Innovative Binder Research Articles

Enhancing performance of Si/C composite anode in high energy density lithium-ion batteries with CMC-CPAM-SBR binder

Abstract The utilization of polymeric binders is indispensable in the implementation of silicon/carbon anode materials in high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This necessity arises from their pivotal function in upholding structural integrity. However, current water-based binders solely focus on binder adhesion, neglecting the crucial interaction with the carbon material. In this work, a composite binder (CMC-CPAM-SBR) was constructed by combining Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) with cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) network binder with self-healing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). This innovative binder formulation was designed to enhance the performance of Si@C/graphite composite anodes. A capacity retention rate of 92.86% was achieved after 100 cycles, which represents the improvement over the performance of electrodes utilizing the CMC-CPAM binder, which only retained a capacity of 84.53% after the same number of cycles. A full battery with a capacity of 1992.8 mAh was designed, and the battery capacity remained at 80.6% of its capacity after completing 500 cycles. This research presents an effective technique for manufacturing high-performance anode materials.

Applying Binder Jetting Technology to 316L Stainless Steel Materials and Testing Its Mechanical and Dimensional Properties Depending on the Printing Method.

This article discusses special additive technologies, with a particular focus on the innovative binder jetting technology used to create three-dimensional objects. The theoretical part of this article defines the production process-its shortcomings and benefits. Also, the article describes process parameters and individual steps that must be optimally set for the desired result. Further, the article characterizes the most influential factors that are indispensable in the printing process-metallic powder, binder, printing parameters, and finishing operations after the printing itself. The conclusion of the theoretical part deals with various material possibilities when using binder jetting technology. In the practical part of the article, the properties of the material, the chemical composition, and the resulting accuracy of the printed samples will be verified experimentally. The information obtained will subsequently be used to identify an economically advantageous application of binder jetting technology.

Water Soluble Poly(amic acid) Binder for Anode Coating and High Temperature Processing

The advent of lithium batteries has been a cornerstone in the evolution of electric vehicle technology, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and transforming the transportation landscape. The integration of water-soluble binders in the scalable production of anodes significantly enhances the efficiency and sustainability of lithium battery manufacturing. Further advances in battery manufacturing require enhanced tolerance to high temperatures and increased mechanical robustness, especially for high-throughput roll-to-roll production process. In this study, we present a water-soluble poly(amic acid)-based binder, uniquely designed to facilitate aqueous coating processes and withstand high processing temperatures for anode manufacturing. This innovative binder demonstrates remarkable efficiency in securely binding active materials, such as graphite or silicon, ensuring their integrity and performance throughout the battery cycling process.

A Self-Healing Polymer Binder of Silicon-Based Anode with Enhanced Lithium-Ion Transport Performance

A multi-functional binder was designed for silicon-based anode lithium-ion battery to alleviate the huge volume expansion of silicon anode during the process of charging and discharging, and to provide ion transport channels to improve the rate performance of electrodes to meet the needs of rapid charging and discharging. In this study, a binder PAA-TUEG which combined the mechanical properties of PAA, the fast self-healing ability provided by the zigzag hydrogen bond in TUEG, and the ion transport ability provided by the ether-oxygen group was synthesized. The effect of different proportion of TUEG binder on the electrochemical performance of the electrode was further investigated. The synthesized PAA-TUEG5% polymer material exhibits a tensilestrength of 0.8 MPa and a fracture elongation of 397%. The Si@PAA-TUEG5% electrode demonstrates reversible capacities of 3035, 2260, and 1249 mAh g−1 at 0.5, 1, and 2 C (1 C = 3500 mAh g−1), respectively. In extended cycling tests, the remaining capacities after 180 cycles at 0.5 and 1 C are 852 and 793 mAh g−1, respectively. This innovative binder, featuring both self-healing ability and enhanced ion transport through dynamic reversible hydrogen bond and ionic bond, presents a promising design concept for the next generation of high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.

Valorization of gypsum waste for the cleaner production of a novel ettringite-based binder

The utilization of gypsum waste (GyW) as an additive for alkali-activated materials has already been addressed. However, using GyW as a partial replacement for aluminosilicate during the alkali-activation process is not sufficient for the full disposal of such waste. Accordingly, this communication focused on full transforming GyW from fertilizers industry into a novel AFt-binder using an eco-friendly method. Various amounts of NaAlO2 were added to gypsum waste (GyW) to yield a hardened binder with a considerable mechanical property. The findings demonstrated that NaAlO2 readily reacted with GyW to produce an AFt-based binder. The highest values for compressive strength, bulk density, and volume expansion were observed at a NaAlO2/GyW ratio of 0.2. This corresponded to the complete conversion of GyW into needle-shaped AFt crystals with a larger diameter compared to those formed in other mixtures. Notably, all hardened mixtures attained their optimum performance after 24 h, and further extension of the curing time did not yield any additional benefits. Consequently, this innovative binder has the potential to be employed as a fast-setting, energy-efficient cement for repair applications.

Pozzolanic Metakaolin Reactions: Stoichiometric and Kinetic Modeling

In the pursue of environmentally-friendly binders for the construction industry, metakaolin (MK) has emerged as promising material, with its hardening performance primarily driven by pozzolanic reactions. However, in systems containing MK and calcium hydroxide (CH), transformation reactions from metastable to stable phases, particularly in excessive CH conditions, can adversely affect material properties. To anticipate these processes, this study introduces a stoichiometry-based reaction modeling approach for pozzolanic MK reactions, encompassing both short-term kinetics and long-term transformation processes. The primary pozzolanic reactions of MK are briefly outlined, highlighting two sequential, partially overlapping reactions forming C4AH13 and C2ASH8. Short-term reaction kinetics are modeled using isothermal calorimetry measurements and deconvoluting the two reaction peaks. The model is in good agreement with experimental quantitative X–ray diffraction (qXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and helium pycnometer (density, i.e. solid volume) results. Model limitations are discussed based on qualitative scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) analysis. Leveraging the proposed model, the temperature dependency of pozzolanic MK reactions is analyzed, revealing an activation energy for the primary reaction of 84 kJ/mol. The model is intended to lay a foundation for designing innovative binder systems based on metakaolin, while paving the way for sustainable construction in the future.

Azacyclic Anchor-Enabled Cohesive Graphite Electrodes for Sustainable Anion Storage.

Advanced energy-storage devices are indispensable for expanding electric mobility applications. While anion intercalation-type redox chemistry in graphite cathodes has opened the path to high-energy-density batteries, surpassing the limited energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries , a significant challenge remains: the large volume expansion of graphite upon anion intercalation. In this study,a novel polymeric binder and cohesive graphite cathode design for dual-ion batteries (DIBs) is presented, which exhibits remarkable stability even under high voltage conditions (>5V). The innovative binder incorporates an acrylate moiety ensuring superior oxidative stability and self-healing features, along with an azide moiety, which allows for azacyclic covalent bonding with graphite and interchain crosslinking. A simple 1-h ultraviolet treatment is sufficient for binder fixation within the electrode, leading to the covalent bond formation with graphite and the creation of a robust three-dimensional network. This modification facilitates deeper and more reversible anion intercalation, leading to improved capacity, extended lifespan, and sustainable anion storage.Thebinder design, exhibiting exceptional adhesive properties and effective stress mitigation, enables the construction of ultrathick graphite cathodes. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of advanced binders, paving the way for high-performance DIBs.

Repurposing carbonate-based waste for producing an innovative binder: optimization and characterization.

This study reports the full recycling of dolomite waste (DW) in the fabrication of a novel cementitious material through a facile and eco-efficient method. The proposed technique includes mixing different alkali-activators (i.e., NaOH and Na2SiO3) with DW powder, followed by curing at room temperature. Based on the alkali-activator type, sodium oxide concentration, and curing time, the formulated mixtures yield a wide range of compressive strengths. When DW powder is mixed with different contents of NaOH (2.5, 5, and 7.5 wt.% Na2O), the resulting hardened materials exhibited modest compressive strengths (less than 11 MPa) due to the formation of the gaylussite Na2CO3·CaCO3·5H2O phase. Concerning the other chemical activator (Na2SiO3), a significant improvement in the compressive strengths of the resulted hardened materials was detected. This was ascribed to the formation of calcium silicate hydrate, with a high binding capacity, through the exchange reaction between Na2SiO3 and CaCO3 inside DW. The sample activated with Na2SiO3 (silica modulus of 1.5) equivalent to Na2O of 7.5 wt.% offered the highest 90-day compressive strength (34 MPa). At silica modulus lower or higher than 1.5, a noticeable decrease in the performance of the hardened materials was observed, which could be attributed to the alter in binding phase composition. Overall, the present work presented a new approach in utilizing the available and low cost carbonate-based wastes as main precursors in the family of promising alkali-activated materials.

The impact of grinding time on properties of cement mortar incorporated high volume waste paper sludge ash

Cement is considered a base material in preparing blending mixtures that applying in various projects in the civil engineering field. Nevertheless, the cement production process cause indubitable negative environmental influences such as emitting CO2. The production of cement produces around 7% of the global CO2 emissions. Thus, searching for alternate binders in building processes to minimise or substitute cement has been one of the social problems. A by-product or waste products are among the potential alternatives to the mentioned problem. The present investigation involves the consumption of paper sludge ash (PSA) waste as cement replacement to produce environmentally friendly, cementitious material. Limited studies were addressed the PSA grinding time impact on mortar or concrete properties. Moreover, limited studies replaced the cement with high volume of PSA. Therefore, during this study, the effect of grinding time and replacement level (up to 50%) of the PSA on the surface electrical resistivity and compressive strength of mortar were investigated. Three grinding periods (in addition to without grinding), two replacement levels and three testing ages were considered. The results indicated that grinding the PSA for 10 minutes and use it to replace up to 50% of the cement content have similar mechanical and durability performance to ordinary Portland cement after 28 curing days. This innovative binder will also cause a major difference in decreasing the building materials cost and CO2 emissions.

Mechanical, Thermal, and Moisture Buffering Properties of Novel Insulating Hemp-Lime Composite Building Materials.

Hempcrete is a sustainable biocomposite that can reduce buildings’ embodied energy while improving energy performance and indoor environmental quality. This research aims to develop novel insulating hemp-lime composites using innovative binder mixes made of recycled and low-embodied energy pozzolans. The characterization of composites’ mechanical and hygrothermal properties includes measuring compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and moisture buffer capacities. This study also investigates the impact of sample densities and water content on compressive strength at different ages. The findings suggest that mixes with a 1:1 binder to hemp ratio and 300−400 kg/m3 density have hygrothermal and mechanical properties suitable for insulating infill wall applications. Hence, compressive strengths, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity values range from 0.09 to 0.57 MPa, 0.087 to 0.10 W/m K, and 1250 to 1557 J/kg K, respectively. The average moisture buffer value for all hempcrete samples of 2.78 (gm/m2 RH%) indicates excellent moisture buffering capacity. Recycled crushed brick pozzolan can enhance the hygrothermal performance of the hemp-lime composites. Thus, samples with 10% crushed brick have the lowest thermal conductivity considering their density and the highest moisture buffer capacity. The new formulas of hydrated lime and crushed brick have mechanical properties comparable to metakaolin and hydraulic lime formulas.

Physico-mechanical properties of lime–silica fume pastes modified with nano-metakaolin

The improvement in the physico-mechanical properties of lime–silica fume (SF) pastes through the incorporation of nano-metakaolin (NMK) was investigated. Lime–SF paste (1 : 1 by weight) was prepared as a reference binder. To examine the influence of NMK on strength development, SF was replaced with 2–10 wt% NMK. The compressive strength, capillary water absorption and pore structure of the designed mixes were determined after 3, 7 and 28 d of curing. X-ray diffraction analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to study the phase composition and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for microstructural investigations. The lime–SF binder modified with 6% NMK exhibited the best mechanical performance. Pore structure analysis confirmed that NMK provided significant refinement in the pore structure of the blended pastes and SEM micrographs revealed noticeable microstructural improvements. The capillary water absorption coefficient decreased considerably with an increase in NMK content up to 6% compared with the reference mixture. Use of the developed lime–SF–NMK paste is recommended as a promising innovative binder for specific cement applications such as plastering and renovation of buildings.

Assessment of feasibility of using an innovative binder to solidify/stabilize site soils contaminated by mixed zinc and chloride

Assessment of feasibility of using an innovative binder to solidify/stabilize site soils contaminated by mixed zinc and chloride

Optimisation of the innovative hydraulic binder composition for its versatile use in recycled road base layer

The paper presents results obtained on the basis of tests carried out using the innovative hydraulic binder intended for a recycled base layer with foamed bitumen. The tested hydraulic binder consisted of three components: cement, hydrated lime and fines. The analysis includes: final time of mortar setting, volume change in mortar, compressive strength after 7 and 28 days of curing, bending strength after 7 and 28 days of curing. The analysis relied in identifying optimal compositions of innovative binder components in terms of its suitability for pavement recycled base layer. Optimisations considered obtaining a two variant such as: quick-setting and a normal-setting hydraulic binder. The analysis of test results indicate that there are solutions for binder compositions that meet the requirements for normal-setting of hydraulically bound base layer in recycled technology. In the scope of obtaining a quick-setting binder, at least 80% of cement binder in the innovative hydraulic binder composition is required.

Aesthetic and Mechanical Suitability of a Clear Synthetic Resin as a Unconventional Binder for Road Pavements

Current environmental awareness interests several aspects of civil engineering, including road construction. Indeed, new challenges related to environmental pollution and landscape preservation must be faced. In this sense, clear road pavement surfaces represent an effective technology aimed at guaranteeing environmental-friendly aesthetic pavements. The use of clear synthetic resin as a binder involves several benefits for the mitigation of in-service reached temperatures and the heat distribution within pavements (with appreciable effects on pavement mechanical performance too). The present paper illustrates an experimental study aimed at analysing the chromatic and mechanical properties of a clear synthetic resin and thus its suitability as a binder for road pavement mixes. Chromatic characteristics were assessed through digital image analysis at different aging conditions. A dynamic shear rheometer was used to evaluate the linear viscoelastic properties as well as fatigue and rutting potential of the binder in a wide range of temperatures and frequencies. A conventional 35/50 penetration grade bitumen was also investigated for comparison purposes. The clear resin exhibited limited changes in colour (darkening effects), mainly in the case of short-term aging. On the other hand, a low temperature-dependency of such a binder was observed up to 58°C. Slightly increased aptitude to rutting at the higher temperatures was detected, even if it is worth noting that clear in-service mixtures would achieve lower temperatures than traditional “black” materials at a given environmental condition (air temperature, solar radiation, etc.). The resin also exhibited a softer behaviour, along with an enhanced fatigue resistance. Overall, the studied innovative binder showed promising results in view of its effective use in road paving.

A study on the potential use of paper sludge ash in concrete with glass aggregate.

This short communication focuses on the potential use of paper sludge ash, a waste product of the paper making industry, as an innovative binder partially replacing cement in concrete with glass aggregate. After preliminary testing using binary or ternary CEM-II mixes with paper sludge ash/pulverised fly ash, a suitable mix for concrete with glass aggregate was identified. Concrete mixes with partial or full natural sand replacement by waste glass aggregate were then produced and showed appropriate strengths and overall similar or better water absorption characteristics than control mixes with natural aggregates, without manifest alkali-silica reaction problems. This shows potential for applications in precast dry mix concrete units based on the required strengths that were achieved.

Solidification and Stabilization of Heavy Metal–Contaminated Industrial Site Soil Using KMP Binder

AbstractA new and innovative binder KMP is developed for solidification/stabilization (S/S) of soils contaminated with heavy metals such as lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd). The KMP consists ...

ASSESSMENT OF A NEW PORTLAND CEMENT COMPONENT: GROUND COAL BOTTOM ASH

Coal bottom ash is produced in electrical power stations as result of the coal combustion. Because coal fly ash and coal bottom ash are formed together in the same boiler, similar chemical and mineralogical composition is expected. The size and shape of these ashes is very different, and then, its effect on the performance must be studied. In order to get a similar grain size to that of the coal fly ash, the coal bottom ash was ground. Cement-based products are the main construction materials which manufacture requires the use of significant natural raw materials and energy. These manufacturing processes result in several types of emissions. In particular, the cement industry is under pressure to reduce CO2 emissions and some studies have shown different measures to reach CO2 reduction. For instance, reducing the clinker/cement factor will lead to a clear CO2 emission reduction. In this work, ground coal bottom ash is investigated to know its viability of being used as a new Portland cement constituent. Then, it is studied from a mechanical and durability point of view to evaluate the potential use of the coal bottom ash as an innovative binder. Ground coal bottom ash and fly ash mortars were more carbonated and exhibited a lower compressive strength than the reference mortars, but similar to each other. Keywords: coal bottom ash, Portland cement, Compressive strength, Durability

Effect of aluminosilicate powders on the applicability of innovative geopolymer binders for wood-based composites

In this research, a new binder class for wood based composites, named geopolymer binder, was developed based on pozzolanic by-products (e.g. fly ash). Additionally, effects of different amounts of silica fume, as a replacement agent with other aluminosilicate components (e.g. fly ash and metakaolin), have been evaluated in the innovative binder. The Automated Bonding Evaluation System technique was used to characterize the bonding shear strength of the developed geopolymer binder. It was shown that the best shear strength for fly ash based binders was obtained by the lowest press temperature and longest pressing time. The addition of silica fume (from 20% up to 100%) significantly influenced the bonding shear strength in all binder types. Due to the chemical and mineralogical compositions, silica fume displays higher pozzolanic activity than metakaolin whereas fly ash shows lower strength in comparison to metakaolin. The silica fume (100%) based binder has also superior shear strength compared to those of conventional UF resin and other geopolymer binders. Bonding shear strength like that for UF resin was achieved by substituting only 20% silica fume in geopolymer binder compositions.

Poly(vinylimidazole) radiografted PVDF nanospheres as alternative binder for high temperature PEMFC electrodes

Within the framework of high-temperature polymer fuel cells doped with phosphoric acid, we investigate the replacement of the conventional binder in the catalyst layers by functionalized solid PVDF nanospheres. Aim of this study is to develop and test an innovative binder which might create enhanced electrode porosity and acid distribution. Aqueous suspensions of PVDF nanospheres (d ∼ 200 nm) are obtained by radical emulsion polymerization and are functionalized by Vinyl-Imidazole (VI) groups via in situ γ-radiation. As a consequence the nanospheres can interact with H3PO4 to obtain proton conductivity. Catalyst inks are prepared mixing the nanospheres with commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst powder, solvents and phosphoric acid. Prototype electrodes are deposited by spraying and preliminary fuel cell tests are carried out at 160 °C under dry H2/air. Electrodes with grafted PVDF nanospheres as solid binder are demonstrated and its understanding is in progress. Further improvements are outlined.

Strength Development of Fine Grained Mortar Containing Fly Ash and Rice Husk Ash

Fine grained mortar (FGM) offers a new innovative technology binder system. The innovative technique is achieved by using a small maximum grain size of 600μm for the mortars. Most of the previous studies have focused on the FA to be replaced in the FGM. There is still lacking of research of using other pozzolanas in making FGM. This paper presents a study of the strength of FGM with partially replacement of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with fine fly ash (FA) and ground rice husk ash (RHA). Flexural and compressive strength of FGM were tested. The results show that the use of FA and RHA produces FGM with improved strength with the replacement up to 20% than that of the control FGM. The use of FA and RHA is very effective in enhancing strength at the later age of FGM.