Search

The binder, a critical electrode component, significantly influences lithium‐ion batteries (LIB) performance, yet remains an under‐researched area. The widespread use of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a commercial binder is challenged by its surging cost, attributed to limited production and increased demand, highlighting the necessity for alternatives. Here, we synthesize poly (trifluoroethyl methacrylate) (PTFEMA), a polymer with a molecular weight in the million range, through a straightforward radical solution polymerization method, aiming to use it as a cathode binder for LIBs. PTFEMA demonstrate good stability across the typical operating temperatures and voltages, along with robust adhesion to the current collector. Moreover, the PTFEMA outperforms PVDF in terms of electrolyte affinity and lithium‐ion conductivity, thereby achieving capacity and stability comparable to those of its PVDF counterparts. This investigation confirms the homopolymer form of PTFEMA as a compelling alternative to PVDF, representing a valuable exploration of binder technology for LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon (Si), stands out for its abundant resources, eco‐friendliness, affordability, high capacity, and low operating potential, making it a prime candidate for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Notably, the breakthrough use of nanostructured Si (nSi) has paved the way for the commercialization of Si anodes. Despite this, challenges like high processing costs, severe side reactions, and low volumetric energy density have impeded widespread industrial adoption. Micron‐scale Si (µSi) has always faced setbacks compared to nSi due to its greater volume expansion. However, recent years have witnessed a resurgence of interest in µSi‐based anodes. Capitalizing on its inherent advantages, including low cost and high tap density, µSi has once again captured the attention of both academic and industrial communities. This review begins by contrasting the strengths and weaknesses of µSi and nSi, then outline potential solutions to enhance µSi performance, covering aspects like structural regulation, composite anodes, binder design, and electrolyte exploration. Additionally, this work explores the application of machine learning‐assisted high‐throughput screening. Concluding the review, this work provides insights into the future prospects of µSi in LIBs, outlining challenges and proposing integrated coping strategies. This review anticipates that it will provide valuable perspectives for the commercial application of high‐energy‐density Si‐based anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new thermosetting diimides containing terminal propargyl groups was synthesized via one-step high-temperature catalytic condensation of dianhydrides of a tetracarboxylic acid with N-Boc-(4-propargyloxy)aniline (APR) in the so-called "active medium", viz. molten benzoic acid. Structures of the obtained compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy. The effect of symmetrical and unsymmetrical structures of the middle bis-imide moiety obtained from dianhydrides of isomeric diphenyltetracarboxylic acid on physicochemical characteristics of the diimides was evaluated. A similar comparison of properties was also carried out for a pair of new propargyl-containing diimides synthesized from dianhydrides of symmetric and asymmetric structure: 4,4-biphenylenedioxydiphthalic and 3,4-biphenylenedioxydiphthalic dianhydrides, respectively. Thermal properties of thermosetting oligoimides were estimated using DSC and TMA methods. It was found that their thermal properties and solubility in organic solvents depend significantly on the structure of central bis-imide moiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new oligoimides based on 4,4- and 3,4-oxydianiline and 2,2-bis[(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phenyl]propane dianhydride, possessing different average chain lengths, and containing terminal propargyl groups were synthesized according to an efficient single-step high-temperature polycyclocondensation method. Their molecular weight characteristics, solubility in organic solvents, thermal (DSC, TMA, and TGA), and rheological properties were studied. The synthesized oligoimides exhibited a significantly lower exothermic effect upon curing due to their elongated chain as compared to diimides. The oligoimides upon increasing the temperature enter into a viscous fluid state, in which they remain up to the curing onset temperature of 270–320 °C. The symmetry of structure of the diamine moiety (4,4-ODA or 3,4-ODA) and the molecular weight of oligoimides affect the temperature of transition to the viscous fluid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study applies both a minimal and an extended approach for a comprehensive picture of chemical components in wall paintings, including evidence of degradation. Pigments and ligands were characterized via a multi-methodological investigation, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman micro-spectroscopy, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS. Particularly, the procedure was tested on wall paintings recently excavated from a Roman domus in Santa Maria Capua Vetere. The hypothesis of a very wealthy owner is supported by the evidence of a multi-layer preparation, a rich variety of pigments, and organic ligands (both terpenic resins and animal glue). The absence of calcite in the pictorial layer (via optical and Raman microscopy) and the presence of organic binders (via GC-MS and LC-MS/MS) clearly indicates the a secco technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-energy-density Li-CO2 batteries are promising candidates for large-capacity energy storage systems. However, the development of Li-CO2 batteries has been hindered by low cycle life and high overpotential. In this study, we propose a CO2-based thermoplastic polyurethane (CO2-based TPU) with CO2 adsorption properties and excellent self-healing performance to replace traditional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the cathode binder. The CO2-based TPU enhances the interfacial concentration of CO2 at the cathode/electrolyte interfaces, effectively increasing the discharge voltage and lowering the charge voltage of Li-CO2 batteries. Moreover, the CO2 fixed by urethane groups (-NH-COO-) in the CO2-based TPU are difficult to shuttle to and corrode the Li anode, minimizing CO2 side reactions with lithium metal and improving the cycling performance of Li-CO2 batteries. In this work, Li-CO2 batteries with CO2-based TPU as the multifunctional binders exhibit stable cycling performance for 52 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g−1, with a distinctly lower polarization voltage than PVDF bound Li-CO2 batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mortars are among the most important materials in building construction. They are generally obtained by mixing aggregates with an inorganic binder. The identification of mortar constituents, particularly the binder type in historic buildings, is one of the essential aspects of building conservation, considering that the new conservation materials must be chemically, mechanically, and physically compatible with the old masonries. Among other techniques used to characterise binders, those related to optical and electronic microscopy are particularly important. Microscopy and combined techniques may be the key to this identification since the classic mineralogical and chemical-based identification approaches are not conclusive enough in investigating the types of hydraulic binders in mortars. This work presents an analysis procedure to identify mortar binders by combining EDS microanalysis and petrography. Mortar samples of known composition were used as a reference for analyzing mortars from historic buildings. The proposed methodology made it possible to identify the type of binder or a mixture of binders based on the identification of the binder features by petrography together with analysis of the chemical composition of the paste by X-ray microanalysis under a scanning electron microscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husks are not readily biodegradable making their disposal challenging due to the common disposal method of open burning which has negative environmental effects. Additionally, banana, sweet potato and cassava peelings form a large percentage of organic municipal solid waste. Therefore, this study developed rice husk biochar briquettes with organic municipal peelings waste as binders. Rice husks biochar was formed via carbonization processes in a step-down kiln at temperatures ranging between 400 and 500 °C. Organic binders were mixed with the rice husk biochar at different ratios of 10% and 15% before being compacted at a pressure ≤ 7 MPa into briquettes. Thermogravimetric results showed that the developed briquettes had high ash contents ranging from 44% to 47%. Rice husk biochar briquettes with the highest particle density were observed for briquettes with 15% cassava peel binder at 427.1 kg/m3. The highest HHV and maximum attainable flame temperature of 21.75 MJ/kg and 828.7 °C were obtained for rice husk biochar briquettes with 15% matooke peeling organic binder. For all rice husk biochar briquettes, increasing the organic peeling binder had a positive impact of reducing the ash content, while at the same time increasing the peak temperatures, thus contributing to their enhanced thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of global warming highlight the urgent need for effective solutions to this problem. The electrification of society, which occurs through the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), is a critical strategy to combat climate change. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are vital components of the global energy-storage market for EVs, and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have gained renewed interest owing to their potential for rapid growth. Improved safety and stability have also put solid-state batteries (SSBs) on the chart of top batteries in the world. This review examines three critical battery technologies: LIBs, SIBs, and SSBs. Although research has historically concentrated on heavier battery components, such as electrodes, to achieve high gravimetric density, binders, which comprise less than 5% of the battery weight, have demonstrated great promise for meeting the increasing need for energy storage. This review thoroughly examines various binders, focusing on their solubilities in water and organic solvents. Understanding binder mechanisms is crucial for developing binders that maintain strong adhesion to electrodes, even during volume fluctuations caused by lithiation and delithiation. Therefore, we investigated the different mechanisms associated with binders. This review also discusses failure mechanisms and innovative design strategies to improve the performance of binders, such as composite, conductive, and self-healing binders. By investigating these fields, we hope to develop energy storage technologies that are more dependable and efficient while also helping to satisfy future energy needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new sound absorbing materials and the transition to net zero emissions production have become inseparable. This paper investigates a new type of composite sound absorbing material made of waste tyre textile fibre (WTTF) and different binders: polyurethane resin (PU), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), and starch (POS). Non-acoustic and acoustic parameters were studied, and life cycle assessment was performed for the considered composite sound absorbing materials. The airflow resistivity was determined according to the ISO 9053-1 standard, while the sound absorption coefficient was determined according to the ISO 10534-2 standard, and the LCA was performed based on the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards. Composite sound absorbing materials subjected to sound absorption coefficient tests showed results in the range of 0.04 to 0.99 and peaking in the frequency range of 800 to 2000 Hz, while airflow resistivity varied between 17.4 and 83.6 kPa⋅s/m2. The combination that gave the highest sound absorption coefficient was experimentally found to be PU composite material. Life cycle assessment results revealed that the lowest potential impact on the environment is obtained when composite materials are produced using starch as a binder and its total potential impact on the environment varied between 0.27 and 0.55 Pt, while the highest potential impact was observed by PU composites (0.33 ÷ 0.64 Pt). The results obtained experimentally and by LCA modelling revealed great attractiveness and promising development of composites using WTTF and different binders' potential for sound absorbing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study applies both a minimal and an extended approach for a comprehensive picture of chemical components in wall paintings, including evidence of degradation. Pigments and ligands were characterized via a multi-methodological investigation, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman micro-spectroscopy, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS. Particularly, the procedure was tested on wall paintings recently excavated from a Roman domus in Santa Maria Capua Vetere. The hypothesis of a very wealthy owner is supported by the evidence of a multi-layer preparation, a rich variety of pigments, and organic ligands (both terpenic resins and animal glue). The absence of calcite in the pictorial layer (via optical and Raman microscopy) and the presence of organic binders (via GC-MS and LC-MS/MS) clearly indicates the a secco technique.

Abstract Rice husks are not readily biodegradable making their disposal challenging due to the common disposal method of open burning which has negative environmental effects. Additionally, banana, sweet potato and cassava peelings form a large percentage of organic municipal solid waste. Therefore, this study developed rice husk biochar briquettes with organic municipal peelings waste as binders. Rice husks biochar was formed via carbonization processes in a step-down kiln at temperatures ranging between 400 and 500 °C. Organic binders were mixed with the rice husk biochar at different ratios of 10% and 15% before being compacted at a pressure ≤ 7 MPa into briquettes. Thermogravimetric results showed that the developed briquettes had high ash contents ranging from 44% to 47%. Rice husk biochar briquettes with the highest particle density were observed for briquettes with 15% cassava peel binder at 427.1 kg/m3. The highest HHV and maximum attainable flame temperature of 21.75 MJ/kg and 828.7 °C were obtained for rice husk biochar briquettes with 15% matooke peeling organic binder. For all rice husk biochar briquettes, increasing the organic peeling binder had a positive impact of reducing the ash content, while at the same time increasing the peak temperatures, thus contributing to their enhanced thermal stability.

Polymeric binders account for only a small part of the electrodes in lithium‐ion batteries, but contribute an important role of adhesion and cohesion in the electrodes during charge/discharge processes to maintain the integrity of the electrode structure. Therefore, polymeric binders have become one of the key materials to improve the charge/discharge properties of lithium‐ion batteries. Qualified polymer binders should not only require good bond strength, mechanical properties, conductivity, chemical functionality and processing performance, but also be environmentally friendly and low cost. The existing commercial polymeric binders cannot meet all the above requirements at the same time. This is a hot research area that researchers are keen to focus on, and it is hoped that through structural design, the matching of functional groups can meet the requirements of high‐capacity lithium‐ion batteries with long cycle life. Focusing on the structural design of polymer binders, the mechanism of interaction with electrode materials, and the functional properties of polymer binders, this review summarizes the polymer binders used in the cathode and anode in recent years. It could expect that this review can inspire a deep consideration on these critical issues, paving new pathways to improve comprehensive performance of polymer binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binder selection is a crucial step in continuous twin-screw wet granulation (TSWG), as the material experiences a much shorter residence time (2–40 s) in the granulator barrel compared to batch-wise granulation processes. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) 4-88 was identified as an effective binder during TSWG, but the potential of other PVA grades—differing in polymerization and hydrolysis degree—has not yet been studied. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the potential of different PVA grades as a binder during TSWG. The breakage and drying behavior during the fluidized bed drying of drug-loaded granules containing the PVA grades was also studied. Three PVA grades (4-88, 18-88, and 40-88) were characterized and their attributes were compared to previously investigated binders by Vandevivere et al. through principal component analysis. Three binder clusters could be distinguished according to their attributes, whereby each cluster contained a PVA grade and a previously investigated binder. PVA 4-88 was the most effective binder of the PVA grades for both a good water-soluble and water-insoluble formulation. This could be attributed to its high total surface energy, low viscosity, good wettability of hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces, and good wettability by water of the binder. Compared to the previously investigated binders, all PVA grades were more effective in the water-insoluble formulation, as they yielded strong granules (friability below 30%) at lower L/S-ratios. This was linked to the high dispersive surface energy of the high-energy sites on the surface of PVA grades and their low surface tension. During fluidized bed drying, PVA grades proved suitable binders, as the acetaminophen (APAP) granules were dried within a short time due to the low L/S-ratio, at which high-quality granules could be produced. In addition, no attrition occurred, and strong tablets were obtained. Based on this study, PVA could be the preferred binder during twin screw granulation due to its high binder effectiveness at a low L/S-ratio, allowing efficient downstream processing. However, process robustness must be controlled by the included excipients, as PVA grades are operating in a narrow L/S-ratio range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes and identifies the binders used in the jewel settings of the Baodian and Diexie belts excavated from the tomb of Murongzhi in Wuwei, Gansu, China. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the presence of protein in the binder samples. The result of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) shows that samples from both contained hydroxyproline, a characteristic amino acid for animal glue. Principal component analysis was performed on one of the samples, and it was concluded that the binder was a mixture of hide glue and egg glue. Further analysis using scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray (SEM‐EDX) and laser Raman spectroscopy (Raman) found that a red particulate matter visually identified in the binder was cinnabar, which was apparently added to binder in order to modify the color of the jewels. This study provides a basis for the conservation and restoration of future finds of elite jewelry. It also shows how imperial jewelry was made during the Tang Dynasty. Finally, the analysis of these heraldic belts provides a key insight the life and role of an exiled prince in the Tang court. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the pigments and binders used in the painted wooden structure of DaZhong Gate in the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong Province, China. Five samples were collected from the building and analyzed using techniques such as polarized light microscopy (PLM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), micro-Raman spectroscopy (m-RS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The findings reveal that the red, yellow, green, and blue pigments are identified as lead red, lead chromate yellow, emerald green, and ultramarine, respectively. The white pigment is determined to be a combination of chalk and lead white or anglesite. Considering the production period of the yellow and green pigments, it is inferred that architectural paintings underwent restoration or repainting during the late Qing Dynasty. The analysis of the binder in the pigment using pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) reveals that the binder employed is a protein-based glue. Additionally, the detected presence of Heat-bodied tung oil suggests a potential connection to traditional Chinese painting techniques on wooden surfaces. This discovery not only contributes to the historical research of the Confucius Temple but also provides crucial data for the conservation and restoration efforts of this culturally significant heritage site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiOx is attractive as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high capacity, low cost, and relatively higher cyclic stability than Si anode. However, the intrinsic low electronic conductivity, low initial coulombic efficiency (ICE), and volume expansion during cycles hinder its applications. In this review, we summarize advances in high performance SiOx anodes, mainly from two aspects: active material and binders. The future perspective is investigated at the end of this review. Our review provides strategical guidance for developing high performance SiOx anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become the predominant and widely used energy storage systems in portable electronic devices, such as video cameras, smartphones, laptops, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, along with in stationary energy storage applications like power banks and backup energy storage systems. Moreover, they are widely used in the latest models of all electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). However, to meet the demand for EVs and HEVs, notable improvements in commercially available LIBs are required. These include improving energy density, cycling life, power and rate capabilities, safety, and cost. In spite of the initial commercialization of LIBs in 1990 by Sony, current commercial LIBs still rely on graphite/carbon as the anode material, providing a theoretical capacity of approximately 372 mAh g−1. The search is on for viable alternatives to graphite with higher capacity materials, and silicon (Si) has emerged as a promising candidate with a theoretical capacity of approximately 4200 mAh g−1. However, Si anodes face several challenges, such as considerable volume expansion during the lithiation/delithiation process, which leads to significant crystallographic-related phase-induced stresses, continuous formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI), and cycle retention decay. The volume expansion caused by stress leads to the pulverization of Si electrodes. This results in the loss of electrical contact with the substrate or current collector, causing a significant and rapid decrease in capacity and ultimately leading to battery failure. This review explores the challenges associated with Si-based anodes, their underlying causes, and their comparative advantages over conventional anodes. Furthermore, the review discusses innovative solutions to address these challenges, such as utilizing novel binders, electrolyte additives, structural, interfacial, composite engineering techniques, and prelithiation methods. Finally, considering the material cost, the suggestion to transition entirely to using up to 100% wt. silicon for anode development is proposed, streamlining practical and commercial implementation in future LIBs.

This study focuses on PET waste reduction worldwide by looking at the application of these polymeric materials in the construction and building industries. An effective application of PET wastes will reduce PET pollution, especially in water bodies. Due to its rising cost, it can partially replace the conventional binder used (cement).Bricks were made in the conventional cement-sand and PET-sand, and a total of 72 cubes were produced for different mix ratios of 1:1, 1.5:1, and 2:1. Their properties like particle size analysis, water absorption, slump testing, and compressive strength were investigated and compared.The particle size analysis showed that the sand was well-graded with a Cu of 3.41 and a Cc of 1.07. The results of the water absorption test showed that, in both series and different mix ratios, the PET-sand interlocking blocks had a lower sorptivity (percentages of 2.02, 2.72, and 4.20) than the cement-sand interlocking blocks (percentages of 0.91, 2.40, and 3.31). The mixtures produced a 70 mm, 50 mm, and 80 mm slump for 1:1, 1.5:1, and 2:1, respectively.The maximum compressive strengths in cement-sand interlocking blocks were 13.89 N/mm2, 17.34 N/mm2, and 21.06 N/mm2 in the 1:1, 1.5:1, and 2:1 respectively. Although the results showed that the compressive strength of PET-sand interlocking bricks was lower than that of cement-sand interlocking bricks, it can be useful in a low-density carriage road.

Mouthwashes provide an important means for improving oral hygiene. This study investigated the psychophysiological effects of mouthwashes with different binders during the recovery after a short-term stressor. In a within-subject experimental design, 21 healthy adults used four mouthwashes; MW A (no binder), MW B (Sodium alginate 0.16%), MW C (Sodium alginate 0.32%), and MW D (Xanthan gum 0.08%), after a 20-minute calculation task. Subjective evaluations and physiological responses including skin conductance level and electrocardiogram were recorded throughout the experiment. MW C exhibited an increased high-frequency (HF) component of heart rate variability (HRV) during recovery, and a significant difference in "strength of thickness" compared to other mouthwashes. MW D showed a greater decrease in heart rate and increased HF component of HRV compared to MW B. The findings suggest that mouthwashes with higher thickness levels effectively promote recovery from the physiological stress response, and are potentially suitable for relaxation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed at evaluating the performance of faecal sludge briquettes on the quality of briquettes produced in terms physical and combustion properties. Specifically, the research determined the physical and combustion properties of briquette produced from faecal sludge bond with cassava peel, sunflower cake, banana peel and waste paper binders. Physical and combustion properties of the binder materials and briquettes produced were analysed in the Water Resource Engineering laboratory. The laboratory analysis of the combustion properties showed that the Sunflower cake binder had highest calorific value of 16.24 MJ/Kg when compared to other binders including banana peels, cassava peels and waste papers. Similarly, sunflower cake bond briquettes were found to have highest calorific value of 10.81 MJ/Kg than other binders bound briquettes. The drying rates were higher for waste paper, a bond briquette which was observed to be within 6 days from the day of briquette production. The density of faecal sludge briquette was higher in banana peels bond briquettes having the density of 0.99±0.062 g/cm³. The use of binders has significantly improved the physical and combustion properties and thus the performance of the faecal sludge derived briquettes. It is recommended to use faecal sludge bond with sunflower cake binder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the green energy and carbon-neutral technology, electrochemical energy storage devices have received continuously increasing attention recently. However, due to the unavoidable volume expansion/shrinkage of key materials or irreversible mechanical damages during application, the stability of energy storage and delivery as well as the lifetime of these devices are severely shortened, leading to serious performance degradation or even safety issues. Therefore, the utilization of self-healable gels into electrochemical energy storage devices, such as electrodes, binders, and electrolytes, is proven as an effective method to realize long-term stable operation of these devices via the self-repairing of mechanical and electrochemical characteristics. Herein, this review first summarizes the feature and fabrication of different gels, paying special attention to hydrogels, organohydrogels, and ionogels. Then, basic concepts and figure of merit of self-healable gels are analyzed with a detailed discussion at the healing mechanisms, from reversible dynamic bonds to physical molecular diffusion, and to external healing trigger. Then we introduce all the important parts of electrochemical energy storage devices, which could be replaced by healable gels to enhance the durability, including electrodes, binders, and electrolytes. Finally, the critical challenges and future perspectives regarding the future development of healable gels based high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices or electronics are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supply restrictions and associated price increase of lithium limit the large‐scale application of rechargeable lithium batteries (RLBs) in electric energy storage. Rechargeable sodium batteries (RSBs) with the advantage of large abundance and low cost of sodium, are developed to relieve the supply pressure of RLBs. Binders serve as a bridge between active materials and other components to maintain electrode integrity and electrical contact; however, they have not been sufficiently explored in RSBs. In this review, the working mechanism of binders for RSBs is proposed and more desirable features of RSB binders than their RLB counterparts are emphasized. The development history and recent progress of binders for RSBs are outlined. It is highlighted that the matching principles of binders to different electrode materials are proposed. Advanced characterization and simulation techniques are presented to interpret the electrochemical findings and reveal the working mechanism of novel binders in various electrodes of RSBs. Finally, perspectives on the development of effective binders for RSBs are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Science & Biotechnology is the property of Journal of Food Science & Biotechnology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Polymeric binders account for only a small part of the electrodes in lithium‐ion batteries, but contribute an important role of adhesion and cohesion in the electrodes during charge/discharge processes to maintain the integrity of the electrode structure. Therefore, polymeric binders have become one of the key materials to improve the charge/discharge properties of lithium‐ion batteries. Qualified polymer binders should not only require good bond strength, mechanical properties, conductivity, chemical functionality and processing performance, but also be environmentally friendly and low cost. The existing commercial polymeric binders cannot meet all the above requirements at the same time. This is a hot research area that researchers are keen to focus on, and it is hoped that through structural design, the matching of functional groups can meet the requirements of high‐capacity lithium‐ion batteries with long cycle life. Focusing on the structural design of polymer binders, the mechanism of interaction with electrode materials, and the functional properties of polymer binders, this review summarizes the polymer binders used in the cathode and anode in recent years. It could expect that this review can inspire a deep consideration on these critical issues, paving new pathways to improve comprehensive performance of polymer binders.

SiOx is attractive as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high capacity, low cost, and relatively higher cyclic stability than Si anode. However, the intrinsic low electronic conductivity, low initial coulombic efficiency (ICE), and volume expansion during cycles hinder its applications. In this review, we summarize advances in high performance SiOx anodes, mainly from two aspects: active material and binders. The future perspective is investigated at the end of this review. Our review provides strategical guidance for developing high performance SiOx anodes.

Mortars are among the most important materials in building construction. They are generally obtained by mixing aggregates with an inorganic binder. The identification of mortar constituents, particularly the binder type in historic buildings, is one of the essential aspects of building conservation, considering that the new conservation materials must be chemically, mechanically, and physically compatible with the old masonries. Among other techniques used to characterise binders, those related to optical and electronic microscopy are particularly important. Microscopy and combined techniques may be the key to this identification since the classic mineralogical and chemical-based identification approaches are not conclusive enough in investigating the types of hydraulic binders in mortars. This work presents an analysis procedure to identify mortar binders by combining EDS microanalysis and petrography. Mortar samples of known composition were used as a reference for analyzing mortars from historic buildings. The proposed methodology made it possible to identify the type of binder or a mixture of binders based on the identification of the binder features by petrography together with analysis of the chemical composition of the paste by X-ray microanalysis under a scanning electron microscope.

Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) is a very stable and promising sulfur‐based cathode material for high energy density lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, which can circumvent the polysulfides dissolution issue. However, the stress concentration caused by volume change in SPAN cathodes is relatively significant but is rarely focused on. It is widely reckoned that the binder plays a key role in buffering the stress induced by electrode materials and hence maintains the integrity of electrodes. Nevertheless, the understanding of the actual effect of binders to SPAN cathodes from the aspect of mechanics remains to be deepened. Here, the optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is implanted into SPAN cathode films to in situ evaluate the electrochemo‐mechanical behaviors by using four different binders. The internal strain evolution of SPAN cathodes is affected by multiple factors of adhesion and mechanical properties of different binders. It is found that the SPAN cathode using poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) binder with outstanding mechanical properties experiences the largest strain change but the electrochemical performance is even better under high sulfur loading. Furthermore, the strain evolution is monitored under high sulfur loading condition and how the sulfur loading affects the signals of the built‐in FBG sensors is tried to figure out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the physico-chemical properties of the binders used in ancient Chinese wall paintings under repeated freeze–thaw cycles. Gum Arabic, cow bone, and fish bladder glue samples were prepared before and after three, six, and nine freeze–thaw cycles. The surface morphology, crystallinity, and spectral characteristics were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The secondary structures of the protein binders were also analyzed before and after thaw–freeze cycles. The results show that the surface morphologies of the gum Arabic, cow bone, and fish bladder glue gradually changed from undulating to smooth as the number of freeze–thaw cycles increased. The intensities of the XRD peaks and crystallinity of the binders gradually decreased after six freeze–thaw cycles. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy indicated that no significant changes occurred in the original chemical compositions of the binders after multiple freeze–thaw cycles. The wavenumbers of the characteristic peaks remained unchanged but the intensities of the peaks changed significantly. Analysis of the secondary protein structures indicated that the α-helix contents of the cow bone and fish bladder glue samples decreased significantly, whereas the parallel β-sheet and random coil contents increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asphalt mixtures age during service in the field, primarily as the result of chemical changes in the bituminous binder phase. The ageing phenomenon changes the properties of the asphalt mixture, including the stiffness modulus, the resistance to deformation and the resistance to cracking, and it leads to surface weathering or erosion that often leads to pavement resurfacing. Consequently, many researchers have attempted to understand and to simulate the ageing of bituminous binders and asphalt mixtures in the laboratory. This review of bituminous binder and asphalt mixture ageing considers ageing simulation techniques, the effect of ageing on both bituminous binders and asphalt mixtures, the potential benefits of ageing inhibitors, and efforts to relate simulated laboratory ageing to observed field ageing. It is concluded that ageing has a significant effect on the properties of bituminous binders and asphalt mixtures, and that improved simulated ageing is important for comparing the effect of ageing on different materials and mixtures, as well as for quantifying the potential benefits of ageing inhibitors, which have generally been promising. It is also concluded that current ageing protocols are based on heat only, omitting the important contribution of solar radiation to the weathering and ageing of asphalt surfaces in the field. In the future, different simulated ageing protocols should be developed for binder and mixture samples. Similarly, a different ageing protocol is appropriate for understanding base-layer fatigue, compared to research on surface-layer weathering. Finally, it is concluded that a universal ageing protocol is unlikely to be found and that mixture- and climate-specific protocols need to be developed. However, given the importance of simulated ageing to asphalt researchers, the development of reliable, robust and calibrated laboratory ageing protocols is essential for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an emerging anode material for commercialization, the silicon (or SiOx)/graphite composite (SiC) anode faces bottlenecks such as large volume expansion and short cycle lifespan, which hinder its commercial implementation process. To remove these limitations, a mussel byssal thread‐inspired hard–soft segment synergism binder (denoted as PCH‐CR) is presented based on an in situ ester cross‐linking reaction between a hydrophilic copolymer of sodium 2‐carboxyethylacrylate and N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)acrylamide as the hard segment with an oleophilic elastomer carboxylic styrene butadiene rubber as the soft segment. This synergetic hard–soft segment binder design can evidently improve the polymer topological structure entropy, thus obtaining enhanced mechanical and adhesive properties. By virtue of these strengths, the as‐prepared SiC600 (600 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C) electrodes can apparently suppress electrode volume expansion, and subsequently maintain high structural integrity and interfacial stability during cycling. As a result, the as‐prepared SiC600 electrode at a limited PCH‐CR binder dosage achieves unprecedented cycling and rate performance in coin and home‐made soft package cells. These results promise great potential for the as‐developed binder for practical SiC600 electrode applications. This work marks a new milestone in developing state‐of‐the‐art binders toward high‐specific‐capacity Si‐based anode applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polybenzimidazoles (PBIs) are the most promising binders for the catalyst layer (CL) in high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFC). However, traditional commercial PBIs are not applied in binders because they do not enhance the electrochemical performance and because the related solvents are not environmentally friendly. In addition, proton transfer channels in PBIs are not investigated at the microscopic and atomic scales to date. In this study, a nitrogen-rich rigid PBI binder containing pyridine, diazofluorene, and partially grafted nitrile (PBPBI-3CN) is prepared with a functionalized structure, good thermal stability, and good solubility in an environmentally friendly solvent. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is fabricated with the PBPBI-3CN binder, providing a high peak power density, low resistance, and good stability. The protonation, hydrogen bond networks, and platform for proton transfer are confirmed in the CLs. The protonation of PBPBI-3CN occurs in two steps. First, some phosphoric acid (PA) molecules bind to nitrogen-containing acidophilic groups via preliminary protonation; second, multiple PA molecules then interact with nitrogen-containing acidophilic groups via further protonation. With protonation as the foundation, a sufficient amount of PA molecules form a hydrogen bond network, and proton transfer channels are established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging as a viable alternative to lithium‐ion battery (LIB) technology, as their raw materials are economical, geographically abundant (unlike lithium), and less toxic. The matured LIB technology contributes significantly to digital civilization, from mobile electronic devices to zero electric‐vehicle emissions. However, with the increasing reliance on renewable energy sources and the anticipated integration of high‐energy‐density batteries into the grid, concerns have arisen regarding the sustainability of lithium due to its limited availability and consequent price escalations. In this context, SIBs have gained attention as a potential energy storage alternative, benefiting from the abundance of sodium and sharing electrochemical characteristics similar to LIBs. Furthermore, high‐entropy chemistry has emerged as a new paradigm, promising to enhance energy density and accelerate advancements in battery technology to meet the growing energy demands. This review uncovers the fundamentals, current progress, and the views on the future of SIB technologies, with a discussion focused on the design of novel materials. The crucial factors, such as morphology, crystal defects, and doping, that can tune electrochemistry, which should inspire young researchers in battery technology to identify and work on challenging research problems, are also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A central challenge in practically using high‐capacity silicon (Si) as anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries is alleviating significant volume change of Si during cycling. One key to resolving the failure issues of Si is exploiting carefully designed polymer binders exhibiting mechanical robustness to retain the structural integrity of Si electrodes, while concurrently displaying elasticity and toughness to effectively dissipate external stresses exerted by the volume changes of Si. Herein, a highly elastic and tough polymer binder is proposed by interweaving polyacrylic acid (PAA) with poly(urea‐urethane) (PUU) elastomer for Si anodes. By systematically tuning molecular parameters, including molecular weights of hard/soft segments and structures of hard segment components, it is demonstrated that the mechanical properties of polymer binders, such as elasticity, toughness, and stress relaxation ability, strongly affect the cycling performance of Si electrodes. This study provides new insight into the rational design of polymer binders capable of accommodating the volume changes of Si, primarily by judicious modulation of the mechanical properties of polymer binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With rapid increase in energy consumption around the world, usage of petroleum-based products has also been on the rise. Bitumen, a product of petroleum distillation is being widely used as the pavement material all around the world. Petroleum being a non-renewable source of energy and also an environment pollutant, there must be an alternative way to reduce its consumption. India is the world's largest producer of waste, specifically biowaste. Many industries are reducing the amount of waste in the atmosphere, which pollutes the environment. That is also why we use this waste as a substitute material for pavement construction. Sugar cane biowaste is 100 million metric tons per year produced, and that is why we use pyrolysis, which is the process of transforming biowaste to biochar using a binder as flexible pavement construction. This study aims to find out alternate materials in flexible pavement construction, focused on one potential replacement: Biochar, which is produced through pyrolysis of sugarcane waste. Biochar is replaced with bitumen in 0%,5%,10%,15%, and 20% and then tested to validate the performance of the Marshall specimens. However, it is important to ensure that the biochar used in the process meets the required standards for road construction. Henceforth the test results are evaluated on key properties like stability, flow and mix density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we review the existing types of binders for thermal and acoustic insulation made of glass and mineral fibers. The current interest in the development and modification of binders for the manufacture of thermal insulation used in the transport, construction, and other industrial sectors is associated with increased requirements for their operational, environmental, and fire-retardant characteristics. Directions in the development of binders for fiber thermal insulation materials that meet modern requirements are indicated. Thus, thermal protection systems should possess sufficient strength and flexibility to maintain their integrity during manufacture, transportation, and installation in target volumes, as well as sufficient elasticity to restore their volume after compression, low specific gravity, low coefficient of thermal conductivity, flame resistance, low smoke emission, and resistance to moisture gain during heating and cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binder plays a pivotal role in the development of lithium‐ion batteries as it must be used to adhere electrode materials on current collectors tightly to guarantee stability. Then, many binder molecules have been designed to enhance the adhesion capability, and conductivity, and/or form a robust solid electrolyte interphase layer for better performance. However, the binder effect on the lithium‐ion (i.e., Li+) de‐solvation on the electrode surface has never been reported before. Herein, it is reported that the binder can influence the Li+ (de‐)solvation process significantly, where its functional group can serve as a probe to detect the dynamic Li+ (de‐)solvation process. It is discovered that different binder functional groups (e.g., *─COO− versus *─F) can affect the Li+‐solvent arrangement on the electrode surface, leading to different degrees of side‐reactions, rate capabilities, and/or the tolerance against Li+‐solvent co‐insertion for the graphite anode, such as in the propylene carbonate‐based electrolyte. A molecular interfacial model related to the electrolyte component's behaviors and binder functional group is proposed to interpret the varied electrode performance. This discovery opens a new avenue for studying the interactions between the binder and electrolyte solvation structure, in turn helping to understand electrode performances underlying the micro‐structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binders play a pivotal role in the production and the operation of lithium-ion batteries. They influence a number of key dispersion characteristics and battery parameters. In the light of growing interest in additive manufacturing technologies, binders were found to decisively govern the processability due to the induced complex non-Newtonian behavior. This paper examines the relevance of various binder derivatives for aqueous graphite dispersions that can be employed in inkjet printing. Two different carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) derivatives with strongly deviating molecular weights were employed. The impact of the inherent polymer characteristics on the processability and the electrode characteristics were explored. Therefore, miscellaneous studies were carried out at the dispersion, the electrode, and the cell levels. The results revealed that the CMC with the lower molecular weight affected most of the studied characteristics more favorably than the counterpart with a higher molecular weight. In particular, the processability, encompassing drop formation and drop deposition, the cohesion behavior, and the electrochemical characteristics, were positively impacted by the low-molecular-weight CMC. The adhesion behavior was enhanced using the high-molecular-weight CMC. This demonstrates that the selection of a suitable binder derivative merits close attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Casting industry has been enriched with the processes of mechanization and automation in production. They offer both better working standards, faster and more accurate production, but also have begun to generate new opportunities for new foundry defects. This work discusses the disadvantages of processes that can occur, to a limited extend, in the technologies associated with mould assembly and during the initial stages of pouring. These defects will be described in detail in the further part of the paper and are mainly related to the quality of foundry cores, therefore the discussion of these issues will mainly concern core moulding sands. Four different types of moulding mixtures were used in the research, representing the most popular chemically bonded moulding sands used in foundry practise. The main focus of this article is the analysis of the influence of the binder type on mechanical and thermal deformation in moulding sands.

The effects of global warming highlight the urgent need for effective solutions to this problem. The electrification of society, which occurs through the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), is a critical strategy to combat climate change. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are vital components of the global energy-storage market for EVs, and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have gained renewed interest owing to their potential for rapid growth. Improved safety and stability have also put solid-state batteries (SSBs) on the chart of top batteries in the world. This review examines three critical battery technologies: LIBs, SIBs, and SSBs. Although research has historically concentrated on heavier battery components, such as electrodes, to achieve high gravimetric density, binders, which comprise less than 5% of the battery weight, have demonstrated great promise for meeting the increasing need for energy storage. This review thoroughly examines various binders, focusing on their solubilities in water and organic solvents. Understanding binder mechanisms is crucial for developing binders that maintain strong adhesion to electrodes, even during volume fluctuations caused by lithiation and delithiation. Therefore, we investigated the different mechanisms associated with binders. This review also discusses failure mechanisms and innovative design strategies to improve the performance of binders, such as composite, conductive, and self-healing binders. By investigating these fields, we hope to develop energy storage technologies that are more dependable and efficient while also helping to satisfy future energy needs.

High-energy-density Li-CO2 batteries are promising candidates for large-capacity energy storage systems. However, the development of Li-CO2 batteries has been hindered by low cycle life and high overpotential. In this study, we propose a CO2-based thermoplastic polyurethane (CO2-based TPU) with CO2 adsorption properties and excellent self-healing performance to replace traditional polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the cathode binder. The CO2-based TPU enhances the interfacial concentration of CO2 at the cathode/electrolyte interfaces, effectively increasing the discharge voltage and lowering the charge voltage of Li-CO2 batteries. Moreover, the CO2 fixed by urethane groups (-NH-COO-) in the CO2-based TPU are difficult to shuttle to and corrode the Li anode, minimizing CO2 side reactions with lithium metal and improving the cycling performance of Li-CO2 batteries. In this work, Li-CO2 batteries with CO2-based TPU as the multifunctional binders exhibit stable cycling performance for 52 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g−1, with a distinctly lower polarization voltage than PVDF bound Li-CO2 batteries.