#China #Shanghai #GORE #Battery Lab

W. L. Gore & Associates Launches Shanghai Battery Lab

W. L. Gore & Associates recently inaugurated its new battery laboratory in Shanghai, China. This facility marks a significant expansion in their global research and development (R&D) capabilities, aimed at accelerating the development of advanced battery materials for clients worldwide. With the increasing demand for improved battery performance, the lab is dedicated to the rigorous development, characterization, and testing of critical materials utilized in battery cells and modules.

Focus Areas of the Laboratory

The focus areas of the Shanghai lab include the development of membranes, ventilation solutions, moisture and condensation management, explosion mitigation, thermal runaway prevention, pressure equalization, and controlled gas release. These advancements are critical for enhancing the safety and reliability of battery systems deployed in various applications, particularly electric vehicles, energy storage, and consumer electronics.

The lab offers tailored, integrated solutions for equipment manufacturers in rapidly evolving sectors, thus speeding up the transition from prototype to market-ready products. With a keen understanding of the industry's stringent requirements, Gore is now enhancing its global innovation ecosystem to support sustainable battery development.

Advancing Material Science

As a leading company in material science, Gore emphasizes the transformation of material science into a driving force for global sustainability. The establishment of the Shanghai lab is a pivotal step in advancing the commercialization of Gore's high-end electrochemical technologies, including innovations in dry electrodes and formation processes. By providing advanced membrane technologies, Gore ensures comprehensive solutions for lithium-ion batteries, thereby significantly improving their safety and stability.

Having established a long-standing reputation in the automotive industry, Gore is recognized for its pioneering efforts in ventilation and moisture management technologies. These comprehensive solutions are extensively adopted in critical automotive components such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensors, automotive electronics, powertrains, chassis, lighting, and battery systems. By addressing industry-specific challenges, Gore enables manufacturers and tier-one suppliers to innovate towards greater safety, sustainability, and system integration.

Creating a Collaborative Innovation Ecosystem

As the demands for battery performance and safety continue to rise, the Gore battery lab in Shanghai serves as a vital connection between Gore’s global technical resources and local client needs. The lab offers end-to-end services, from material development to testing and validation, while fostering close collaboration with equipment manufacturers to enhance cell manufacturing processes, module designs, and vehicle integrations.

Yong Zhao, who leads Gore’s Automotive Vents business in the Asia-Pacific region, stated, "By integrating global resources and bolstering local R&D capabilities, Gore is providing adaptable responses and bespoke material solutions to empower Chinese customers in their sustainable growth in global markets."

Justin Skaife, Chief Technology Officer for the Performance Solutions division at Gore, added, "Our cross-sector experience in both automotive and electronics enables us to develop future-ready solutions for next-generation battery systems. We are excited to collaborate with our clients in China and globally to drive collaborative innovation and sustainable advancements in battery technology."

The Performance Solutions division of Gore faces complex product and process challenges across a variety of markets including aerospace, automotive, industrial, electronics, and semiconductors. By focusing on collaboration and innovation, Gore partners with its clients to design products and processes that are safer, cleaner, more productive, reliable, sustainable, and effective across demanding environments.