Nitecore is using self-adhesive wraps on their new batteries that seem metallic.

[Mooch]

***This is a replacement for my earlier, now deleted, post about this***

I've been testing the wraps and have been unable to measure conductivity along the edges or by scraping the surface. While my testing is far from comprehensive I feel my original post about this was too alarmist and I have deleted it. My apologies for the confusion. My experience with conductive metallized plastics blinded me to the possibility that this may not be conductive at all.

Bottom line...
The new Nitecore 18650's use wraps that are self-adhesive and have a metallic appearance.

Being self-adhesive means they are a real pain to remove. If the wraps are metallized it means that there is a layer of metal in the wrap. The wrap has remained non-conductive though no matter what I have done to it. I will be testing this more as perhaps this is just some sort of metallic looking plastic? What is its function though then?

Here are the cells that I can confirm have these wraps (with Nitecore's ratings, not mine). There may be others.

2100mAh 30A
2100mAh 38A
2500mAh 35A
2600mAh 40A
3100mAh 35A

There is no information regarding these wraps on Nitecore's web site. I will be contacting Nitecore for comment and will post what they say.

https://imgur . com/a/LWDNC

 

[sonicbomb]

Metal is a pretty poor insulator no? wtf

 

[Opinionated]

Nvm..

 

[Mooch]

Metal is a pretty poor insulator no? ...

I think there is a danger of the battery shorting out on its own wrap.. correct?

I have update my post. My experience with conductive metallized plastics kept me from thinking these might have a non-conductive metallic coating.

 

[Opinionated]

***This is a replacement for my earlier, now deleted, post about this***

I've been testing the wraps and have been unable to measure conductivity along the edges or by scraping the surface. While my testing is far from comprehensive I feel my original post about this was too alarmist and I have deleted it. My apologies for the confusion. My experience with conductive metallized plastics blinded me to the possibility that this may not be conductive at all.

Bottom line...
The new Nitecore 18650's use wraps that are self-adhesive and have a metallic appearance.

Being self-adhesive means they are a real pain to remove. If the wraps are metallized it means that there is a layer of metal in the wrap. The wrap has remained non-conductive though no matter what I have done to it. I will be testing this more as perhaps this is just some sort of metallic looking plastic? What is its function though then?

Here are the cells that I can confirm have these wraps (with Nitecore's ratings, not mine). There may be others.

2100mAh 30A
2100mAh 38A
2500mAh 35A
2600mAh 40A
3100mAh 35A

There is no information regarding these wraps on Nitecore's web site. I will be contacting Nitecore for comment and will post what they say.

https://imgur . com/a/LWDNC

Okay I see your edit now.. yes definitely tell us what they say!

 

[Barkuti]

Not all metals are very good conductors, and certain compounds like Beryllium oxide and Aluminium nitride possess very high thermal conductivities while being electrical insulators. If the outer casing of cells were made of these materials, cooling them would pretty much be a piece of cake without risk of cell/battery shorts. This would pave the way for higher continuous discharge ratings in high energy density cells. Oh! It would be nonsensical to use those plastic wraps then, no one would want thermal conductivity insulating stuff in such case I believe.

Cheers fellows

 

[Mooch]

Not all metals are very good conductors, and certain compounds like Beryllium oxide and Aluminium nitride possess very high thermal conductivities while being electrical insulators. If the outer casing of cells were made of these materials, cooling them would pretty much be a piece of cake without risk of cell/battery shorts. This would pave the way for higher continuous discharge ratings in high energy density cells. Oh! It would be nonsensical to use those plastic wraps then, no one would want thermal conductivity insulating stuff in such case I believe.

Cheers fellows

They have great thermal conductivity properties but beryllium oxide is carcinogenic. Both compounds are also very brittle. The powder from a beryllium oxide cased cell that broke, which would happen easily, would be quite dangerous.

 

[Barkuti]

I was well aware of those BeO MSDS claims, Mooch. I was not saying that should be used, of course. With proper biological adaptation there would be no risk, but I already guess achieving this in little time could be a hurdle for most philistines.

Aluminium Nitride could help, it may eventually get in the game for the next major breakthrough in energy density, allowing multicell pack heatsinks. But hell, on the other hand we may already have enough with braindull lads already playing with off-brand cell firecrackers.

Cheers