Energy Storage

Grid-scale and commercial battery storage systems pack large numbers of cells into racks and containers that must operate safely for years. The insulation inside them has to do two jobs at once: carry high voltage reliably day after day, and act as a barrier if a cell fails.

YT MICA supplies mica-based insulation parts and barriers for energy storage systems, including high-voltage applications where conventional polymer insulation may not be sufficient.

Product

A composite thermal barrier board

Built for battery packs and storage systems, where a single material rarely delivers both high-voltage insulation and effective heat blocking.

The board is a sandwich composite: an insulation core between two support boards, bonded in a single hot-press cycle. The base material withstands continuous service at 950 to 1000 °C, intermittent exposure up to 1250 °C, and reaches a dielectric breakdown strength of 20 kV/mm or more.

It is used for cell-to-cell and module-to-enclosure separation in prismatic, pouch and cylindrical formats, and for fire compartmentation between modules and clusters inside storage cabinets.

Design targets

  • Cold-face temperature rise of 80 °C or less with an 800 °C flame on the hot face.
  • Thermal conductivity at room temperature of 0.1 W/(m·K) or lower.
  • Electrical insulation that holds up in a high-voltage pack environment.
  • Lower density than conventional high-density barriers, without losing structural reliability under vibration and ageing.
  • A form that installs easily across different module and cabinet layouts.
Construction

How the board is built

Outer high-strength mica board

High-purity phlogopite mica, formed under high pressure. This layer provides the electrical insulation (20 kV/mm or more) and acts as a structural barrier in open flame, withstanding direct flame above 1000 °C.

Core composite insulation layer

A high-density glass-fibre felt skeleton filled with a modified insulation material. The structure raises thermal resistance while giving the board some flexibility, so it tolerates the vibration it meets in service.

The three layers are bonded by one-piece high-temperature hot pressing, which keeps the panel flat and the layers from separating.

Stack of phlogopite mica sheets in amber gold, used for the outer high-strength layer of the thermal barrier board
Phlogopite mica sheet, amber: the grade used for the outer high-strength layer.
Stack of muscovite mica sheets in silver white from the same sheet range
Muscovite mica sheet, white: supplied from the same rigid sheet range.
Close-up of a formed mica sheet surface showing a raised pressed feature and the fine laminate texture
Surface detail: the laminate texture and a pressed feature on a formed sheet.
Specification

Physical properties

Composite thermal insulation mica board, commercial codes HP5-1R and HP5-1Y.

PropertyValueTest method / note
Product nameComposite thermal insulation mica board
HP5-1R / HP5-1Y
ConstructionOuter high-strength mica board plus composite insulation core, sandwich structureOne-piece high-temperature hot-press forming; structure stays integral
AppearanceRigid flat board, cut to any sizeNo cracks, no dusting, no visible depressions
Bulk density1.0 to 1.6 g/cm³Depends on the panel structure
Thermal conductivity, room temperature0.1 W/(m·K) or lower25 °C ambient, per the applicable GB/T test method
Insulation at 800 °CCold-face temperature 80 °C or lower800 °C steady state on the hot face
Flame resistance1100 °C continuousOuter mica board does not burn or melt in direct flame
Dielectric breakdown strength20 kV/mm or moreMeets high-voltage insulation requirements of battery systems
Insulation resistance1.0×10¹² Ω or moreStable under normal conditions
Continuous service temperature-40 °C to 800 °CNo cracking or significant loss of performance across the range
Ageing resistanceChange in thermal conductivity of 5% or lessAfter 1000 h at 85 °C / 85% RH
Standard thickness2 mm to 15 mmSpecial thicknesses to order
Standard sheet size1000 × 2000 mmCustom shapes and pre-drilled parts available
Flammability ratingUL94 V-0Meets rail transit and new-energy fire safety requirements
Layer weight splitCore insulation about 60%, mica layer about 40%Balances structural strength against thermal performance
InstallationBolt fixing, adhesive backing or slot-in mountingPre-formed boards simplify on-site installation
Typical applicationsCell and module separation in prismatic, pouch and cylindrical formats; fire compartmentation in storage cabinetsNew-energy storage and traction battery systems
StorageDry, room temperature; avoid prolonged immersion in water12-month shelf life

Values were measured in our own laboratory under standard test conditions, using standard samples on the specified instruments, and are for reference. Performance in service varies with operating conditions, installation and service life. Third-party test reports for a specific project are available on request, and batch values may fall within normal tolerances. The technical specification agreed between both parties governs.

Where it is used

Three positions in a battery system

Inside an EV battery pack

Between cells, and between the module and the enclosure.

Inside a storage system

As a fire barrier between modules, and between battery clusters.

Power electronics

In high-voltage cabinets and converters, wherever a hot zone has to be separated from the parts around it.

Form factor

Cut to size for the module or cabinet layout, with pre-formed boards for faster assembly on site.

Quality

Production and quality control

  • Process control. The core filling process and the hot-press parameters are controlled batch by batch.
  • Batch testing. Every batch is checked against our internal standard before dispatch: 800 °C rear-face temperature rise, flame resistance, and dielectric breakdown strength.
  • Custom validation. For a specific customer structure we carry out size design and material-level validation alongside the customer's own testing.
Applications

Other positions we supply

Battery Modules & Racks

Mica barriers and separators between modules and rack levels to limit heat spread.

High-Voltage Busbars

Insulating washers, spacers and formed parts for high-voltage interconnections.

Seamless Fire-Resistant Mica Tube

Our patented seamless mica tube, developed for energy storage and rail transit high-voltage scenarios.

BMS & Sensing Lines

Precision insulation parts for battery management and monitoring circuits.

Design Considerations

What to look for in storage insulation

  • Long-life stability. Insulation must hold its properties over many years of continuous operation.
  • Fire behaviour. Incombustible materials reduce the consequence of a cell failure.
  • High-voltage capability. Dielectric strength matched to the system voltage.
  • Low toxicity. Halogen-free, low-smoke materials for enclosed installations.
  • Dimensional consistency. Parts that assemble reliably at scale.

We work with storage system integrators and battery manufacturers to match mica grade and part form to the thermal and electrical duty of each position in the system.

Designing a storage system?

Our engineers can advise on mica insulation for module, rack and high-voltage positions.

Contact our team