HOUSTON– ExxonMobil Chemical will introduce new co-extruded separator grades for hybrid and electric vehicle batteries at the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference (AABC) in Tampa, Fla., May 12-16. In addition, Pat Brant, chief polymer scientist, ExxonMobil Chemical, will present a technical paper, titled "ExxonMobil Co-extrusion Separator Technology Platform for HEV/EV LIB."

ExxonMobil Chemical and its Japanese affiliate, Tonen Chemical, have developed two new separator grades with co-extrusion technology to meet more demanding battery requirements. The new co-extruded grades offer enhanced permeability, improved strength, reduced heat shrinkage, and higher rupture temperature to improve battery safety and performance.

"The two new co-extrusion grades have been developed to meet the different system needs for lithium-ion batteries in hybrid and electric vehicle applications," said Jim Harris, senior vice president, ExxonMobil Chemical Company. "We have introduced four tailored battery separator films and are committed to extending our product portfolio to provide customers with the flexibility and versatility to make the next generation of lower emission vehicles possible."

This technology platform builds on ExxonMobil Chemical's 20 years of innovation and experience in lithium-ion battery separators. Production from existing commercial lines provides ExxonMobil Chemical with the flexibility to scale-up to meet the anticipated growth in demand for hybrid and electric vehicle batteries.

"ExxonMobil Chemical's new battery separator film grades will help speed the adoption of smaller and more powerful lithium-ion batteries in next generation hybrid and electric vehicles," said Harris.