[Alpha Biz=(Chicago) Reporter Kim Jisun] Kumho Petrochemical and POSCO International are considering establishing a joint venture related to carbon nanotubes (CNT), one of the secondary battery materials.

According to the industry on the 30th, Kumho Petroleum (011780) Chemical has set up a joint venture with POSCO International (047050) to work together to upgrade CNT-related technologies and explore markets.

Kumho Petrochemical has been selling CNT, called "dream material," for composite materials of synthetic rubber or synthetic resins, and developed CNT for lithium secondary batteries in 2020 to commercialize it.

CNT is used as a challenging material to help electricity and electronic flow of secondary batteries, and is spotlighted as a key battery material because it can implement higher conductivity than conventional materials and increase battery life and capacity.

Companies with CNT mass production systems in Korea include LG Chem and Kumho Petrochemical. Kumho Petrochemical's production capacity (CAPA) is around 120 tons (t) and its production capacity will triple to 360 tons when the expansion of its Yulchon plant in Yeosu is completed next year.

"It is true that we are currently considering establishing a joint venture, but no specific decision has been made, including the exchange of treasury stocks," a source from the two companies said.

 

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