ITRI announced its Stoba technology

It is a new material which prevents lithium ion batteries from burning.

Reuters reported that a new technology, called Stoba, may be on the market in the first quarter of 2010. The invention, developed at the ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute) of Taiwan, prevents lithium ion batteries in laptops from burning.

The new material, introduced by the manufacturer, would stop the heating process provoked by internal shorts. If the lithium ion battery reaches a temperature of 500 degrees C (932 degrees F) it could explode. Stoba is positioned between the positive and the negative sides of the battery and converts into a film that would stop the reaction once the temperature is as high as 130 degrees C (266 degrees F).

"We have introduced a totally new material to the battery," said Alex Peng, a Senior Researcher.

"Many persons who ship lithium batteries do not recognize the hazards... fires in aircraft can result in catastrophic events presenting unique challenges not encountered in other transport modes," said the US government, because the danger of a lithium ion battery to explode is great.

According to Alex Peng, Stoba is in a testing stage now and is expected to begin shipping in Q1 of 2010.

For more information visit Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/<wbr>article/technologyNews/<wbr>idUSTRE5AA4ZS20091111