Kuraray: PA9T Materials Target High-Voltage and Thermal Management Applications

High-voltage connector made from insulating “Genestar” high-performance material – (Photo: Kuraray).

At Fakuma 2026, Kuraray will showcase high-performance polyamides from its “Genestar” PA9T portfolio for automotive, electrical and electronics applications as well as other industrial uses. The company is focusing on materials for components exposed to high temperatures, aggressive media and electrical voltages of up to 1,000 V. The materials are also designed to support the high-volume production of complex, highly integrated components.

One key application area is thermal management in vehicles, particularly in electric powertrains. As 800 V and 1,000 V architectures become more widespread and energy densities and charging speeds continue to increase, components around traction batteries are being exposed to greater thermal loads. Kuraray says its PA9T materials are designed to retain their mechanical properties across a broad temperature range, making them suitable for demanding thermal-management applications.

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Coolant control valve made from Kuraray’s chemically and thermally resistant “Genestar” material – (Photo: Kuraray).

Modern vehicle and battery cooling systems present an additional challenge, as some use chemically aggressive coolants that can degrade plastics through swelling, hydrolysis and other ageing mechanisms. According to Kuraray, “Genestar” PA9T offers high resistance to such media as well as strong hydrolysis resistance at elevated temperatures. The material is therefore targeted at cooling-system components that must maintain their mechanical performance and dimensional stability over long service periods.

For high-voltage applications, electrical insulation is just as important as resistance to heat and chemicals. The PA9T grades are intended for systems operating at 800 to 1,000 V and offer high tracking resistance. A high Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) helps reduce the risk of conductive paths forming along the material surface. This makes the grades suitable, for example, for electrical components in traction batteries and industrial high-voltage systems. The combination of electrical insulation and mechanical strength can also enable more compact and lightweight component designs.

Another key property of “Genestar” PA9T is its comparatively low moisture absorption versus other high-temperature polyamides. This helps limit moisture-related dimensional changes and is particularly beneficial in applications requiring tight tolerances and stable performance under warm and humid conditions.

Kuraray is also addressing the requirements of cost-efficient series production. Components are becoming increasingly thin-walled, geometrically complex and functionally integrated. The PA9T grades can be processed by both injection moulding and extrusion and are suitable for laser welding, enabling the production of complex components in high volumes.

Fakuma 2026
Friedrichshafen, Germany
12–16 October 2026
Hall B4, Stand 4403

More information: www.kuraray.com

Kuraray Europe GmbH, Hattersheim am Main, Germany

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