Owens Corning Develops New Non-Woven Glass Fiber Veil to Improve Performance of Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries for Stop-Start Engine Systems

New Veil Requires No Capital Investment, Streamlines Production and Extends Battery Life and Capacity

Mar 29, 2011
3:00am

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

For further information: Beth Rettig, Owens Corning, +1-419-248-6777, Beth.Rettig@owenscorning.com