PALO ALTO, CA (February 27, 2006) -- Frost & Sullivan's recent analysis of ultracapacitors: global trends and developments, selected W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. as the recipient of the 2005 Technology Leadership Award in the field of electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) and components. This company has established its technology superiority with the introduction of its innovative Gore(R) carbon-filled PTFE electrodes and electrode assemblies as well as Gore(R) PTFE separators for EDLCs.
W.L. Gore has leveraged its 48-year history to create a presence globally and provide diverse, high-performance solutions in consumer, industrial, electronic, medical and surgical markets. Its expertise in the application and use of fluoropolymers, especially polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), has enabled it to produce numerous revolutionary products.
"Gore's electrodes and electrode assemblies provide the strength and dimensional stability needed for high-throughput manufacturing," says Frost & Sullivan research analyst Viswanathan Krishnan. "The unique structure of Gore's PTFE matrix allows for high carbon loading, which translates into greater energy densities."
Gore electrodes are available in various thicknesses, densities, and shapes, and are customized to suit customers' specific EDLC architectures. They are also available from Gore in single- or double-sided electrode assemblies, bonded directly to a current collector.
Gore separators are hydrophilic, high porosity membranes that provide high ionic conductivity and low equivalent series resistance, resulting in faster response, as well as lower time constants. These separators, which are suitable for both wound and prismatic cell designs, are stable across a wide range of temperatures ranging from -250 degrees C to +260 degrees C.
The separators' physical properties remain intact even when cell-drying temperatures rise up to 230 degrees C, or at flow soldering conditions of 260 degrees C. Gore's PTFE products excel in any organic, neutral, or acidic electrolyte application in battery systems and EDLCs.
"Gore's ability to supply EDLC electrodes and separators to suit the needs of different applications and the four decades of PTFE processing experience at Gore are indicative of the company's exceptional capabilities," notes Krishnan.
Each year, this Award is presented to a company that has pioneered the development and introduction of an innovative technology into the market; a technology that has either impacted or has the potential to impact several market sectors. The Award recognizes a company's successful technology development that is expected to bring significant contributions to the industry in terms of adoption, change, and competitive posture. It also recognizes the leadership of the company in the successful promotion of the technology and its continuing impact in technology commercialization.
ABOUT W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES
Perhaps best known for its consumer products like GORE-TEX(R) fabric and ELIXIR(R) guitar strings, Gore is a leading manufacturer of thousands of advanced technology products for the electronics, industrial, fabrics and medical markets. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware, posts sales of almost $2 billion, and employs more than 7,000 associates at 45 facilities throughout the world.
ABOUT FROST & SULLIVAN
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.frost.com/ .
CONTACT
Ed Schneider
W.L. Gore & Associates
Corporate Communications
302.292.4062
eschneid@wlgore.com
Stacie Jones
Frost & Sullivan
210.247.2450
stacie.jones@frost.com