Unifrax, Backed by Clearlake Capital, Announces Lithium Ion Battery Anode Technology Coming Early Next Year

Proprietary anode technology enables significantly greater energy density in lithium ion battery systems than prevailing technologies

BUFFALO, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Unifrax, the leading manufacturer of high-performance specialty materials, today introduced its latest proprietary technology, SiFAB� Silicon Fiber Anode Battery Technology by Unifrax. SiFAB, currently in advanced testing after years of research and development, has shown promising performance in multiple battery systems. This anode technology enables significantly higher energy density in lithium ion battery systems and has successfully been tested with incremental Si loadings of greater than 40 percent.

SiFAB is Unifrax’s first step into silicon fiber for the lithium ion battery manufacturing market, building on its deep history of fiber-based technology and manufacturing. Unifrax, the inventor of specialty ceramic fibers, has a 75+ year track record of developing and supplying engineered inorganic materials at large scale to advanced industries worldwide including electric vehicles, aerospace, and chemical processing. The company expects production to come online in early 2022 with plans to build thousands of tons of long-term manufacturing capacity.

“SiFAB is the latest development from our long-standing tradition of using fiber-based technologies to create step change value for our customers,” said Chad Cannan, Senior Vice President of Research and Development, Unifrax. “This is a unique proposition in the market – Unifrax is a large, global manufacturing company introducing game-changing advanced silicon anode materials that can be used in existing manufacturing processes. Our track record and proven ability to develop new and unique technologies will help transform the battery industry with greater energy density, faster charges, and longer lifespans.”

“This transformational material presents numerous opportunities throughout the lithium ion battery ecosystem, with applications spanning personal devices, energy storage, electric vehicles, and the broader industrial market. SiFAB represents another addition to our robust electric vehicle and battery solutions portfolio which includes AGM separator materials, large format lithium ion glass separators, interstitial thermal runaway barriers, and battery compartment fire protection systems,” added John Dandolph, President and CEO, Unifrax.

Unifrax will be available during the 2021 International Battery Seminar and Virtual Exhibit March 9–11, 2021, to discuss SiFAB technology with interested attendees.

About Unifrax

Unifrax develops and manufactures high performance specialty materials used in advanced applications including high-temperature industrial insulation, electric vehicles, energy storage, filtration, and fire protection, among many others. Unifrax products are designed with the ultimate goal of saving energy, reducing pollution, and improving safety for people, buildings and equipment by delivering on our commitment to our customers of greener, cleaner, safer solutions for their application challenges. Unifrax has 37 manufacturing facilities operating in 12 countries and employs 2,700+ employees globally. More information is available at www.unifrax.com. For updates, follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

About Clearlake

Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. is an investment firm founded in 2006 operating integrated businesses across private equity, credit and other related strategies. With a sector-focused approach, the firm seeks to partner with experienced management teams by providing patient, long-term capital to dynamic businesses that can benefit from Clearlake’s operational improvement approach, O.P.S.^® The firm’s core target sectors are industrials, technology and consumer. Clearlake currently has approximately $30 billion of assets under management and its senior investment principals have led or co-led over 300 investments. The firm has offices in Santa Monica and Dallas. More information is available at www.clearlake.com and on Twitter @ClearlakeCap.

Contacts

Media:

For Unifrax:

Deborah L. Myers

Global Marketing Communication Director

dmyers@unifrax.com
716.812.4802

For Clearlake:

Jennifer Hurson

jhurson@lambert.com
845-507-0571