Apr 02, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- During recent Congressional hearings concerning
America's troubled automotive industry, much of the criticism lodged against
Detroit centered around the Motor City's generations-long unwillingness to
embrace fuel efficiency and environmentally sound practices. Attempting to
redress that imbalance, President Obama's economic stimulus and recovery package
yokes the nation's financial future to greener and more environmentally sound
practices. Included in this landmark piece of $787 billion legislation is a $40
billion provision intended for energy efficient and renewable programs,
including $2 billion earmarked for advanced battery systems.
"Lighter, more efficient batteries could hold the key to a more economically and
environmentally sound future," says William Robinson, Chairman and CEO of
Bellingham-based Integral Technologies, Inc., a development-stage company that
may have created a new building block for a better Detroit. "While you can't
change the basics of how batteries works, you can change the materials that are
used to create them."
Integral has done just that, developing a moldable conductive plastic named
ElectriPlast(TM), a polymer blend that can be used to conduct electricity.
ElectriPlast consists of small single pellets design compounded with metal
fibers that, when poured into a molding machine and shaped, may help streamline
production of batteries and electronics.
With ElectriPlast replacing lead or stainless steel, batteries could be
twenty-to-thirty pounds lighter than traditional ones used today; on average
most components would weigh 80% less than standard metal counterparts. Lighter
doesn't only mean faster, it also means greener. Today, decreased vehicle weight
translates into lower fuel consumption. Tomorrow, a better, more efficient
battery likely holds the key to widespread popularity of hybrid and electric
cars, and the nation curbing its dependence on foreign oil.
After spending years perfecting hundreds of formulations and blends of the
material, Integral is actively showcasing ElectriPlast to various industries.
There are more than 118 patents filed around the product and its use. Along with
its official manufacturing partner, Jasper Rubber Products,
(www.jasperrubber.com), Integral is currently working to apply their innovations
toward the creation of antennas, apparel, appliances, audio & visual devices,
automotive products, batteries, cables, computers, electrical and heating
systems, and more.
"Given some of the huge sums touted in the stimulus package, it is important to
note that ElectriPlast is not just a theory but proven technology," says Mr.
Robinson. "We know we're onto something special." For more information visit
www.IRGnews.com/coi/itkg.
SOURCE: Integral Technologies, Inc.
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