Kaolin tends to be less popular than minerals like lithium, zinc, aluminum, and copper in tech conversations. However, the presence of kaolin in current tech trends is unavoidable. Kaolin in batteries is especially potential as the future of daily tech applications.

Kaolin and Growing Battery Technology

Modern lithium-ion batteries use a component called high-purity alumina (HPA) to support their function, and there is a growing demand for such batteries. They are used in a wide range of modern devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and even electric vehicles. Demands for lithium-ion batteries make kaolin see a rapid surge in popularity.

One of the proposed futuristic technologies to achieve the HPA production target was Artificial Intelligence. In 2019, mining company Lava Blue partnered with the Queensland University of Technology to develop an HPA manufacturing plant that utilizes AI. The goal is to improve speed and efficiency in turning kaolin into batteries.

The rising ownership of mobile devices, electric vehicles, and other modern gadgets will see the rising need for lithium-ion batteries, LED batteries, and other similar technologies. Therefore, the demand for high-grade kaolin from global deposits can be expected to increase.

Related: Think You Know How Much is Kaolin Worth in Global Market?

Kaolin is also a low-cost material, ideal for manufacturing high-quality products without reducing quality. While companies need kaolin with 99.9 percent purity to create HPA, the rising demand will encourage more sophisticated mining and production processes. 

How HPA Supports Battery Functions

Example of how kaolin support battery functions

Kaolin in batteries helps support various functions and retain their quality, in the form of HPA. Here are several ways HPA works in batteries:

  1. Improving Battery Chemistries

HPA is a coating material, which ensures batteries have stable and proper chemistries. They contribute to the battery’s shelf life, allowing you to save energy bills in the recharging process or repair costs if the battery is worn out.

  1. Reducing Fire Hazard Risk

Batteries getting overheated or even bursting into the fire are expected to decrease with the use of kaolin-based material. HPA is used to coat the anode-cathode separator, which improves the battery’s thermal capacity. This means the battery has fewer risks of getting overheated and bursting into a fire, even with frequent and intense use of the devices.

  1. Maintaining Battery Capacity

The coating function of HPA also maintains the optimum capacity of the battery. It helps to prevent instances of reduced capacity during the start of the charging cycle. This way, the battery works and lasts longer, allowing device owners to save money and time.

  1. Providing Sustainable Material for Industries

Sustainability is an important issue in modern and future industries. As a naturally sourced material, kaolin is important in supporting sustainable industries. The combination of high-scale kaolin use, modern technology, and utilizing kaolin for electric vehicles allow the widespread application of sustainability in global industries.

  1. Supporting Innovation in Portable Devices

Portable devices are inseparable parts of our daily life, and future innovations are likely to focus on them. Low-cost and sustainable technologies to develop these devices are important for innovations. With kaolin as HPA material, tech companies can focus on research and development to invent highly sought-out technologies, or even break boundaries.

Aside from batteries, kaolin is used to support and strengthen other components in various technologies. For example, kaolin is made into ceramic cordierite, which is used to construct a car exhaust system. It is also mixed into plastic to create stiff, lean, and strong bumpers and other car components.

Kaolin for Batteries and Electric Vehicle Trend

Mobile devices are the obvious markets for future battery technology with kaolin. However, electric vehicles should also be your consideration, especially if you are interested in the kaolin market business.

More people are now invested in electric vehicles, which means there are rising demands for materials used in the battery industry. Customers also demand better battery qualities, which include reduced charging time, safe and fire-proof mechanisms, and larger capacity.

Investment in kaolin for batteries also impacts other elements in this industry. For example, government and nongovernment institutions may be interested in investing in low-emission vehicles. Global car companies will also get into the game, increasing the price and popularity of kaolin.

Kaolin is one of the “future minerals” that will be rising in importance. If you are interested in the kaolin business, consider kaolin in batteries as one of your target markets. Contact Yukami.co.id to inquire about the kaolin export business, and enter a potential mineral market with a bright future.

Related: Think You Know How Much is Kaolin Worth in Global Market?