Anode & Cathode Technology
Bourque Industries is researching applications of its Kryron technology for breakthroughs in cathode/anode technology for the mining and battery industries. The Kryronization process creates specialized Carbon Nanotube Metal Matrix Composites (CNT-MMC) materials from a variety of core substrates that have engineered benefits specific to the application. These new materials are being investigated as to how they apply to cathode and anode technology.
Important qualities of Kryronized materials in general:
- High electrical conductivity
- Low electrical resistance
- Heat dissipation
- Dimensional accuracy
- Lightweight
- Mechanical strength
- Corrosion resistance
Mining Industry – Solvent Extraction / Electrowinning (SX/EW) Process
Solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW) is a two-stage metallurgy process that first extracts and upgrades copper ions from low-grade leach solutions into a concentrated electrolyte (Solvent extraction), and then deposits pure copper on to cathodes using an electrolytic procedure (electrowinning).
As compared to the materials currently being used, Kryron CNT-MMC alloys have increased electrical conductivity, lower resistance, are lighter, stronger, better resist corrosion, and dissipate heat more effectively. Resulting new products for the industry will offer greater efficiency, higher reliability and a longer useable life:
- Long-life permanent cathode blanks
- Electrowinning lead anode
- Hanger bars
- Busbars
- Edge strips
Bourque Industries has developed two new materials for use in the SX/EW mining industry which should improve the efficiency of the electrowinning process. Kryron CNT-MMC copper and lead alloys have been developed specifically for use in the mining industry and for improving battery technology. The new alloys have enhanced performance qualities when compared to current metals/alloys, and product applications can be developed by replacing the current materials with our new CNT-MMC alloys without altering design or process.
Bourque Industries is pursuing its research and development of material product applications of Kryron CNT-MMC materials for use in the mining industry. Further material testing is underway to further identify the performance characteristics of this new class of metal alloys being developed.
Battery Technology
Similar to the efforts in mining, Bourque Industries is using its Kryronization process to develop all new metals, alloys, and other engineered material substrates for the battery industry. We’re not making the battery, but we’re making the materials for better battery performance and efficiency.
The main focus of current research in the industry is the development of improved cathode technology and this is where Bourque is focusing its energy as well. The copper and lead CNT-MMC alloys developed for the mining industry are applicable to the lead-acid batteries used in vehicles, where the ability to store, discharge and charge is being tested to demonstrate the increased abilities of Kryronized alloys in these applications.
New applications for Kryron CNT-MMC alloys are being investigated relating to battery cathode materials that have excellent electrochemical properties and thermal stability for use in rechargeable lithium ion batteries. These products can be used in applications including mobile phones, laptop computers, power tools, EV/HEV/PHEV and a variety of handheld and portable devices. Our high performing alloys show potential as an excellent alternative to current materials, and their improved thermal stability should enable battery manufacturers to design safer batteries as well.