Orion highlights acetylene conductive additives plant at Battery Show


Global specialty chemicals company Orion Engineered Carbons will be highlighting the benefits of its acetylene-based conductive additives plant, which is in development, at The Battery Show 2022.

Global specialty chemicals company Orion Engineered Carbons will be highlighting the benefits of its acetylene-based conductive additives plant, which is in development, at The Battery Show 2022. 
 
Orion announced in May it will build the only plant in the US producing acetylene-based conductive additives– a critical link in the value chain for lithium-ion batteries, high-voltage cables and other products powering the global transition to electrification and renewable energy.  The Battery Show takes place September 13 to 15, 2022 in Novi, Mich. 
 
Planned for LaPorte, Texas, Orion’s new conductive additives plant is expected to start up in the
second half of 2024. 
 
“We’re ramping up the supply of conductive additives to match the increasing demand from the EV market for lithium-ion batteries,” said Jennifer S. Stroh, Ph.D., director of specialties sales and marketing Americas.  “For the first time, the North American battery market will have domestic availability of shipments and a consistent supply.” 
 
Orion also is showcasing its high-performance acetylene-based conductive additive, Printex kappa 100, for lithium-ion batteries and its conductive Printex kappa 210, PrinyexEX kappa 220 and Printex kappa 240 grades for advanced lead-acid batteries.  
 
Improving Conductivity in Lithium-ion Batteries
 
According to the company, Printex kappa 100 offers conductive functionalities that improve lithium-ion battery performance. The high-performance acetylene-based conductive additive features exceptional purity and imparts high electrical and thermal conductivity, leading to significantly higher power densities and longer battery life than with other carbon blacks. Printex 100 forms an excellent percolation network across the cathode surface for effective charging and discharging. It is extremely dispersible, for easier formulation, and highly hydrophobic for a better battery lifecycle. 
 
In addition, Orion’s acetylene black production generates a high yield. As a result, Printex kappa 100 has a remarkably low carbon footprint and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Increasing DCA in Advanced Lead-Acid Batteries 
 
The Printex kappa 210, Prinrex kappa 220 and Printex kappa 240 grades increase the dynamic charge acceptance (DCA) of advanced lead-acid batteries by up to 60% while maintaining acceptable water loss. They have very low metallic impurities, which results in extended battery cycle life. The modified surface of these Printex kappa grades maintain conductivity and surface area while suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction, lowering water loss to acceptable levels. As a result, battery manufacturers can use higher loading to achieve higher charge acceptance.--TradeArabia News Service