Freudenberg will be presenting innovative solutions for future-oriented markets at ANEX 2018

Energy: increased efficiency and safety for energy storage

Redox flow batteries are in demand wherever large amounts of energy need to be stored over several hours while remaining ready for discharge at any time. A key aspect is optimizing efficiency. Freudenberg’s nonwoven electrodes with a unique three-dimensional fiber structure were specially developed to improve liquid circulation in redox flow batteries. These innovative electrodes feature a flexible design that enables them to be adapted to specific customer requirements.

One key to the success of e-mobility is providing more efficient and safer batteries. Freudenberg’s safety separator for lithium-ion batteries consists of an ultra-thin PET nonwoven impregnated with ceramic particles. It remains stable at high temperatures and does not shrink. In comparison to conventional products, it is considerably less sensitive to mechanical penetration, particularly at high temperatures.

Increased vehicle range is another key to the success of e-mobility. The Japan Vilene Company’s Ni-MH HV battery separators have been designed to meet this functional requirement. They are characterized by high-temperature resistance, excellent safety performance and a rapid rate of charge/discharge.

Medical: advanced modern wound care solutions

Following the introduction of an MDI-based foam, Freudenberg Performance Materials has continued with the systematic expansion of its portfolio in this field. The company has now entered series production of ISO 13485-compliant laminates comprising hydrophilic PU foams and hydroactive nonwovens. The combination of these two components, foam and nonwoven, can achieve a significant improvement in the ability of wound dressings to absorb and retain exudate. Customers can choose between MDI- and TDI-based foams.

“scaffolene” – Freudenberg’s nonwoven fabric made from bioresorbable polymers is extremely versatile in both characteristics and applications. Flexible and tear-resistant when dry, it remains stable even when wet, maintaining its structure and avoiding clumping. During operations, the material can be easily and securely positioned in the right place in the body. The fabric eventually breaks down inside the body of its own accord, rendering a further treatment to remove the dressing unnecessary. In addition to its use in wound healing, scaffolene technology opens up new therapeutic possibilities within other medical fields, including bio-surgery and regenerative medicine.

Japan Vilene Company’s transdermal backing materials are both elastic and offer beneficial physical properties. By reason of the superior elasticity in both directions, they provide comfort to the wearer and a soft-touch feeling.

The company’s disposable respirators provide protection against particulate matter. They are national-assay-approved, offer high particle removal efficiency and ensure easy breathing in polluted environments.

Automotive: lightweight solutions for improved driving comfort

Good sound absorption in vehicles increases driver and passenger comfort. It also has a high priority in electric cars because electric drive trains cause less noise than combustion engines For this reason, other noise sources in different frequency ranges become more important. Freudenberg will be presenting innovative acoustic pads that provide outstanding sound absorption inside the vehicle. The light-weight pads help customers to save weight substantially and they are highly cost efficient. The pads are suitable for a wide variety of applications in the car such as door panels, headliners, trunk areas, wheel-houses and so on.

With their sophisticated design, Japan Vilene Company’s headliner facings improve wellbeing inside the vehicle. They are available in plain and multicolor patterned prints and have a smooth surface. Their good formability makes its molding process easy.

Starting in 1980 with the founding of the first joint venture, Freudenberg and the Japan Vilene Company have been in close partnership for decades. Today, the two Freudenberg Business Groups Freudenberg Performance Materials and Freudenberg Filtration Technologies operate together with the Japan Vilene Company in a network of joint production and sales ventures throughout Asia.

About Freudenberg Performance Materials
Freudenberg Performance Materials is a leading global manufacturer of innovative technical textiles offering differentiated value propositions to a broad range of markets and applications such as Apparel, Automotive, Building Materials, Hygiene, Medical, Shoe and Leather goods as well as Specialties. In 2016, the company generates sales of more than €950 million and has 25 manufacturing sites in 14 countries and almost 3.800 employees. Freudenberg Performance Materials attaches great importance to social and ecological responsibility. For more information, please visit www.freudenberg-pm.com
In 2016, the Freudenberg Group employed more than 48,000 people in almost 60 countries worldwide and generated sales of approximately €8.6 billion (including pro-rata consolidation of 50:50 joint ventures). For more information, please visit www.freudenberg.com

About Japan Vilene Company
Since its establishment in 1960, Japan Vilene Co., Ltd. (JVC) has maintained its position as the leading domestic manufacturer of nonwoven materials under the theme of "Engineering Fabric Innovation," utilizing its raw material expertise and considerable know how in the areas of production process, equipment technology and nonwoven converting and offering a wide range of products through its Automotive Materials and Industrial Materials divisions. In addition to its two main production sites and R&D Center, JVC operates six consolidated production, converting and sales subsidiaries in Japan. J
VC has developed its business with automotive interiors into a global business with production facilities close to its customers in Japan, China, the USA, Thailand, Mexico and Germany (Germany from April on).
In very close cooperation with Freudenberg Performance Materials and Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, the JVC operates a network of production and sales joint venture companies throughout Asia.