July 6, 2016 — Production run spot checks of materials for lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells could be a thing of the past because of a process developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The infrared/thermal nondestructive evaluation technique invented by a team led by David Wood examines key parameters such as porosity and thickness of the coating in real time without destroying product. In contrast, conventional inspection methods for roll-to-roll products require the production line to be stopped and the examined material to be destroyed. “Our approach ensures a higher, more consistent performance from the product, saves time, lowers costs and eliminates the use of destructive examination,” Wood said. This technique, developed in collaboration with researchers at National Renewable Energy Laboratory, could also be used for other roll-to-roll produced products such as fuel cells.
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