Key improvements designed to unlock greater control over purity and granulation are underway at our Coudekerque facility.
These upgrades will support battery and electronics manufacturers who work within strict material specifications, helping to ensure the consistency and precision required for high-performing products.
The initiatives build on Coudekerque’s longstanding commitment to quality, while expanding our capabilities in advanced applications.
“These investments mark the next phase in how we deliver high-purity refined borates,” said Anthony Drugeot, director of European Operations.
Boric acid for cathode active materials
A new boric acid production line will start producing two products engineered for the specialty quality requirements of battery and cathode active materials (CAM) manufacturers.
Each product will feature specific purity thresholds and customizable particle sizing options.
The first samples are expected in late April. You will be able to choose from:
- Optibor® BQ+, a battery-quality powder produced using high-purity Optibor feedstock from Coudekerque
- Optibor TP+, a technical-grade powder for batteries made from Optibor TG feedstock
Demand for boron compounds in battery and cathode materials is on the rise, as research demonstrates their ability to improve cycling and thermal stability, while reducing capacity fade in lithium-ion batteries.
Boron reinforces crystal structures, resulting in more stable cathodes. It also positively influences interfacial chemistry during cycling. These benefits are particularly evident in nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) cathodes.
As part of the improvements, the new production line features advanced milling equipment and vacuum packaging technology designed specifically for CAM requirements.
Learn more about U.S. Borax’s first battery-quality product launch
Raising purity standards for advanced electronics
Across advanced electronics applications, impurity thresholds are tightening to parts-per-billion levels (ppb)—well beyond traditional ppm guarantees.
In response, we’re upgrading our high-purity Optibor line to reduce impurity levels below 100 ppb, with even lower targets for certain elements depending on application requirements.
Enhancing this line will enable development of a new electronic-quality product, Optibor EQ.
Targeted to launch this summer, Optibor EQ is suitable for:
- Semiconductor-related processes and components
- Specialty glass applications such as OLED and low-dielectric glass
- Cleaning and electroplating solutions
To achieve ppb-level control for this new product, we’re enhancing air quality management, upgrading water systems, adding new process steps, and advancing analytical method development.
These upgrades are an extension of Coudekerque’s already robust quality management system.
Learn more about Coudekerque operations
Supporting next-gen batteries and electronics
For decades, we’ve produced specialty refined borates that meet the highest standards for purity and traceability.
With this infrastructure investment, we’re excited to further our capabilities in Europe and reinforce Coudekerque as a global center of excellence.
If you’re interested in learning more about the recent developments at Coudekerque or have questions pertaining to your battery or electronics application, please contact our technical team.
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