powder”

In recent years, powder coatings and coating applications have become a key category in green industrial coatings, particularly in industries like new energy batteries, energy storage, and photovoltaic sectors. With outstanding insulation, high durability, and high-temperature resistance, powder coatings are rapidly expanding their presence in these fields. The significant advantages of powder coating, such as easy automation, wide applicability, and excellent film quality, make it stand out as a highly cost-effective choice.

In 2023, the sales volume of China’s powder coatings reached 2.15 million tons, a 5% increase year-on-year, with major markets in East China, North China, and South China. Powder coating applications span across almost all sectors, including construction materials, petrochemicals, photovoltaics, household appliances, equipment, automotive, containers, new energy, and energy storage.

02 New Energy Vehicles and the “Three Electric” System

Powder coating is widely used in the “three electric” systems of new energy vehicles (NEVs). As NEVs rapidly develop, China accounts for over 35% of the global top 10 NEV market share. By 2025, China’s three-electric coating market is expected to reach 17 billion RMB, making it an emerging market worth significant attention over the next five years.

The demand for insulation, heat resistance, water resistance, corrosion resistance, impact resistance, and breakdown resistance in battery cases, bottom trays, and battery cell packaging is high. In recent years, UV inkjet printing coating technology has gained rapid popularity in battery cell coating, and battery PACK system technologies are advancing towards the CTP structure, pushing powder coating to the forefront.

Current mainstream packaging materials like PET blue films for battery cells are insufficient to meet the demands of next-generation battery structures, creating a large opportunity for the development of insulating powder coatings and UV coatings. Liquid-cooled plates in battery systems predominantly use powder coating, and for PACK covers, emerging technologies include electrocoating + powder + PVC anti-stone impact coating, electrocoating + powder baking, and electrocoating + polyurea baking.

03 Energy Storage Applications

Powder materials, as the fundamental technology supporting the energy storage industry, are continuously advancing through innovations in microstructure design, surface modification, and large-scale manufacturing processes. These breakthroughs are seen in key fields such as positive and negative electrode materials, solid-state electrolytes, and hydrogen fuel cell catalysts, driving the iteration of new energy technologies.

The varying corrosion factors in energy storage applications require specialized coatings for corrosion resistance. Researchers have pointed out that materials like hot-rolled steel plates for energy storage require subsequent coating processes for effective corrosion resistance. Methods like electrocoating + powder coating or using pure/high-fluorine resin system powder coatings are commonly employed.

Compared to traditional paint processes, powder coating offers low investment, low pollution, low consumption, low cost, and high efficiency. For energy storage components like battery modules, busbars, and shells, the company has developed corresponding insulating powder materials. As the application of powder coating technology continues, intelligent coating equipment is also advancing.

Green “4E-Type” Environmentally Friendly Coatings in Policy Support

With ongoing support from national environmental policies, the powder coating technology in the new energy vehicle industry is rapidly developing. Powder coatings are widely recognized as “4E-type” environmentally friendly green coatings due to their no pollution, zero VOC emissions, high recycling rate, simple application process, and high automation. These coatings not only reduce VOC emissions but also decrease the carbon footprint throughout the product lifecycle.

4E-type green coatings provide environmentally friendly protection for various components such as automotive battery packs, wheel hubs, vehicle frames, engine parts, body parts, and more. Therefore, the development of powder coating technology is essential not only for the growth of the new energy vehicle industry but also for achieving sustainable and eco-friendly development.

Advantages of Powder Coating

Compared to liquid coatings, powder coatings offer distinct advantages in many areas:

• High Weather Resistance: Powder coatings can effectively withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring long-term performance.

• Environmental Protection: Free from solvents and VOC emissions, making it environmentally friendly.

• High Recycling Rate: Coatings can be recycled, reducing material waste.

• Energy Efficiency: Powder coating processes are more energy-efficient compared to traditional liquid coatings.

• Impact Resistance and Scratch Resistance: Powder coatings provide enhanced durability, preventing damage from collisions and scratches.

As new energy vehicles and energy storage technologies continue to evolve, powder coating’s application in the next generation of vehicles and battery systems holds great potential.

Conclusion

The eco-friendly characteristics, superior performance, and broad application scenarios of powder coatings make them a key driver of growth in the new energy industry. As the demand for new energy technologies continues to rise, the powder coating market in sectors like batteries, energy storage, and vehicles will expand, promoting green coatings that contribute to the safe, efficient, and sustainable development of the new energy industry.