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Celgard Receives Battery Development Contract from USABC

The 18-month cost-share contract involves demonstrating performance characteristics of high-temperature melt integrity (HTMI) lithium-ion battery separators, focusing on abuse tolerances, production process definition and scale-up parameters. A standard definition and protocol for measuring HTMI will also be developed as a part of this contract.

Creating standardized tests for measuring HTMI will enable automakers to use common specifications when evaluating and sourcing lithium batteries. The tests will also provide benchmarks for battery performance and technological improvements.

"Celgard is very excited to work with USABC and the Department of Energy (DOE) in taking a leading role in the development of HTMI products and testing standards for use in the emerging vehicle market," said Ron Smith, Director of HEV/EV Marketing. "This project will enable the development of longer life and more durable HEV and PHEV products to meet the demanding needs of our automotive customers."

This contract is the third in a series of successful research engagements for Celgard since 2002 from USABC, a division of the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), the umbrella organization for collaborative research among Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation.

"We're pleased to have the opportunity to work on another USABC project in support of its mission to commercialize technologies that benefit battery-powered vehicles," said Celgard Vice President and General Manager, Mitch Pulwer. "As with our previous work with USABC, we look forward to bringing to our customers the technological advancements that flow from this project."

Celgard, LLC is a global leader in the development and production of specialty microporous membranes, including separators used in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for personal electronic devices such as notebook computers, mobile telephones, digital cameras, and other high performance applications such as power tools, hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), Electric Vehicles (EVs), and fuel cells.

USABC is a consortium of the United States Council for Automotive Research LLC (USCAR). Enabled by a cooperative agreement with the DOE, USABC's mission is to develop electrochemical energy storage technologies that support commercialization of fuel cell, hybrid and electric vehicles.

SOURCE Celgard, LLC