Tag: Coatings

The use of lithium batteries

Lithium batteries are safe and reliable and have a wide range of applications including powering electric vehicles. The battery manufacturing process needs to be controlled and optimized in order to guarantee the quality and reliability of the product. Among the global manufacturing process, there is the electrode manufacturing step that includes a coating process. The viscosity of the components and the slurry during the coating process is particularly important. It influences the final quality, efficiency and consistency of the electrode.

A necessary control of viscosity

The viscosity of the polymer binder solution affects the performance of the coating and the ease with which powders are dispersed, as well as the power required for mixing and the speed of application for a uniform coating.

Density and viscosity control to optimize batch processes ensures consistency, quality and significant cost savings on materials. Control and traceability of the continuous mixing process can be improved through on-line monitoring and density and viscosity measurements. Automation, supported by on-line integration enables the optimization of all processes on production lines. Battery manufacturing is also speed up to meet growing demand.

A high viscosity of the battery suspension decreases the sedimentation speed at rest and delivers a thicker electrode film at the end of the coating step/phase. But too high viscosity may also make the coating process more difficult to control, which can lead to irregular coating and variable layer density. It resultes in variable ion transfer rates and thus unpredictable battery life (and unpredictable charging cycle time).

Finding the perfect viscosity can be tricky and difficult. The solution is to monitor and controll within the appropriate ranges according to the requirements of the process. With the control of viscosity, batteries and their components are safer and more durable.

The use of viscosimeters

Viscometers are an essential part of the solution for reliable batteries.
Electrodes density has an effect on cycle performance and irreversible loss of capacity in lithium-ion batteries.

The rheological behavior of the slurry is a highly complex and one. Even within the non-Newtonian fluids, finding the right balance for an easy to apply products can be very difficult.

MIVI process viscometers provides a high sensitivity viscosity measure that will detect the smallest changes in slurry composition. When combined with the density feature it adds the indirect monitoring of the concentration. Thanks to its instantaneous and continuous measure, combined with the outputs that deliver the measures to the end-user DCS. Sofraser viscometers are a great solution for automated process control, as they are maintenance free and highly reliable.

Similar processes are also valid for solid-state batteries. They are an interesting furure alternative that are a great way to support the growing demand for electric batteries.

Viscosity measurement in electronic board coating process

The solvent dosage of a coating solution in electronic boards requires precise adjustment in order to achieve uniformity of coating application; reflected by a constant viscosity. An inhomogeneous coating, either too thick or too thin, can be the source of serious problems. A company’s reputation is at stake if too many customer complaints are related to the poor quality of the finished product. Consequently, costs increase due to inefficient production and raw material losses.

In this way, the installation of a MIVI process viscometer in the circulation loop of the coating process allows the right amount of solvent to be injected into the base resin at the right time during the entire production process.

The MIVI viscometer works continuously, instantly detecting and correcting any viscosity variation.

The printed circuit boards are immersed in a resin-based coating that solidifies at room temperature. The uniformity of the coating reaches 100% quality thanks to the inline viscosity measurement; which also allows a reduction of resin and solvent consumption. Our MIVI inline viscometer allows the achievement of a constant coating viscosity. It increases process repeatability, coating homogeneity and uniformity, and generates material and time savings.

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On-line viscosity measurement is the most reliable way to monitor the uniformity and quality of ink deposit on papers; films and specialty substrates. If the process does not allow for consistent ink viscosity, poor batches will be produced. Resulting not only in increased manufacturing costs but also in quality and corporate reputation problems.

The installation of a MIVI on-line viscometer in the ink tank allows a precise and continuous follow-up of the ink viscosity. MIVI adjusts the viscosity of the ink; if necessary according to various parameters such as temperature, flow rate, the need for pigments; solvent addition, chemical reactions and other characteristics related to the production in question.

The MIVI viscometer ensures permanent operation without time drift and is particle tolerant. It is not necessary to clean the sensor separately from the process. Its sensitivity in low and high viscosities is also an advantage in this application.

As a general rule, the implementation of a MIVI viscometer on press allows an overall ink consumption saving of 5%, generating a return on investment of about one year. The use of an in-line MIVI viscometer ensures the consistency, homogeneity and uniformity of the ink deposit by maximizing the printing speed. MIVI improves print quality, ensuring, among other things, color continuity.

Discover the detailed sheet in English on the use of the MIVI viscometer in printing and coating processes.

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