PARIS, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Owens Corning
(NYSE: OC), the leading global producer of glass fiber
reinforcements for composite systems, today announced a new
solution to help battery makers meet the challenges of stop-start
engine technology. The announcement was made in conjunction
with the 2011 JEC Composites Show, the world's largest composites
exhibition, where Owens Corning is exhibiting in Booth R20.
Owens Corning's new non-woven glass fiber veil using
corrosion-resistant Advantex® E-CR glass technology
increases cycle lifetime of traditional flooded lead-acid
batteries, in particular at partial state of discharge. Other
benefits include reduced acid stratification and the ability to
operate in higher-temperature environments.
Working with several battery makers and a global leader in
lead-acid battery chemistry, Owens Corning developed the non-woven
glass fiber veil that is applied directly to the face of the
positive electrode during production, and improves the battery's
capability to support the increased requirements of stop-start
engine systems. The new glass veil technology requires no
capital investment by battery manufacturers and eliminates a
component by replacing sacrificial pasting paper used only as a
process carrier during the electrode pasting process.
"Stop-start engine technology is a growing and very promising
environmental initiative to conserve fuel and cut emissions, but it
places heavy demands on a vehicle's battery," said Industrial
Business Development Leader for OCV™ Non-Woven Technologies Ralph
Jousten. "To help battery manufacturers improve the performance and
lifespan of their products, we developed a solution that enhances
existing flooded batteries. With our glass veil, customers can meet
the performance challenges of new stop-start engines and compete
successfully at a lower cost versus traditional batteries."
This solution also provides cost advantages over AGM (absorbed
glass mat) battery types that produce more cycles but are priced
about 2.5 times higher and are more sensitive to heat and
overcharging than flooded lead-acid batteries.
Stop-start engine systems cut fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions by temporarily shutting off during idling,
such as at stoplights and railroad crossings, and then restarting
the engine upon acceleration. The technology is particularly
beneficial in vehicles that make frequent stops, such as delivery
or service vehicles.
About Owens Corning
Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) is a leading global producer of
residential and commercial building materials, glass-fiber
reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems. A
Fortune® 500 Company for 56 consecutive years, Owens Corning is
committed to driving sustainability by delivering solutions,
transforming markets and enhancing lives. Founded in 1938, Owens
Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass-fiber technology
with sales of $5 billion in 2010 and
about 15,000 employees in 28 countries on five continents.
Additional information is available at www.owenscorning.com.
SOURCE Owens Corning