Polypore International Inc

Polypore International Inc is a Delaware corporation is a high technology filtration company that develops, manufactures and markets specialized microporous membranes used in separation and filtration processes. The microporous membranes that Company produces are highly engineered polymeric structures that contain millions of pores per square inch, enabling the management of ions, gases and particles that range in size from the cellular to the nano or molecular level. Its operations are mainly managed on a products basis and are comprised of three operating segments that have been aggregated into two reportable segments: energy storage and separations media. The energy storage segment produces and markets membranes that provide the critical function of separating the cathode and anode in a variety of battery markets, including lithium, industrial and transportation applications. The separations media segment produces and markets membranes used as the high technology filtration element in various medical and industrial applications. Electronics applications: The Company develops, manufactures and markets a line of patented polypropylene and polyethylene monolayer and multilayer membrane separators for lithium batteries that are used in numerous applications such as personal electronic devices, cordless power tools and HEVs and other electric vehicles. Transportation and industrial applications: Polypore develops, manufactures and markets a complete line of high-performance polymer-based membrane separators for lead-acid batteries. Approximately 80% of its lead-acid battery separators are used in batteries for automobiles and other motor vehicles. The Company develops, manufactures and markets a complete line of patented polyethersulfone membranes for the hemodialysis market. Hemodialysis is the artificial process that performs the function of a healthy kidney for patients with permanent kidney failure, a condition known as End Stage Renal Disease. Polypore develops, manufactures and markets polypropylene and polymethylpentene membranes for the blood oxygenation market. As a component of heart-lung machines, blood oxygenators temporarily replace the functions of the lungs during on-pump open-heart surgery. The Company develops, manufactures and markets polypropylene and polyethersulfone membranes for the plasmapheresis market. In plasmapheresis, plasma is separated from the blood and either retained for the production of therapeutic proteins or filtered and returned to the blood as a treatment for various autoimmune disorders. Polypore produces a range of membranes and membrane-based elements for micro- and ultrafiltration and gasification/degasification of liquids, covering a range of applications in the filtration market. The Company sells its products and services to customers in both the domestic and international marketplace. Polypore sells mainly to manufacturers and converters that incorporate its products into their finishe