Conductive Additives
For more than a century, we have been making conductive additives for batteries. Over the years, our business has expanded to other applications, such as modern lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells and high-voltage wire & cable.
Orion is one of only a few companies in the world that makes acetylene-based conductive additives. We are also the sole producer of the material in the Western Hemisphere, with a plant in France and another under construction in the U.S. Our global footprint makes us a reliable supplier.
Acetylene is a colorless gas widely used as a chemical building block. Orion’s production process turns acetylene into a powder. The material has high conductivity, excellent processability, exceptionally high purity and low moisture absorption.
Orion has products for a variety of batteries:
- Lithium-ion batteries: The PRINTEX® kappa 100 grade for lithium-ion batteries offers ultra-low metal content, exceptionally low moisture uptake and high conductivity.
- Lead-acid batteries: The PRINTEX® kappa family of products is produced for advanced lead-acid battery technology, enabling batteries to achieve high DCA performance and maintain acceptable water loss.
- Primary batteries: Orion’s conductive additives function in many different primary batteries such as zinc-carbon, zinc-air, Li-primary batteries to ensure the electrical conductivity of the cathode.
Producing acetylene black and adding the material to lithium-ion batteries
Orion’s highly conductive acetylene plays a major role in the lithium-ion battery. Not only does it provide electrical conductivity for higher power density. The material’s purity also contributes to longer cycle life. Produced under a high-quality standard in one of our plants, our individual products are further processed by lithium-ion cell producers before they go into electrical vehicles. Where exactly our acetylene black is located and what it does is explained in this animation. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
Orion’s plant in Berre-l’Étang, France
The plant is virtually a zero-waste facility with very low emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulphur oxide (SOx). The facility repurposes a byproduct — acetylene gas — from a neighboring plant and upcycles it to create high-value conductive additives. The plant has a much more favorable environmental profile than traditional carbon black facilities. The facility has a wet-beading unit that pelletizes the powder, making it dust free and easier to handle.
Innovation
Orion has invested in a Battery Innovation Center and has expanded our laboratory team to prove our performance and help our customers go faster.
How can we help you?
With 15 production sites and four technical centers worldwide, we are always close to our customers. If you would like to contact us please use the contact form on our site or go to our contact page.
