Arlanxeo upgrades China elastomers lab for battery applications

Changzhou, China – Arlanxeo has upgraded its battery technology lab facility in Changzhou to support developments in the field of energy-storage for new-mobility applications.

The project, at Arlanxeo’s regional technical centre. features the addition of a new 'pouch cell' line for developing rubber solutions in lithium-ion batteries.

According to the Dutch-based synthetic rubber major, the line will enhance local R&D capabilities and reinforce its commitment to introducing advanced applications for new-energy technologies.

With the new line, placed in an ultra-dry space (<0.1% relative humidity at 23C), Arlanxeo said it can now simulate industrial battery manufacture of soft pack lithium-ion batteries.

The upgrade, it explained, will also enable the company to evaluate battery performance and quality according to application needs.

Furthermore, Arlanxeo can now better assess production requirements of certain 'high nickel' materials, as the upgrade allows for testing of all-solid-state batteries.

“This can support the development of batteries with better energy-density, safety and sustainability,” said the company's statement.

The batteries can be used for vehicle power batteries, small power batteries for two-wheeled vehicles, digital batteries, and other applications.

Arlanxeo went on to describe the investment as “a direct response to the new-mobility market demand for innovative elastomer solutions.”

Alongside meeting increasing demand for high-end batteries in electric vehicles, the company noted that China remains “one of our most important strategic markets.”

“With our newly upgraded battery lab, we are in a position to add value to our customers through the co-development of cutting-edge battery solutions,” said Hong Sun, managing director, Arlanxeo China.

In addition to the upgrade, Arlanxeo is incrreasingly collaborating with customers to develop improved thermal management capability and improved noise and vibration control.

“We are confident that our upgraded lab will lead to advancements in new mobility applications,” said Herman Dikland, chief technology and sustainability officer at Arlanxeo.