SEOUL -- SKC, a major producer of chemicals and high function films, has commercialized a thin and light non-metal cable by using a "super engineering plastic material" called PCT developed by its sister firm, SK Chemicals, that could be used to reduce car weight.
PCT can replace metals because it has excellent heat resistance and electrical characteristics. PCT circuit boards and connectors can maintain high insulation even when their pins and electrodes are contaminated, reducing possible malfunctions even at a high voltage.
It is durable but can not be made into a film because of its fast setting properties. SKC and SK Chemicals have succeeded in filming PCT through technical cooperation with a local car cable maker. The new cable, which is thin and light, was applied to Kia Motors' electric sport utility vehicle, Niro.
Heavy copper cables are still widely used, hampering car light weighting. SKC said it would step up the development of special materials for electric vehicles and mobility.