Solucorp Unveils Pollution Preventing, Self-Remediating Ni-Cd Battery To International Markets
Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Solucorp Industries, Ltd. recently announced that research and development, conducted through independent laboratories and by the Company's Integrated Fixation System Company, Inc. (IFS) subsidiary, has resulted in the first self-remediating Ni-Cd battery. In development since 1995, the new battery neutralizes hazardous nickel and cadmium within the battery's casing, eliminating the possibility of any heavy metals pollution upon disposal after use.
Ni-Cd batteries contain Nickel and Cadmium, which are both toxic heavy metals regulated by the EPA under the Universal Treatment Standards (UTS). The UTS regulations have set the guidelines for determining whether or not these metals are hazardous. In the U.S., a portion of the price of a Ni-Cd battery is the fee included for its proper disposal at the end of its life cycle.
The IFS technology, which utilizes the Company's patented proprietary Molecular Bonding System (MBS) technology, is integrated into the manufacture of the Ni-Cd battery so that the toxic metal paste cannot migrate out of the battery — either during or after its useful life. IFS remains in a dormant state inside of the battery and only reacts upon contact with the metal contaminants. The technology does not impact the life cycle of the battery nor its performance. Whether the Ni-Cd battery is disposed of in a proper or improper manner, the IFS technology contained within the battery will act as a permanent solution preventing toxic metals migration into the environment. The cost-effective technology will also have no impact in the ability of the battery cells to be recycled.
Ni-Cd batteries are used in portable consumer electronics such as power tools, cell phones, and toys. They were developed as an alternative to lead acid batteries because they are more physically and chemically robust. As of 2000, 1.5 billion nickel cadmium batteries were produced annually. Ni-Cd batteries require less care than traditional batteries and are difficult to damage. They usually last longer and can be charged or discharged at a faster rate.
In the European Union, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) bans the use of cadmium in electrical and electronic equipment after July 2006 because of toxicity issues. In addition, there are sites contaminated with nickel and cadmium because of the illegal disposal of these batteries. European regulations now prevent the disposal of hazardous materials in landfills — impeding future sales of items containing Ni-Cd batteries. This will dramatically affect both battery and portable electronic manufacturers' future revenues. This presents an opportunity for Solucorp to integrate its technology into the manufacturing process of existing battery manufacturers throughout the world.
"The thought of self-remediating non-polluting batteries was once a figment of the imagination and a dream of environmentalists. It is now a reality. This is just one of many revolutionary items Solucorp is prepared to offer for commercialization and sales throughout the world," states Richard A. Runco, President of Solucorp Industries, Ltd.
Solucorp's batteries will be manufactured in China. Solucorp is actively seeking manufacturers, licenses, and distributors for the battery within the U.S., Europe and worldwide.
SOURCE: Solucorp Industries Ltd.