Showa Denko expands capacity for VGCF additive in Li-ion anodes/cathodes
02 December 2011
Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) has completed additional production line for VGCF (vapor-grown carbon fiber) at its Kawasaki Plant, Kanagawa Prefecture (Japan), thereby increasing total production capacity for the product from 100 t/y to 200 t/y. VGCF is used as an additive in anodes and cathodes of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (LIBs).
Demand for large LIBs for automotive and storage battery applications is expected to grow rapidly in and after 2013, SDK said, which will result in a sharp rise in demand for VGCF used as electrically-conductive additive in LIBs’ anodes and cathodes. Addition of a small amount of VGCFTM helps increase the capacity, extend the life, and enhance the safety of large LIBs.
SDK is also supplying graphite anode material (SCMG) for LIBs and aluminum laminated films for LIB packaging. To meet growing demand, SDK will increase production capacity for these products step by step.
The Showa Denko Group provides characteristic battery materials (mainly LIB materials) through interconnection of inorganic/metal and organic chemical technologies, and is aiming to achieve sales of ¥30 billion (US$386 million) or more in 2015.
Comments