Monday, May 19th, 2014
SEOUL, KOREA - LG Chem will sell a patented technology for making rechargeable battery separators. The company said on May 18 that it signed a licensing agreement with Ube Maxell of Japan to transfer the safety-reinforced separator technology.
The SRS technology is a crucial process by using a thin coating of ceramic materials to increase the safety of batteries in electric vehicles by separating the negative and positive poles. LG Chem registered the technology with patent offices in Korea (2007), the United States (2010), and China (2012). Ube Maxell, a joint venture between Ube Industries and Hitachi Maxell, is a leader in battery separator coating in Japan.
An LG Chem official said, "We decided to make the SRS technology available commercially based on a judgment that we have accumulated sufficient experience and know-how in the battery separator technology area and there would be little worry for being overtaken by rivals. With the latest licensing deal we will be able to create an additional income source while maintaining a strategic relationship with Ube Maxell in battery core materials."
The company will in the future actively pursue technology licensing deals with other firms, thereby setting technology standards while generating licensing incomes.