Battery system
Application

Compounds for battery electrodes

Sustainable and decentralized energy generation, storage and use of energy play an important role in the development of rechargeable battery and battery systems

The development and realization of rechargeable battery systems with high energy density are important parts of the response to global trends as well as the UNO sustainability targets. Here, the sustainable and decentralized energy generation, storage and use of energy play a key role. In finding suitable material combinations, the handling of electrically conductive materials for anodes and cathodes gains great significance.

Typical areas of application

Battery mass from a BUSS compounding system is used for manufacturing lithium battery cathodes
Battery system cathode made out of battery mass from a BUSS compounding system
Inner structure of a lithium ion battery
Lithium battery for cars as an example of a product manufactured using battery mass

The typical requirements on manufacturing anodes and electrode compounds include intense mixing in solids and also during the viscous phase without destroying the structure of the functional fillers and thus reducing conductivity. At the same time, adherence to strict temperature limits is also a possible requirement.

The knowledge gained over several decades with regard to handling conductive materials, which can also be nanostructured such as graphene or various carbon nanotube (CNT) versions or otherwise in alternative industries, enables the BUSS process developers to find customized solutions, evaluate them and apply them successfully.

Thus, the full potential of continuous systems is exploited: uniform process conditions, narrow dwell time distribution, process control and assurance at all times as well as the integration of diverse process steps, belong to the features typically used.

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Benefits

BUSS compounding systems offer the following specific benefits

Latest generation multi-flight BUSS compounders achieve a better mixing effect with a low overall specific energy input. This is due to a high number of mixing cycles, optimally attuned to the respective process zone. The energy is almost exclusively introduced mechanically (dissipated) as shear energy in the compounding system.

The BUSS Co-Kneader allows precise temperature control due to controlled energy input and uniformly moderate shear rates as well as their temperature monitoring by thermocouples, which are mounted in drilled kneading pins surrounded by polymer at relevant positions along the process section.

The BUSS Co-Kneader guarantees intense distributive mixing, as the superimposition of rotation and axial movement of the mixing and kneading screw causes flow separations and a large number of shearing surfaces, thereby generating cross-channel mixing.

The screw elements, liners and kneading pins are easily replaced components and easily accessible by opening the hinged process section of the BUSS Co-Kneader. All these elements can be replaced without removal of the casing or the screw shaft.

Injection pins, which can be mounted in the BUSS Co-Kneader at any position along the process section, allow liquid components to be injected directly into the already dispersed product at the optimum process location. Mixing begins immediately, without smearing on the barrel wall, and enables mixing over the shortest possible process length.

Compounding requirements

for battery electrode compounds

The combination of technical process expertise and the system-specific BUSS Co-Kneader options allow the implementation of sophisticated solutions: high content of conductive additives can be distributed at several feed points.

The directly starting mixing processes at moderate shear rates, and respective relaxation phases, lead to excellent distributive mixing results without damaging the inner structure of the conductive materials.

It is often possible to achieve similar electrical properties with low content of conductive components or better properties with the same content. This results in improved processability due to the lower viscosities. Moreover, the system's design flexibility enables specific response to the increasing viscosity in the process zones with specifically selected configurations.

This enables customized management and control of the processing conditions. BUSS' Co-Kneader technology and extensive process expertise make BUSS a technology leader and ideal partner for the development and commercialization of sustainable system solutions.

Typical plant layout

Typical plant layout for manufacturing battery mass

COMPEO plant layout for the compounding of anode and cathode materials

Find out more about setting up a battery mass plant layout as typically used for electrode compounds are produced using our COMPEO compounders.

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COMPEO series

We present: COMPEO, the state-of-the-art compounder that offers more versatility in its application, higher flexibility in process engineering, and increased added value in compound manufacturing.

Plant and System Solutions

Custom compounding systems from BUSS: tailor-made concepts, integration of all components, precise assembly, and smooth commissioning. Comprehensive expertise results in sustainable compounding solutions for a wide range of material applications.