Unifrax said it plans to create a manufacturing line for silicon fiber anode material, a battery technology which allows for what it said is a considerable increase energy density in lithium-ion batteries when compared to currently used materials.
The technology is called SiFAB and is expected to offer faster charge times, smaller battery size, and an extended battery life for EVs, portable electronics, energy grid storage, and aerospace. The product is currently in advanced testing and reportedly has performed well in multiple battery systems.
Unifrax said that SiFAB includes micron-sized silicon fiber with a nanoporous structure that is compatible with conventional mixing equipment.
SiFAB will be produced in a facility in north central Indiana and could create up to 74 new jobs by the end of 2023, the company said. A $1.1 million conditional tax credit will be awarded to the manufacturer by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation as a performance-based credit to be paid once Indiana residents are hired.
Unifrax has a history of manufacturing inorganic fiber materials at scale, and has previous experience supplying the materials to electric vehicle manufacturers.
